Good design creates messages. Great design creates memories.
I help organizations communicate more clearly through branding, marketing design, publications, and visual systems.
For the past decade, I've helped nonprofits, businesses (large and small), and community organizations turn ideas into thoughtful, effective design. Brand identities and marketing campaigns have been a big part of that work, but so have presentations, publications, nationwide outreach materials, and trade-show graphics. I've even had my work appear on billboards, a jumbotron, and at Carnegie Hall!
My path to design was more of a zig-zag than a straight line, and I wouldn’t change that.
Along the way, I gained experience in business, customer service, and creative problem-solving that still shapes how I approach every project. I believe the best work comes from asking good questions, listening carefully, and working collaboratively. Great design isn't created in a bubble; it's made through trust, curiosity, and a genuine understanding of the people it's meant to serve.
Here’s what some of it looks like in the real world. The work shown here is my recent work for Bike to Work Day (learn more about the event and see more of the creative work here).
Selected work
Even though my work has appeared in some pretty big places, my heart has always been with the people and organizations doing meaningful work in their communities. I believe great design shouldn't be reserved for whoever has the biggest budget. Everyone deserves the chance to share their message clearly and confidently.
I don't believe in making work that only looks good in a portfolio or on the 'gram. (It should absolutely do that, though.) I care about creating work that helps people understand who you are, what you do, and why they should pay attention. Every project starts with thoughtful strategy, marketing experience, and a genuine desire to connect with the people you're trying to reach. Where it ends is something we're both proud to put out into the world.
And you shouldn't have to take out a mortgage to make that happen.
A quick note for nonprofits...
Nonprofits play an essential role in supporting and strengthening our communities, and they'll always have a special place in my heart. My first creative opportunity after college came from a nonprofit, and it shaped not only my career, but the kind of work I wanted to do.
Whenever I can, I offer discounted rates for nonprofit organizations. In some situations, I'm also happy to barter or exchange services if that's a better fit. If budget is the only thing standing between your organization and good design, let's have a conversation.
What do you do, Jess?
I help people visually create clear messages. The more helpful answer is that I design full visual systems that help organizations and individuals communicate clearly and authentically and connect with the people they serve and wish to serve. I have a lot of experience in all areas of creative work, but here are the areas I end up working in most often:
Brand Identity & Visual Systems
Marketing & Campaign Design
Presentation Design
Print & Publication Design
Who do you do it for?
Individuals and Groups
Sometimes you’re just doing your own thing and need an identity. Or maybe you’re a part of a club or community and want the same.
Environmental Graphics
Wayfinding Signage
Digital Marketing Assets
Complete Creative Strategy
Small Businesses
You don’t need an agency to have a solid brand. I help you build work that’s intentional, strategic and easy to build on.
Nonprofits
Mission-driven work should be seen, heard, and to touch as many hearts (and pockets, let’s be honest) as possible.
How can we work together?
Brand Strategy
& Identity
Helping you make a strong, organized, and real brand with purpose and pieces that make sense.
Design & Creative
Thoughtful (and original!) visuals for any project you need. Yes, even for your bake sales and fish plates.
Education & Training
1:1 help with anything creative. That includes some common design programs, graphic design fundamentals, and just helping you brainstorm.
Ready to get started?
You don’t have to know exactly what you want before you reach out. Sometimes it’s much easier to make sense of what’s in your brain (or notebooks) after talking to someone. Me!