about Coco Ink.

What is Coco Ink?
Coco Ink is a blog about design, photography and a myriad of other related topics that interest me and I hope interest you. The ultimate goal is that you find it helpful and useful.

Who is Coco Ink?
Deb Pang Davis, an independent graphic designer based in Portland, Oregon.

No really, who are you?
As a kid I was a tom boy and in secret, I loved pink. Growing up in a few small towns near Rochester, New York, I learned how to ski on ice; play some mean soccer; play the piano and cello; walk hours with my dad playing golf; and discovered my favorite place to escape in high school was the art room. While I didn’t understand it at the time, I also experienced what it feels like to look different from nearly everyone else.

My last full-time gig was as Art Director and Photo Editor for Virtuoso Life, a bimonthly luxury travel magazine produced in Seattle and Fort Worth. I telecommuted.

Prior to that, I was Associate Art Director at National Geographic Traveler based in Washington, DC. We relocated from DC to Portland in 2004. Leaving Geographic was one of the more difficult decisions I’ve made. Deciding not to return in 2007 tops the list as one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made.

At present, in addition to freelance print design, I’m a part-time student at Portland State University learning all things web: xhtml, css, php, javascript, Dreamweaver, interaction design, Flash, and more… Choosing to learn web design and development seems to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.

What is Cococello?
Cococello is the name of my studio. A love for all things chocolate (coco) and a love for the warm sounds of one my childhood instruments, the cello, was merged and a business name was conceived.

Are you available for hire?
Absolutely. Just email me.

What kind of work?
Web sites, wedding invitations, calling cards, and fine art promotions.

Where is your portfolio?
For the near future, my portfolio can be viewed online at Jamuse, Coroflot, and soon, the Behance Network.

You are a designer. What’s up with all the photography posts?
As a kid, I tooled around with my dad’s Canon AE-1 and Nikon FE2. I have a BFA in Photography with a minor in Film back when darkrooms, Film Steenbecks and Bolex cameras were still around.

I’m a designer who loves photography and not every picture. I respect photography and am constantly in awe of its presence in and its mirror of our life on this planet.

Who made your photo?
The current photo of me was taken by my husband and picture editor, Mike Davis back in 2004 during our cross-country drive and move to Portland from Washington, DC.

What else do you do?
In my free time, I love to cook and escape in the garden and hope hummingbirds will say hello. We also love to entertain friends at home.

Why Wordpress?
After trying out Blogger, TypePad, MoveableType and TextPattern, Wordpress just fit like a great pair of jeans. While I haven’t yet tapped into its full potential, I recognized its great flexibility. I also appreciate it for its incredible, accessible community.

What else?
Please say hello. You can reach me via comments or email at cococello(at)gmail(dot)com.

+ I’ve lived in 10 states and too many cities.
+ I love road trips.
+ I’m a grazer.
+ I think best while listening to Rostropovich’s Bach cello suites.
+ There’s more and I can’t tell you everything.