design, branding, & illustration
I've been working professionally as a designer, art director, and creative director in different capacities since 2009.
I've worked on the corporate agency side of advertising doing work for Fortune 100 brands such as Harley-Davidson, Purina Brands, Farmer Owned Prairie Farms and more. Also, I've worked independently with my own clients within small businesses and non-profit organizations. Helping build them from the ground up with branding and strategy.
Read a bit more about my journey below.
KATIE FRANZEN
designer + illustrator
14 years Experience
WORK EXPERIENCE
Senior Art Director
As part of the creative agency within Nestle Purina, I've been able to extend my creative skills across their portfolio of brands. Within CheckMark and the company at large, I've had the opportunity to feed my curiosity to grow and learn as a designer. on Fortune 100 brands. Main projects include:
> I developed the Fancy Feast 2021 ornament. I created the artwork and coordinated with vendors to develop the prototype for production.
> I art directed multiple video shoots combining animation and live action shots for the premier of TidyCare. > Lead the development of the Feastivities program including logo design and holiday branding.
> Created the concept for the 2021 Fancy Feast advent calendar holiday packaging and provided art direction.
> Worked with photographers, culinary team, and food stylists to art direct photoshoots.
> Lead the redesign of the MyPerks Rewards program including the updated logo, branding and graphics.
> Coordinated with packaging teams and printers to produce a variation of packaging and in store display units.
> Worked across brands to develop digital content with high visibility scores.
July 2018 - January 2024
Art Director & Packaging Lead
My passion for all things design combined with my heritage growing up on my family’s Prairie Farms dairy farm. I grew up milking cows and bring that experience into the brand today. My capabilities encompass identity creation, strategy, print communications, branding, illustration, billboard design, web design and art direction. Main projects include:
> Lead the development of the craft look for Prairie Farms marketing collateral.
> I developed the Cookie the Cow character to illustrate the journey of how milk comes from local farms to schools.
> School half pint carton redesign to focus on local & fresh.
> Spring Milks packaging redesign and illustration.
> Naturally Good Ice Cream packaging redesign to reflect clean labels in 22 flavors.
> Lead the development of the recipe content for prairiefarms.com.
June 2016 - July 2018
Creative Director + Celebration Specialist
Sweet Celebrations is a non-profit that provides Birthday celebrations for kids and teens experiencing homelessness in the St. Louis area. I continue to use my talents to help organizations that are doing good in our community.
> Designed the website sweet-celebrations.org
> Created the Sweet Celebrations style guide, branding and established the look/tone/feel for the non-profit.
> Developed assets for holiday events as well as the new initiative to celebrate graduations.
> Created asset library to visually tell their story.
February 2017 - present
Graphic Designer / Illustrator / Product Developer
I've produced some of the best-selling designs for Harley-Davidson accessories. Some are on display at the Harley-Davidson museum. Assure accurate brand portrayal as a Harley-Davidson Licensee through custom illustration, product design, catalog art direction and overall design. Create Harley-Davidson headwear, giftware and promotional products for dealers world wide.
Main Projects include:
> Develop headwear, giftware and accessories lines biannually for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.
> Created initial product sketches and carried out the design through the approval process, prototyping, and final release.
> Perform lead role in redesign and production of the main catalog from biannual introduction to release at three key buying times.
> Perform lead role in redesign and production of the main catalog from biannual introduction to release at three key buying times.
> Created new logo and branding for the company.
> Researches and stays current on consumer style, fashion and trend information to develop product to coordinate with Harley-Davidson.
> Collaborate on photo shoots with creative direction, propping/styling, and model selection.
> Represent company at the Harley-Davidson World Wide Dealer Meetings and created additional collateral.
> Consulted with dealers for custom artwork ideation from sketches to finished product.
March 2011 - May 2016
Katie Franzen Creative
Main projects include:
Hopebox branding and identity and subscription box design
Pawcity branding and identity and app design
Lasting Legacy books branding and identity and book cover design
Sweet Celebrations 501c logo and website design
Graphic Design Intern
In my experience, perseverance and time management are critical to success as a designer. In the deadline-driven environment at ALIVE Magazine I was able to assist the editorial and art departments on each monthly issue. I had the opportunity to take part in two pivotal changes for the publication, including the launch of a new website and a new art direction for the magazine.
January 2010 - April 2010
Graphic Design Intern
In the art department at Swank Motion Pictures, I was a part of each stage of the design process, from conception to finished product. I had the opportunity to collaborate with other designers and members of the marketing team to achieve project objectives, which has sharpened my leadership and communication skills. I am trained in the industry standards of digital and traditional techniques. Additionally, I managed a consistent brand image to the company and the specific motion picture titles in projects ranging from trade show booth design to catalog redesign.
May 2010 - August 2010
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Graphic Design
While in attendance I was active in the student chapter of AIGA and attended the National AIGA Conference 2009. I, also, participated in the Design-a-thon Student lead design initiative to create pro-bono work for applicable clients. Worked with the non-profit organization, Seeds of Blessing®, to create point-of-sale posters and scheduled several client meetings to plan out a budget and timeline. Additionally, I took part in the first Sexual Assault Awareness Poster Campaign in 2009. I organized a student group to research and create posters to raise awareness for Sexual Assault on campus at SIUE. I completed several internships to gain experience in a variety of industries.
August 2007 - December 2010
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PROFICIENCIES
Adobe Creative Suite Certified: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Aftereffects, Adobe Express, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint, Microsoft Word
ORGANIZATIONS
Organizations I love that put better things into the world:
Sweet Celebrations
Big Brother Big Sister
Boys and Girls Club
Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis
AIGA St. Louis
Ronald McDonald House - Red Shoe Society St. Louis
AAP, Open Door Animal Sanctuary, Purple Leash Project
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I'm Katie, I grew up on a farm with an endless supply of family to grow and learn from. Now, I'm a designer in St. Louis with my husband (aka Superman) our super baby and our mini puppy pack (3) and a black cat. I love a challenge and putting my creativity to good use whether it's an intense round of Pictionary or a billboard overlooking the St. Louis skyline.
Katie Franzen Creative was formed out of my freelance projects while working as a full-time designer for 15 years. I love taking on projects that I can make an impact in the world, but more importantly, help bring my client's vision to life. I've gained experience in branding, illustration, product design, and identity and bring that knowledge to my clients today.