I started out my graphic design career as a professional calligrapher in the late 1970s in Wisconsin. I designed restaurant menus, name-tags and place settings for events as well as framed poetry that I would give as gifts. I had a little alcove in our basement where I kept my drafting table and calligraphy supplies. Once I moved to California and got my first Mac in 1986, a whole new graphic design world opened up to me. I acquired many advanced design skills working for an engineering firm creating drawings with Adobe Illustrator 88. I also took a couple graphic design classes at Diablo Valley College. As Mac programs became more sophisticated I kept increasing my skills. I took part of my vacation time each year to attend MacWorld Expo so I could stay up-to-date with the latest Mac technology and software. I kept upgrading to new Macs when I could afford to do so.