About us

This first thing you should know about me is that am passionate about my work and my clients. I believe that what makes us feel fulfilled should be at the core of what we do for a living–How else will we be able to sustain the energy to get it all done? And my clients feel the same way about the work they do. Which is why I feel lucky to be doing what I do with people who are passionate about what they do.

I’m a storyteller at heart and I believe that a well-crafted story can make a difference in the world. Transforming it to be an equitable, healthy and peaceful place is the goal of my work and the work of my clients. You’ll never find me selling cigarettes or fast food–but you will hear me boast about my clients who are advancing human rights, advocating for young mothers, protecting the environment, providing affordable housing, selling green products, and more. With that said, if you’re not trying to make the world a better place then this company is not the right one for you.

Before starting my own company I worked for a national agency with offices across the country. I held a variety of positions on the project side doing research, writing, and team supervision on communication, community engagement, marketing, strategic planning, branding and social marketing campaign projects. But, I also worked in and managed the creative shop doing design and creative direction. Clients have told me that this gives me a unique perspective because I understand the complexity of creating compelling visuals that achieve a concrete goal with a specific audience. My hands-on experience as a graphic designer, art and creative director is supplemented with this project background, bringing strategy and creative together as incredible forces for my clients. It’s true–beauty and function can come together on time and on budget.

During my 18-year career in this field I’ve worked across the country with hundreds of nonprofit organizations, foundations, public sector agencies and socially and environmentally responsible businesses of all sizes to: build powerful compelling values-based brands and materials; craft graphic design and creative solutions; increase issue and organizational positioning; expand the market reach of my clients; conduct inclusive audience and stakeholder outreach; effectively engage coalitions and grassroots groups representing diverse communities; and develop solid strategic communication and campaign plans.

Having shared all that, you’re probably wondering why I decided to open my own shop. I’ll be honest: part of my motivation was to find work/life balance (sound familiar?). But, I also wanted to choose my own clients, work closely with them and see all the projects through from beginning to end. I also wanted the freedom to explore an endless array of creative options and to touch the work at every step of the process. To work deeply and personally with my clients, and to create greatness together. To achieve these things I had to open my own shop–so I did!

Finally, we’re all more than our work, and I’m active in the community. I am a committed sponsor and volunteer with Basic Rights Oregon, and I served as a founding board member for Q Center, Portland’s LGBTQ Community Center. Master gardener is my middle name and I write a bi-monthly gardening column for Oregon’s statewide LGBTQ news magazine, Just Out. I also freelance as a garden writer. I’m a local foodie and preserve foods during Oregon’s bountiful months, have a dog named Wink and am an avid blogger. So you might say that my search for work life balance was successful–even though I’m working as hard as ever. Funny how that is.

Photo courtesy of Sara Gray Photography