A little about the me. I was born and raised in Southern California not far from Los Angeles, the beach, mountains and desert. As a child I had always expressed myself through various mediums of art and people have always said this would end up being my calling and now 30 years later... I think I have finally excepted that.
I began computer generated art and design with a focus of print while working toward a degree, then continued with my newly refined skills to a higher level there after, with the occasional website design and development through various freelance opportunities.
I wanted to learn more... specifically in the printing industry, which led me to join a small team (at the time) developing what is now a supercenter for commercial trade printing. There I learned industry techniques, quality control, design and color control, time management and was exposed to various masses of graphic art materials from all around the nation, all sent to us to be printed.
I have been developing my skills with each contract received and completed, and each time broadening my knowledge, experience and skills in multi-platform publishing and mediums of computer generated design. I once considered myself a design to print specialist and have consulted, educated, and provided many people over design through to print. Since, and even then, the world of advertising and marketing was evolving. Internet has and will continue to revolutionize the advertising industry making it easier, more efficient and cheaper to effectively speak to the masses. Reinventing myself and redirecting my specialties was not only in order but it was a fact.
During this reinvention, I joined a two man creative department providing design and production of more than 85% of all promotional materials for a natural food grocer. In Southern California alone there were over 5 chains and more than 300 single establishments, not including farmer's markets that offered natural foods. The competition was high and made promotions challenging at times due to the quick turnovers, but I liked the busy work and the collaboration. Working direct with store and regional leadership, I began learning more about natural foods, its benefits and the business and marketing of retail (the politics), which gave me a broader scope to working more efficiently and most importantly connecting best with our customers. I knew the numbers and saw instant gratification on designed promotions to customer feedback, this was truly rewarding. I loved working with my marketing team, we always bounced ideas off of each other and each time, I learned more and more about how things worked in the retail industry. Together we researched various avenues to reach out to new customers, one in particular was to build relationships through social media and other various internet associations and though I was the go to graphics girl at the time, I was pulled in to help dissect these avenues from the very get-go.
Since and over the last few years, I have worked as an artist in graphic design, marketing, and development of various internet relations not forgetting search optimization for several retail and food establishments, both large and small. Some say I have a natural knack for connecting with their customers, creating pieces that would not only grab their attention, but also grab their product off the shelf.
My mission now, is to provide services in design, marketing and development in support of those businesses that offer wonderful products or services that help to provide nourishment, in any form, for body, mind, soul and even our environment. I have always secretly wanted to make a difference in our world, but felt that I would easily be defeated. I strongly believe that I can help make a difference now by being a bit more choosy on each professional relationship that I receive.
"Till recent, I've found a mission to design and Market… I've always been compassionate about life, and can truly say that marketing with meaning and integrity is not totally unheard of in the game of success… I've had the honor of working with various companies with alternative health, prevention and environment as their focus and missions. It, since, has changed my life and the choices I make, indefinitely." - Kristen Steffey
You'll find under "Clients" my recently featured relationships and samples of work.
Thank you for your interests,
Warmly yours, Kristen
