"My name is Caryn, and I'm doing my career in graphic design..."
It's really strange, too, considering I always wanted to be a biologist in genetic research. But I received tragic,
career-shattering news in the fall of 1994, while sitting in my high school adviser's office. "Your last science
class won't fit into your schedule," he said. "Do you want typing or drawing?" Oh, no! Dark, cinematic
suspense music began to play over and over in my head as he pressed me for an answer. (Okay, so maybe it wasn't quite
that dramatic.)
I chose drawing, and my interest soon progressed to other media. Over the next few years, I received recognition and publication of some of my work with charcoal, pen, pastels, watercolor, photography, printing, calligraphy, 3-dimensional design, creative writing, and illustration. I started mural painting in 1998; and in 1999, I graduated from Marietta College with a BA degree in graphic design and French language. Within the last few years, I've taken on the wild world of face and body painting, as well.
Since college, I've been quite fortunate to have mural painting and graphic design contracts with a few large corporations and musical groups. My photo editing skills have been used for several marketing/advertising campaigns, as well as for retouching official photos for members of the state government.
"And Now... Random Facts!"
In addition to owning and operating Refreshed Memories, I'm a certified member of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), pursuing master-level National Interpreter Certification. I also mentor educational interpreters around the region who work with deaf and hard of hearing K-12 students. Over the last several years, I've been a volunteer for the West Virginia Association of the Deaf, working as the coordinator of youth programs, director of the Miss Deaf West Virginia Pageant, graphic designer, and media contact. Presently, I serve as the WV state liaison for the RID interest group, "Interpreters in Educational & Instructional Settings."
When not doing the things listed above, my husband and I are both independent, professional percussionists; though he gets to play a lot more often than I do! Over the years, we've been on several recordings (together and individually), but most frequently play around the country for fairs and festivals, touring stage shows, off-Broadway productions, conventions for various organizations, and concerts with groups of nearly every genre.
"...if any man ministers, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all
things may be glorified through Jesus Christ..."
- 1 Peter 4:11