Hi, Iām Jen!
I love being outside with my camera in hand. I married a fellow outdoorsman in 2010 and we created a tiny outdoorsman in 2011. Together we explore the less traveled paths of Michigan and beyond, soaking up fresh air where ever we may roam. I wouldn’t trade life on the fresh coast for anything!
I’ve been making print and digital art since 1997. While web design was my jam for over a decade, I have a strong background in identity creation, digital design, UX design, and branding. I enjoy every part the creative process: meeting a client, brain mapping a sheet full of thoughts and ideas, and following through on a plan. I worked from home – freelancing in my jammies – a decade before the pandemic drove us into the current remote culture. I am self motivated and capable of working alone, but as an ENFP I thrive in a team setting where I can bounce ideas off others and build relationships.
DISC: I with a lot of C, so I like to be included and know all of the details.
I’ve worked with clients from NASCAR teams to local mom-and-pop stores… and I treat them all the same.
Why the duck? I get asked that a lot. My maiden name is Mladucky (Czech for “Young People”). I had a lot of “duck” nicknames growing up… Mad Ducky, Mad Lucky, Mud Ducky, Ducky… Quackers… so I guess it just seemed fitting that I carry on the name. š
Early On
During college, I worked as a server and bartender at the local brew pub, Jamesport Brewing Company. I eventually moved up to floor manager and helped with their website and design needs.
I worked at and eventually co-owned an Internet Service Provider back when modems were the fastest connections around. My background in tech support makes meeting and brainstorming with clients a breeze.
Right out of college, I worked for a branding company and then for myself, running my own design businesses for 8 years.
Along The Way
In 2011, my son was born a trimester too early and my time turned from full time designer to full time nurse. I cared for him full time for his first year, after his open-heart surgery just before his first birthday, and for the following two years as he went through intensive feeding therapy to learn to eat without his G-tube. I freelanced when I could, but talk about a resume gap…
Once Noah was stable, I took a job as the Communications & Marketing Manager for a local non-profit. For seven years I used my craft of design to engage business owners and rally the community (and it’s visitors) to support my hometown’s local businesses.
Current
The restaurant industry called me back in 2022. I am currently the Business Development Manager at Jamesport Brewing Company in Downtown Ludington. I create content for social media, as well as all digital and print art for our marketing campaigns, menus, can labels, and promotions.
I also help coordinate special projects, oversee the brewery and community involvement.