Hello, I’m Tawanna…
About Me | The Author | The Blogger | The Educator | The Director | The Portfolio | The Conversation
Well, hello! I’m Tawanna, but my dad calls me Frank, because who needs logic, right? I’m just T for some, and somehow people still randomly call me Tsmiles, which was my 90s IRC nick, IFKYK. I guess my grin is still iconic. There are plenty others but I’ll spare you the time.
Embracing my array of oddball nicknames, which could form their own quirky support group, they give an eccentric nod to my creative nature as I navigate and merge the worlds of Graphic Design, Education, and Video Production with good dose of clean humor.
Characterized as a multipotentialite, I am a versatile professional with a varied skillset centered around digital creativity, encompassing Graphic Design, Digital Content, Video Production, Education, and Writing. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, enabling me to be an artistic alchemist capable of shaping young minds into future geniuses. Art and Education form a fascinating powerhouse. I enjoy harmonizing my artistic originality with my passion for education to create visually impactful content.
As a Graphic Designer having more years of experience than my favorite vintage sweater, my eye for detail and commitment to excellence have allowed me to successfully accomplish a diverse range of projects. My design inspiration traces back to a story a former graphic design instructor told us about an unexpected outcome from a design. His firm created posters for an event that became coveted because people perceived the promotional materials as authentic pieces of artwork and took them home. While it presented a problem with advertising being unavailable for the event, it was a high compliment to the designers. My goal is to create pieces that captivate viewers to the point where they see them as artwork. So when a friend told me they collected the sermon marketing pieces I created, it felt like mission accomplished!
In the world of education, I bring a unique twist, using my Masters in Elementary Education to bring smiles and spark curiosity in young minds. My goal is to encourage, inspire, and add a bit of fun while teaching an array of subjects ranging from simple to complex. I’ve taught classes in graphic design, typography, layout and design, photography, and recently I’ve created educational materials and videos on Social Emotional topics. Looking back to the early 2000s, facing a lack of resources (and funds) to teach my own kids, I became a crafting extraordinaire, handcrafting books, flashcards, word lists, worksheets, etc to teach with. It turned out to be quite an enjoyable educational crafting adventure! I loved teaching my little ones, but also discovered the opportunity to teach adults online. After creating my own curriculum for classes, I found myself on the frontier of online education, earning title of “Exceptional Online Educator.”
I’ve not only curated pixels for over two decades but also flexed my creative muscles by penning and designing three books—because who says designers can’t be creative wordsmiths too? My work isn’t just about a deep understanding of design principles, color palettes and pixels; but also conveying a passion for encouragement, storytelling and effective communication. Becoming an author has been a dream of mine. My first book was written to help young people value gratitude, the following books were to help mothers and their children get to know each other better. I see gratitude and human connection as powerful assets in a good life.
In 2020, my love for design and education led me into the realm of video production. I stepped into the role of a YouTube content creator with Bear and Bee Productions, the creative force behind the Talky Talk Show. In this show, I wear many hats, from generating educational ideas to turning complex topics into engaging videos for young audiences. I enjoy the challenge of transforming various concepts into visually captivating experiences, involving hands-on video production and graphic design. Scriptwriting is a key part of my work, crafting narratives that blend information and entertainment for an enriching viewer experience. Through this approach, I’ve created a diverse range of content that entertains and educates, sparking a love for learning in young minds.
Beyond my creative shenanigans, I’ve gained extensive administrative experience in supervising and guiding the acting careers of my talented children. I play the maestro in the chaotic symphony of managing my kids’ entertainment careers. As their dedicated career manager, I’ve advanced my skills in administration and navigating the entertainment industry. I’ve mastered the fine art of juggling auditions, schedules, the occasional bout of stage mom drama and playing the role of their personal paparazzi. From coordinating auditions and managing schedules to promoting their work, and filming auditions to casting specifications, this wild ride not only gave me an inside scoop on the entertainment world but also turned me into a ninja of creative chaos. I’ve embraced the responsibilities of their artistic endeavors. This unique experience has not only deepened my understanding of the entertainment landscape but has also allowed me to apply my creative and organizational skills in new and exciting ways. Whether it’s tailoring content to meet casting specifications, adhering to stylistic preferences, or navigating the technical intricacies of online platforms to upload auditions, my comprehensive skill set allows me to streamline the audition process for my children, ensuring a polished and professional presentation of talent.
From the creation of vibrant learning resources to video production, my creative pursuits have evolved over time like my nicknames. As a dynamic creative professional my ability to integrate technology, creativity, writing, education and administration into my creative processes emphasizes my status as a digital pioneer. Whether shaping the visual landscape through design, enlightening minds through print and video, or weaving narratives through my writing, I stand as a testament to the power of creativity and education working in harmony.
Listen, I do a lot of things that I genuinely enjoy, but most of all I’m a proud mom, wife, and lifelong learner. If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much for reading. I appreciate your time. Feel free to connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn.