K8Ki Design Studio

I was invited by my friend, Carlyn Lechtenberg to join as a professional artist at the Upper Iowa Conference Art Show yesterday, and honestly, it was one of those days that reminded me why I love the work I do.

Students and teachers from twelve schools, college professors, artists, designers, marketers and creative careers from every direction. Elkader and Central school has a gem of an art teacher, Carlyn Lechtenberg. She put together an exceptional art show and event. I’m so grateful I got to be a small part of it. The theme was The Art of Espionage, which meant everyone wore all black. Zeb and I joined in on the fun by wearing matching black outfits repping Central.

Walking into a room full of kids figuring out what "creative" could look like as a career? That part gets me every time. I was that kid once, trying to find my way into a creative field that actually fits me.

Events like this matter more than people realize. The future gets shaped in moments like these. A conversation, a connection, a kid who walks away thinking maybe I could do something like that too.

Lucky to call this community home and send my kids to Central Community School who invests in events like this.

Tia Dundee Photography is doing Mini Sessions and it’s a steal!! ❤️ Just got ours booked!!

If you're looking for ideas for Christmas - how about gifting a photography session? Mini sessions (30 minutes) starting at $150! Please feel free to contact me for more information 🥰

(And if you're like me and struggle with web design/branding, reach out to K8Ki Design Studio who has been helping me with mine!)

City of Marquette & McGregor are POPPING with fall colors 🍁🍂
If you haven’t checked out Ports of Discovery lately, now’s the perfect time to grab those itineraries for day trips and weekend getaways and explore all the gems the Ports of Discovery have to offer! 🗺️✨

This one will always have a special place in my heart as it was one of the big projects I worked on while pregnant with my baby #2 (Saffron). What started as a small site idea for Wonders Why Way turned into a full tourism hub for Marquette and McGregor along the Mississippi River. Then the McGregor Chamber joined in, and it became such a fun collaboration between these river towns.

We brought it all together through brand storytelling, design, a custom-coded Squarespace site, plus marketing materials for social media and print. Helping the Ports of Discovery share their story and celebrate life along the Mississippi has been such a joy. 🌊

Huge thanks to City of Marquette, City of McGregor, IA, Brandi Crozier and McGregor Chamber of Commerce for trusting your Northeast Iowa branding and website girl with this one. 💛