I founded Simple Culture as a fiber arts label in 2002. It was a small, home operation and I began sewing vintage-styled baby clothes and knitwear items on a special order basis. After a period of about six months, I started selling into a few local specialty boutiques where people would pay a little more money for one-of-a-kind, handmade designs.

I did all this while working full time at a local bio-technology firm, manufacturing a liquid blend of probiotic bacteria. Working with international clients on a highly specialized product was rewarding. Doing something which was beneficial to the enviroment and socially progressive at the same time gave every day a sense of urgency, purpose, and accomplishment.

Soon after starting the company, I began taking graphic design classes from the Kansas City Art Institute, studying nights and weekends to complete their program. I had taken design classes back at my alma mater, Macalester College in St. Paul, but I had forgotten a lot since college. These classes were taught by local professionals and it prepared me immensely. It was much more practical than other art classes I had taken. The real nitty gritty of what you need to know. Don't get me wrong, I love theory. I began doing sidework in graphic design and worked on some projects with local advertising agencies. I picked up a lot of experience in label design and printing working on a brand overhaul, redeveloping a brand identity for a line of 8 products. I worked with a flexographic printer and set up all files for that run. I have worked with digital offset printers and large format printers, printing up to 12 foot trade show banners.

I think the best design is a collaborative effort to find the happy medium between functionality and beauty. I personally prefer simplicity in most cases, but under the right conditions, I can be extravagant. I lived in Tokyo for 6 months and went to the Tokyo Design Expo in 1997. It was absolutely incredible and I love the way the Japanese incorporate their history into their modern design, minimalism and urbanism.

My preferred design programs are Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, GoLive and Flash, but I do have experience in Quark, DreamWeaver, PowerPoint and others. I have portfolio examples of business cards, vector artwork, logos, stationary, product packaging, branding, marketing slicks, general collateral, posters, mailers, banners, signs and more. Please contact me for a project bid.

Jessica Blythe, Simple Culture Designs