What I Do

Simply said, I add value to your enterprise using design. Whether building an identity through logo creation and marketing materials or customizing your website and storefront to reflect your personality, my mission is to give you the tools you need to make an impact on your audience. Here are just a few of the items I can design for you, but the sky is the limit—I’m always eager to dive into something new and unique!

Identity

  • Logos
  • Business Cards
  • Stationary/Menus
  • Packaging
  • Hangtags/Labels
  • Signage
  • Vehicle Graphics

Event Promotion

  • Flyers
  • Invitations
  • Environmental Graphics
  • Tickets/Wristbands
  • Tradeshow Displays
  • Promotional Items
  • Branded Merchandise

Illustration

  • Badges
  • Icons
  • Apparel Artwork
  • Poster Artwork
  • CD, DVD & Album Covers
  • Infographics
  • Photo Retouching/Editing

Ads & Marketing

  • Print & Web Ads
  • Mailers/Inserts
  • Gift Certificates/Coupons
  • Catalogs/Magazines
  • Newsletters

Collateral

  • One-Pagers
  • Booklets
  • Brochures
  • Instructional Materials
  • Annual Reports

Web & Interactive

  • Web Banners
  • HTML Email
  • Landing Pages
  • Front-End Interface Design
  • CMS-Based Web Design

Don't see what you need listed here?

Please contact me directly to discuss your project details and get an estimate.

Please also take a moment to review my default Terms & Conditions for professional design and illustration work.

Unless otherwise agreed upon, these are the terms that will apply to all work produced by Christen Cabe or Creative Commonground. For a useful reference on intellectual property and copyright issues, refer to this helpful guide.

What I Don't Do

Write advanced programming language to generate websites and applications overflowing with spinning, twirling graphics and uber-fancy features

There are folks who are really great at that and have the chops to back it up. I love collaborating with programming specialists to determine the development approach that best achieves your goals. Generally, I specialize in style and presentation and in constructing the unique graphic elements that distinguish your online presence. I can help you customize your CMS-based website (such as WordPress or Squarespace), design landing pages for your special events and promotions, and create beautiful branded emails to help you stay connected with your customers or internal network.

Mash lots of concepts together into a 1-inch x 1-inch graphic and call it a logo

There are important differences between a real "logo" and an illustration or icon. A logo is stripped down to capture the pure essence of an idea, while illustrations and icons have more specific uses that relate to a concept or moment in time. The most simple visual messages can take the most care and research to perfect; “less is more” is often the best solution when it comes to effective brand communication. I always respect my customers' ideas, but it's necessary to apply my own industry knowledge and artistic expertise to achieve an end result that will satisfy the goals of clear representation and graphic versatility.

Run large print orders from my home office printer

I work with the experts when it comes to manufacturing your final print piece, keeping quality control close at hand whenever possible. I use vendors who are trusted and who are meticulous about delivering outstanding results.

Write the content, take the photos, collect all the statistics and fact-check for accuracy, while at the same time designing at lightening speed and conducting all related research, production and handling.

Well, I have been accused of being a super-hero, and have done all of the above in times of need. But I like to keep a low profile! Design is what I do best; I typically defer to my clients as authorities in their respective industries and am excited to learn from them. I do offer some photographic services and can make recommendations to ensure that your overall messaging is cohesive, but I encourage my customers to take responsibility for content and be proactive about their professional imaging needs. I am happy to recommend a photographer or copywriter if you do not have those resources available. If you prefer to keep it all in my hands, I will discuss with you my capabilities and time requirements for these added services.