TONJA DENNY
ART + DESIGN
Hi! I’m Tonja and I live in Elkton, Maryland.
For over a decade, I have offered freelance services in art and graphic design, and I currently also work as an intelligence analyst. The majority of my interest lies in forensic art, facial comparison and demonstrative evidence. However, I am a “girl Friday” when it comes to creative services, always ready to take on a new challenge.
I am adept at distilling extensive and intricate information into formats that are clear, accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. It is the common thread in my current work, from writing due diligence reports as an analyst to curating websites, marketing materials, fine art, and products as a graphic designer/artist.
FORENSIC ART +
Forensic Art can help to aid in the identification of victims or suspects in criminal investigations or aid in the legal proceedings to follow. This may include police composite sketches, postmortem image modifications or drawing for victim ID, age progressions, age regressions, 2D portrait from a skull, 3D sculpture from a skull, demonstrative evidence for court, image modifications/sanitization/ enhancement, video and audio editing, and more.
I have been trained by FBI, NCMEC, Karen T. Taylor and other top Forensic Artists and would love more opportunities to offer forensic art services locally, on an as needed basis.
Alongside my current freelance business, I work as an Intelligence Analyst in the private sector. I gather and evaluate information and create reports using Thomson Reuters CLEAR, Clearview AI, Lexis Nexis, Pacer, Analyst’s Notebook, and more.
I previously served as an Investigations Intern at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension doing demonstrative evidence: scene reconstruction, processing photos and video, video and audio edits and redactions, photo modifications, and much more. I was introduced to composite sketches, age progressions, and age regressions there, working with state and federal agents in the office and in the field.
Before that, I spent time as a Homicide Research Assistant at the Homicide Research Center in Minneapolis where we researched, identified, cataloged, and coded case information for various research projects. I also developed and headed a new research project while there, leading a group of 10 interns on it.
Training:
• 3D Facial Reconstruction (Basic + Master Courses): Karen T. Taylor, Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State University
• Drawing to Depict the Dead for Identification (2D Facial Reconstruction and Postmortem Drawing): Karen T. Taylor, Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State University
• Digital Imaging (Photoshop: Postmortem Drawing, Age Regression, Age Progression): Joe Mullins, NCMEC
• Forensic Facial Aging: Tracey Tattrie, FBI
• Composite Drawings: Jorge Molina, Texas DPS
• Composite Drawings - Accessories: Duncan Way, Ontario Provincial Police
• Composite Drawings on the Ipad with Procreate: Jeremy Farkas, Seattle PD
•Court Testimony and Forensic Art: Autumn Krick, Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office
• Facial Comparison: Lora Sims, Ideal Innovations Inc. (I3), pursuing additional training
• OJT | scene reconstruction, processing photo + video, audio + video edits and redactions, photo modifications: Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (MN BCA)
• Crime Scene Photography: MN BCA
• Writing Search Warrants: MN BCA
Tools Used:
Adobe Illustrator + Photoshop + InDesign + Premier + Audition | Microsoft Office | Apple iWork | Procreate | Autodesk Revit + Maya + Mudbox | Vegas Pro | 3DS Max | Final Cut Pro
FINE ART +
My artistic passion lies in capturing faces, but I’ll draw anything. From loose sketches to prints, stickers, clothing designs, and marketing materials, I channel my creativity into diverse avenues.
When it comes to my artistic toolkit, I utilize a variety of mediums to bring my visions to life. Pencil and paper are my trusted companions, while Adobe Illustrator and Procreate open up the realms of digital possibilities. I also enjoy playing with Copic markers and willow charcoal to create black-and-white portraits and poses.
GRAPHIC DESIGN +
Graphic design, conveying information to people using text and visuals, is something I naturally fell into. I love taking large amounts of complex information and breaking it down to create a piece the audience can easily understand. Today, most of my freelance work is in graphic design services. I help with logos, visual branding, marketing materials, creating spaces online, floorplan drafting, and more.
Tools Used:
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Premier, Procreate, Chief Architect, Home Designer Pro (by Chief Architect), and various web hosting platforms