IT’S ELEMENTARY
Helping brands ace their first impression
PHILOSOPHY 101
it’s elementary, my dear
With collaboration as a compass, honesty as a foundation, and curiosity as a constant companion, we study up to craft brand identities and websites that feel as natural as they are memorable.
Every choice—color, typeface, or stroke—is made with intention; to create a design that feels genuine, connects with your people, and helps your brand ace its first impression.
PROCESS
The Syllabus
Study Hall
Research & Discovery
Where the groundwork happens: brand audits, competitor analysis, interviews, moodboarding, gathering inspiration.
01
Homeroom
Strategy & Planning
Where lessons are taught, ideas are shaped, and knowledge gets structured: brand positioning, content strategy, sitemap & wireframes.
Art Class
Design & Identity
Where creativity and knowledge become besties : logo design, typography, color palette, brand elements, website visuals.
LAB
Prototyping & Testing
Experimenting, testing, & refining: website prototypes, UX testing, feedback rounds, refining designs.
graduation
Ongoing Support
Staying connected after graduation: brand support, site maintenance, updates, long-term strategy.
04
02
05
Final exam
Launch & Delivery
The moment where everything we learned comes together: handoff, website launch, brand rollout.
03
06
CLASS OFFERINGS
two Subjects. One School of Thought
Whether you’re starting fresh or need a digital redesign, we’ll guide you from study hall to graduation.
brand design
Your brand deserves more than a logo—it needs a personality, a voice, and a look that people remember. We’ll shape a brand identity that feels true, stands out, and makes the right impression from day one.
CORE CURRICULUM
A solid foundation to get your brand off the ground. Package starting at $1,500
Brand discovery questionnaire
Moodboard + color palette
Primary logo + simplified alternate
Basic brand guide (fonts + colors)
Honor Roll
For businesses ready to look polished and consistent across the board. Package starting at $2,500
Brand strategy workshop
Moodboard + expanded color palette
Logo suite (primary, alternate, submark)
Font system
Extended brand guide
2–3 branded templates
website design
Your website is your brand’s home base. We’ll design and build a site that’s as functional as it is beautiful—easy to navigate, built to connect, and ready to help your business pass every test online.
The Framework
A simple, polished site to get you online with confidence. Package starting at $2,500
Website strategy call
Custom Squarespace design
3–5 pages
Mobile-friendly + responsive design
Basic SEO setup
Launch support + walkthrough
The SPOTLIGHT
For businesses ready to grow with a site that works harder for them. Package starting at $3,500
Website strategy + site map planning
Custom design on preferred platform
6–10 pages
Mobile + tablet optimization
SEO setup + best practices
Integration with social + email marketing tools
Training session on updates
KIND WORDS
REPORT CARD
Working with Kara has been an absolute dream from day one, and she and I are now over six years in. It’s rare to find a graphic and web designer who not only delivers incredible results, but also immerses herself in understanding your brand as if it were her own. Kara gives every project 110%, from the big-picture vision down to the tiniest design details—the quality of her work speaks for itself.
She possesses the unique ability to translate nascent ideas into design elements that feel authentically yours, while somehow elevating them. Beyond her creative prowess, Kara is a joy to collaborate with: kind, professional, thoughtful, timely, and eternally dedicated to her work. Her comprehensive industry knowledge, paired with her drive to learn, grow, and deliver, makes her an indispensable partner.
Rachel Bantelman-Evans
Owner & Founder, Lumos Infrared Sauna
Working with Kara through her process was enjoyable from start to finish. She took the time to understand who we are at the core in a way that was insightful and authentic. Visually her work is stunning, however what sets her apart is her unique ability to truly capture the heart behind a brand and bring it to life.
Mike Fink
Owner, Fink Garden Studios
ABOUT ELEMENTARY
voted MOST LIKELY TO cheer you on
Hey, I’m Kara—the designer behind Elementary. For over 15 years, I’ve had the honor of helping mission-minded organizations craft brands and websites that make the grade.
Through that work, I realized the magic happens when relationships are deep and transparency guides the process. Clear, thoughtful collaboration always leads to smarter, stronger design.
That insight sparked Elementary—a place where creativity, strategy, and encouragement come together to help brands show up confident, polished, and authentically themselves.
P.S. Some of the work featured here was created in collaboration with the amazing team at Tones Studios. While the projects came through their team, all creative direction, design, and implementation are mine.
SHARPEN YOUR PENCILS