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Testimonials

I've worked with hundreds of clients to create brand designs that contribute to their bottom line and help them to connect with their customers. Here's what just a few of them have to say about what it's like to work with me:

"I thought I needed a new logo. What I got was a new business!"

When I first approached Erin to help me with my rebranding, I had some concerns about her ability to capture the inherent contradiction of my business. My principal concern was the balance between having a predominantly conservative target market and the desire to "stand out". I shouldn't have worried.

The branding exercise she took me through forced me to reassess the fundamentals of the business and gave me a logo and other material that I now hand out with pleasure. The logo is simply the end of the journey, not the reason for it.

Stephen Hay
Director
People and Process Limited
Year first hired: 2007
See the project

Erin Ferree is the most reliable webmaster we've ever had!

She is always prompt with maintenance and very quick with any updates we need posted.

Erin is ALWAYS available when we need to speak with her, and very quick to accommodate needs. If not able to immediately respond to a request—she is very honest about when she will be able to get to the item. She is very upfront with us about what she can and cannot do regarding our ideas. And, we get a lot of compliments about our Website because of Erin Ferree. We appreciate her hard work!!

Thank You,

Dianne Nelson
The Wild Horse Sanctuary
Year first hired: 2002
See the project

"Before I found Erin, I thought a logo was just a picture and some words, so I tried some of the online logo package deals at other companies and I was seriously disappointed: they were just order takers. Then I began to search for the "real deal": someone who could come to appreciate my business for who we are, why we're unique and what we stand for, then capture it and render it on the printed page. The thing I LOVE about working with Erin is how FAST she "gets" the concepts we need, and how she ties everything together. Our logo compliments our letterhead, which ties in with the business cards, which look great with the thank you notes, and it all lines up well with the website. Everything was custom, made-to-order and there is nothing cookie-cutter about her work. When you want more than "just a logo"—that is, when your business is ready for the next level of having a real, living identity—you'll be very glad you went with Erin."

Ben Utley
Physician Family Financial Advisors
Year first hired: 2007
See the project

GREAT article! I'm in the process of rebranding, and you've given me amazing food for thought. You really produce an outstanding newsletter. Keep 'em coming!

Mistina Picciano
Market It Write

Dear Erin,

Happened across the elf website entirely by accident (i.e., doing some client research), and I was just blown away with the cleverness of your branding work. ÊIt's really quite creative and wonderfully whimsical, and I'll hire you in a S.F. second next time I've a client who's got some money and needs a really nifty logo. Ê(Having looked at your entire posted portfolio, I found it virtually impossible to pick a favorite, there're so many fabulous conceits to be found there; but gun-to-head, I'd probably pick Coyote Ridge as my favorite-of-favorites.)

Nice work!

Hoping this will be a blessed day for you, I remain . . . Very gratefully yours,

Edward Shaw

"Erin helped me design my logo, business card, and website when I started my own law firm. She askedinsightful questions to help me identify how to translate my vision into colors and images, listened carefully, came up with great ideas, and was patient and very responsive throughout the process. I am looking forward to working with Erin on future projects!"

Margaret E. Murray
Law Offices of Margaret E. Murray
Year first hired: 2007
See the project

"Erin is a cut-to-the-chase, responsive designer, who gets the job done with precision and efficiency. Whether it was designing my book cover from scratch, or a straight production job sizing logos and artwork for our e-commerce site, she melds form and function seamlessly. As a nonprofit start-up with a gazillion directions and projects ongoing at once, she's been able to triage what projects make sense to send her way, and what fit better elsewhere. Her upfront candor and communication style saves us both 'spin' time, and enables me to toss out a needs list knowing she'll be frank and fair. I trust her knowledge and skills implicitly."

Amy Jussel
Shaping Youth
Year first hired: 2006

Love your ezine - great tips and resources.

All the best,

Merlyn Sanchez
SMART Business Owners

Thanks, Erin. You've been doing great work for WIC on various things, design-wise, by the way!

Jan Richards
Volunteer, Women In Consulting

"Erin designed my first (and only) logo. She provided several options and walked me through all the steps to completion. Her knowledge and skill are evident and I would encourage anyone to feel completely comfortable engaging her services."

Julie Hawkins
New Logic Solutions
Year first hired: 2004

"I just got the most recent of the regular elf-designs e-mails that you send out, and I thought I should drop you a line to tell you how awesome I think they are. Each one is so chock full of useful information! Thanks for sending it to me."

Sandi Allan
Newsletter subscriber

"Erin Feree has been a wonderful resource for The Hayden Group. Not only does she work with us on an ongoing basis getting out the invitations to our monthly event—no matter how complex, or how late the information is finalized—but she has also provided excellent production support for us on client web sites. She always stays on top of the project!"

Ellen Rudy
The Hayden Group
Year first hired: 2005

"Erin is one of those rare graphic designers who is both talented and easy to work with at the same time. Not always the case! She is flexible in dealing with unusual situations (are there any usual ones anymore?) and produces work that our clients love. Try her, this is one decision you won't regret!"

Celeste Bishop
Bishop Market Resources
Year first hired: 2007

"Erin did excellent and professional work for us when she designed our company website, I'd recommend her to anyone."

Ryan Breed
Year first hired: 2005
Automotive Technologies International
See the project

"Erin has a great process for helping you 'get to' how you want to brand your business. And it shows in a great end result!"

Susan Monroe
Year first hired: 2005
Written Right
See the project

I read your article correlating site design and house architecture and so enjoyed the metaphor that I went to your site. I'm really impressed with your work and inspired to learn more about color usage in corporate branding, specifically.

...I'm going to sign up for your newsletter now.

Jo Hawke
Newsletter subscriber

"Erin designed the logo for my company and being that I am an insurance agent without a creative bone in my body, I needed all of the help in the world. Erin guided me through the process by starting at the basics and completed with the design of my business cards and letterhead.

I didn't have any ideas when we began, but Erin created a logo that was exactly what I wanted. From the color selection to the font and beyond, everything she did was just right. Establishing a logo for your company is a very difficult process, but working with Erin made it quick and painless."

Carey Richard
Pat Richard Insurance Agency
Year first hired: 2007
See the project

"Erin created the KickStart Alliance identity pieces in 2005. We love the classy, yet "hip" design that continues to look fresh today. Erin is extremely professional and a pleasure to work with."

Mary Gospe, Principal and Co-founder
KickStart Alliance
Year first hired: 2005
See the project

"When I needed sharp illustrations for my book on integrated marketing best practices, I turned to elf design for help. Erin has a wonderful eye for creating crisp graphics that punctuate the concepts in the book and engage the reader. She was a pleasure to work with."

Mike Gospe
Author, Marketing Campaign Development
Year first hired: 2007

"In working on my website and logo, Erin had great design ideas, and it came together quickly. People tell me they love my website, and I do too! When it came time to create labels for my products, the quick back and forth of emails was great. Erin does her best to move as fast as you need her to move.

We recently updated our line to include smaller bags of product. That was quick and easy too. Just remember to check out all your details (sizes, portions, etc.) as this is not Erin's domain. She'll do exactly what you tell her to do, even if you're wrong!"

Patti Searle
Thrivin' Edibles
Year first hired: 2007
See the project

"Erin Ferree is a true find! She was the perfect fit for my small business needs—logo, business cards, and letterhead. The challenge we faced was my short timeframe. Erin adjusted her schedule and we both committed to a project schedule that was aggressive but realistic. Erin also has a fabulous tool to get started—a questionnaire that asks a variety of questions about the business, personality, general preferences, which helps her get a good sense of how to design a logo that resonated with me. In addition, it was a great tool to help me focus and hone my business objectives. Erin is an expert and very professional — and provided exactly what I needed and wanted."

Heather Morton
Morton Event Contulting
Year first hired: 2007
See the project

"I worked with Erin to brand my company, GlamourByLBD. From the beginning, her professionalism became evident. She was the perfect blend of creative ideas, knowledge and implementation. She did what she said and she said what she did. I continue to use the branding logo and materials that she designed for me and I will hire her again when it is time to re-brand. Check out her work on my website, www.glamourbylbd.com"

Laura Beth DeHority
Glamour by LBD
Year first hired: 2006
See the project

After looking at lots of design portfolios and not seeing the look I was after, a friend told me to check out Elf Design on the web. There I saw lots of clean, simple, effective logos, so I called Erin about designing one for my new retail website selling unique products for every figure skater and fan. After discussing in detail what my business, www.skatingismylife.com, was about and what I wanted to convey, Erin sent me an array of logo choices. We steadily narrowed them down to the final one, which I'm quite happy with. Today, I sell a popular T-shirt with my logo embroidered on it.

After that, I asked Erin to design the look of my website. She incorporated the colors of my logo and organized it in a pleasing way. My site draws lots of compliments, and it's design has unquestionably helped me draw customers.

Priscilla Totten
Skating Is My Life
Year first hired: 2006
See the project

"I hired Erin to design a logo for my copywriting agency. Simply put, she nailed it. She knew and understood my target market based on an initial consultation, and then she created a logo that spoke directly to them and their needs, while conveying exactly what my agency is all about. And she kept me involved every step of the way, so I knew what to expect and was able to offer my input so there were no surprises.

Her expertise on the subject of design is unmatched in my book. Her strategic and creative approach to everything she does puts her work at a much higher level than anything else I've seen. She does nothing by accident. And mark my word, she is as patient and accommodating as they come.

In fact, I liked my logo so much that I immediately hired her to design my business card and a template for my sales kit and additional marketing materials. The results were incredible. My agency now has a recognizable logo and a visual identity that I can use on my website, brochures, and everywhere else I need to make an impact.

If you're searching for a brand strategist and expert graphic designer, save yourself the time and hassle of looking anywhere else. Just give Erin a call and let her take it from there. It will be the best decision you make all year."

Cory Fossum
Fossum Creative
Year first hired: 2008
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative
See the project

"I asked Erin to develop a logo and stationery for my new business. Her process is remarkable; she spurred me to do an indepth review of my market and goals and relate that to logo ideas. Excellent documentation, timely responses, helpful followup after the job was completed. I am very happy with my results."

Beth Martin Quittman
Samara Lectures
Year first hired: 2007
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Good Value
See the project

I contacted Erin at the very start of my business, and she took me through the entire design process to build my brand. We started with the logo, and then moved on to visual vocabulary, advertising and finally my website. In all, she performed the following tasks:

• Logo design
• Visual vocabulary, including providing me the font and all specific colors used
• Business Cards
• Letterhead
• Retail informational hang tags
• Trifold brochure
• Website and shopping cart design, including PayPal header

Throughout the entire process, Erin was extremely helpful and responsive. When I wasn't happy with something, she made her best effort to change it. When there was a problem, she made her best effort to fix it. Erin is an excellent listener and has a talent for pulling the core issue out of disorganized thoughts. If there is one issue I would raise, it's that there were a lot of hidden additional costs. Part of that is because the project grew as I got further into understanding exactly what I wanted — on the other hand, I did start to feel a bit frustrated about it by the end. However when I look at my investment in Erin's small business branding process, I know that it was worth every penny and I would recommend her to any small business owner looking for an identity.

Amanda Sawyer
LibraKnits LLC
Year first hired: 2008
See the project

Fantastic! (The redesigned website) seems to be working just great. Thanks so much for working with us on this project. This is a really big deal for us, and great to have finished. I wish I could have gotten materials to you sooner so we could have had this online at the beginning of April, but there were a couple of parts that I couldn't do myself, and that held me up. No matter now. It's up and it's accessible and it's good looking. I look forward to seeing how the change affects our ranking on the search engines over the next few months. I'm hoping that this will help us to be more visible and findable.

Our school used to be hard to find on the web. Now, thanks to Elf Design, our site is not only easier to find, but we're no longer embarrassed when people find it. Elf Design helped us change our website from something that appeared to be little more than afterthought to something that tells the world we are serious about achieving our mission.

R.P. Brown, PhD
Veritas Classical Academy
Project: Website Redesign
Year first hired: 2008
See the project

"Erin has worked for me on several occasions, for both my own projects and clients. She is very creative and reasonably priced, too. She has done an incredible job for Women in Consulting (WIC) for several years: her work has really ensured our organization has a professional, first-rate image that makes us stand out from other organizations."

Linda Popky
L2M Consulting and Women In Consulting
Year first hired: 2005 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Personable, Good Value, Creative
See the project

"If you're building your first website, or evolving the one you have now to get you to the next level in the growth of your business, I would recommend that you work with Erin Ferree. We've worked on a number of websites and other design projects over the years and I've always found Erin to be no-nonsense, bottom line and full of wise suggestions.

Erin understands doing business on the web. If you need a sales page, a shopping cart, an autoresponders, an online offers, or a blog, that's her bread and butter. I've encouraged her to look at software and services that I was interested in, and she rarely hesitates to investigate something new that could be of benefit to her clients. She's comfortable with many kinds of technology. I like that she's willing to try new things and to steer me away from products she doesn't like.

Erin is willing to improve on others' designs. On several occasions I gave her a logo design or a web page design that someone else had created and she took it to the next level. She wasn't worried about the fact that someone else created it, and she always found ways to improve on it. In one project I had a very specific idea of what I wanted but couldn't get a printer to achieve the result I was looking for. Erin spoke the printer's language and the result was just what i wanted.

Erin is clear about when she's available and when she's not. Sometimes you get a lot of her "bandwidth" and sometimes, you don't. I like that she's honest about what she's willing to do and what's out of the question.

Oh, and when you decide to hire Erin, be sure to tell her that it was my recommendation that clinched the deal.
;-) "

Nina Price
MBA, CPCC, NCTMB, MTCM, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)
I help high tech professionals reduce their stress, look and feel better, and maintain their competitive advantage.
Year first hired: 2003 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity

"Working with Erin was wonderful. She did many pieces for us pro bono as we are a small non-profit. In my experience pro bono work tends to be low end, not very creative and obviously rushed. This was not the case with Erin, all of the work she did for us was highly creative, very modern and upbeat, and created a professional, hip, cutting edge image for us."

Niko Everett
Girls for a Change
See the project

"Erin provided a logo for my newsletter, Happy Clients. She did it as part of a simple barter swap. I still get questions and kudos all the time almost two years later. Erin's book on Search Engine Optimization does a terrific job of demystifying the selection process made by organic search engines. Erin is a terrific resource."

Jeff Simon
The Happy Clients Newsletter
Year first hired: 2006
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

"The graphic design projects elf design completed for us were of highest quality and a fair price. I highly recommend her for businesses that value quality work and efficient time-frames."

"By leveraging the professional, creative and quick turnaround services of elf design I was able to stay focused on my clients while elf design was actively creating me a professional business image,"

Tony Moraros, the Computer Guy
Year first hired: 2003 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Expert, On Time, High Integrity

My partner and I were really hesitant to begin finding or creating a logo that would really speak who we are and what we do. Erin, being extremely patient, tolerant, and creative worked with us every step of the way to really give us what we wanted. Her willingness and ability to work with us collaboratively was a delightful experience. I would recommend her to anyone interested in creating a unique and innovative design for themselves and their business. We will continue to work with Erin as our web site manager and desinger. I feel grateful and relaxed to have this in her very capable hands.

Rosie Kuhn
The Paradigm Shifts
See the project

Starting a new business has been fraught with a lot of challenges. Because I am not an artistic person, one of those challenges was clearly to design a logo and then use that logo on my business cards, envelopes, letterhead and PowerPoint presentations. Erin made that challenge easy to overcome. She was quickly able to translate my general ideas into a logo that captured the essence of what I had verbalized. She then applied that logo to distinctive business cards, envelopes and letterhead. She also produced PowerPoint templates that tastefully incorporate the logo. All-in-all she did a splendid job of translating my verbal requirements into an effective and artistic set of business tools. I plan to ask her to build a website for me in the future.

Randy Groover
Seascape Financial Group
See the project

As the founder of stargaze family gatherings, I have nothing to offer but praise for Erin Feree. As a non profit organization that heavily relies on donors and pro bono work to accomplish our goals, usually our organization has to accept "volunteer' level quality of work.... this is clearly not the case with Erin. First and foremost the quality of work she's contributed to date has surpassed the work done by some of our earlier "paid" workers-she's done an amazing job on web design, consulting, user interface work, requirements gathering, design specifications creation, including end to end delivery (artwork AND printing AND delivery of products) for us over the last 3 years. The flyers, artwork, posters, promotional materials, web design and web pages, logo creation... you name it—are the best we've had to date and are hoping that she will continue to work with us in the future. I'll gladly give anyone a specific letter of recommendation or reference addressing the quality of her work.

Above the quality of the actual design work she's delivered for us, we also have been very fortunate to work with a designer with such good communication skills. Whether its helping our teams and directors define their design needs, or approach them in a collaborative, educational tone vs. a condescending m"I'm the expert" tone, she's made it very easy for our resources across the board to work with her and get a clear idea of what each team wants, what actually makes sense, what's typically effective in bringing draw/ communicating a message / or creating interest... Erin's highly collaborative and patient communication manner makes it EASY for anyone in our organization to work with her.. she's the most highly sought after designer we've ever worked with. If any organization or person needs further reference or specific examples of the great work she's done, and more importantly the "enabling" benefits she's brought to us at a highly professional level when we cant afford to pay professional prices... I'll be glad to elaborate more!

Warmest Regards,

Geoff Herbst
Stargaze Family Gatherings
Year first hired: 1999
See the project

We appreciate your generous gift of time and talent you've contributed to this year's Silent Auction promotion efforts. The logo is so professional and looks great on the website. We will continue to use it on our invitations to affiliated/interested organizations, the program and elsewhere.

On behalf of the Board and the Silent Auction team, thank you!

Celia Lawren
Women In Consulting
Year first hired: 2003

Working with Erin was easy and she gave me the nice, clean look I wanted.

She worked quickly, branding me with my logo, full page look for information or fliers, to my website; I got what I wanted.

Get a quote from Erin before making any other decision!

JoyceAnne Pierce
Yes, I Can Succeed!
Year first hired: 2005
See the project

If given the choice, rather than hearing, "What a gorgeous outfit!" we women would prefer to hear, "You look wonderful."

Similarly, I prefer that the design of my business promotions motivate people to buy, rather than to simply comment on the beauty of the typefaces I've selected. That's why I'm a huge fan of elf design's newsletter.

Kare Anderson
Newsletter subscriber

"Though we surely tried her patience, Erin delivered an excellent product. We are looking forward to a continued relationship with elf design".

Marcie Storch
Director of Development
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo
Year first hired: 2007

elf design's newsletter is always full of valuable information. Even though I have been in the industry for many years, I always learn something new. The articles are clear and concise. I've used them as tools to explain design concepts to clients.

Deborah J Hoard
Newsletter subscriber

Over the weekend I studied your last issue of the newsletter, what a great job!

It's been running through my mind ever since. This morning we were talking about a place for eats and drinks that we had "discovered" last year on a week-long trip to Sacramento, and I could really see how the menu, the murals, even the servers' demeanor did an excellent job of defining and differentiating their brand. I'd be willing to bet there's no other place like that. These people obviously didn't say "so and so has a model that works, lets do something like that here..."

So it struck me that the overall brand has to be communicated not only to potential customers/clients, but also to anyone who is responsible for delivering any aspect of the product or service.

Thank you for a great, enlightening, enriching issue! And thanks again for the referral!!!

Lauren Delp
Newsletter subscriber

Erin Ferree is without a doubt an emerging talent. For me her style is straight forward and elegant without being harnessed by intoxicating marketing trends. She is agreeable without abandoning her artistic integrity and never losses sight of the profound history of symbolism that for her will not be ignored. She has the remarkable capacity of maintaining her clients bigger picture while simultaneously attending to incredible detail. With her natural bedside manner, those of us lucky to have worked with her know for sure how fortunate we are she chose this profession.

Maryanne Comaroto
Author/Motivational speaker
Year first hired: 2004
See the project

I saw the logo design you did for Joyce Anne (Yes, I Can Succeed), and all I can say is, "Wowie!"

That is gorgeous, stunning, and says it all!

You do great work!

Randy Peyser

"I've used a range of different graphic designers. It's hard to know what to expect, and even harder to describe what I'm looking for. With other designers I've been happy with the look they've given us, but with Erin it's been different.

There's something about her work that's not only fantastic looking, it's the 'wow that's us' factor too. She understands who we are and what we're offering and communicates that perfectly for us. I don't know how she does it, it's like some kind of magic.

The posters were really eye catching. We had many people stopping to find out more. And also because they were simple and beautiful people stood there and read them."

Lisa Mandic
River Empowerment
Project: Trade Show Booth Posters

"Erin does fabulous and runs her business in a top notch excellent manner!! A definate asset to any company to hire!!"

Angela Rooker
Newsletter subscriber

"I asked Erin to develop a whole branding package for my new consulting business at the time: she provided logo, letterhead, business card, powerpoint template and website that were outstanding—she listened to what I was looking for, was patient with my indecision and rework and produced an absolutely top rate package at the end.

I have and will continue to recommend Erin as a first class marketing designer at a very reasonable rate"

Anton McBurnie
MAC-5 Consulting
Year first hired: 2003
Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative
See the project

I just wanted you to see this positive comment by Lee Reeder. If you ever need a reference from either of us, please let us know. Lee lives down by Lake Arrowhead and is building a large list of clients nationwide.

All seems to be running well. By the way, I think the Dream Host had everything up and running under 48 hours.

Best regards,

Betty Till

She's helped me with graphics I've needed as well as many other businesses with which I have either referred or worked.

Linda Lenore

Thank you so much! I'm awaiting my new business cards and have already used the new logo on some materials for a workshop I taught recently. Everyone commented on how attractive the logo is and how it relates to my new theme of the V3 — Total Image Program (Visual, Vocal, Verbal). Thank you so much — I'm very, very happy.

I'm still working on incorporating it into my website — that will come faster after I'm out of my IT career on September 2nd...

Dianne Daniels
Image and Color

I highly recommend Erin Ferree of elf design. I have referred her to a number of my clients (and myself too!) and she is fabulous. Not only is she talented, but she will push towards what will market you best.

Ed Correia
Sagacent Technologies, Inc.
Year first hired: 2006
See the project

I have to say...I really enjoy receiving the elf design newsletter each month and I really like the Not Just Pretty blog information...you really pack it full of great USEFUL information for any small business owner wanting to increase their business exposure.

Teresa Morrow
Newsletter subscriber

Erin's e-newletter is a valuable resource for me and my clients. Many of my clients are businesses that need new or more effective websites and collaterals. For those projects, I write, edit and proofread the copy or make recommendations for changes. It is very convenient to forward to them, or refer them to, Erin's newsletters and articles. They provide a backup and reference, in layman's terms, for better understanding the logic behind my work and recommendations and for their future self-made changes.

Some of your articles arrive serendipitously, for my current client's project!

Thank you for your well-written documentation of the world of branding and promotions.

Kathryn Smith
Newsletter subscriber
KAS Marketing
Year first hired: 2004

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, you are quicker than fast!

Paul Harmon
Volunteer
Wild Horse Sanctuary
See the project

I know I already said thanks, but just to make sure.... I was really stressed when discovering late last week that all my presentation information was due on 8/1. I knew I could just use a regular PowerPoint template, however was looking for that extra edge to give me more confidence with being on a "big time" speaker agenda.

I think that having the PPT format you put together for me not only added to my confidence, but inspired me as I was working on the presentation. I still love my "look" so much that it lifts my spirit even under extreme time pressures. I turned in all the required elements last night around 11 pm, feeling quite accomplished.

Thanks again for your willingness, help and great job as always.

Julie Merrill
Change Catalysts
See the project

Yeah! I got Contribute. Installed it. Made a change on the Thank you page for the scariest part two thing so they have to confirm their AWeber submission before they get Part Two. It worked like a charm. I love it. Even easier than Front Page.

I'm a happy camper!

Bill Metcalf
Fee Resistance. com
Year first hired: 2007
See the project

Dear Erin: While we have not yet completed my project, I want to thank you for the beautiful work you have done on my logo, business cards and web site. You and I come from different directions on this project — you are linear and I am .... well.....not. I am giving you colors, feeling and personality and you turn that into a web page. You have a high level of professionalism. By that I mean that you stay focused on the work, your ego doesn't get in the middle, you communicate in a productive way, you do what is necessary to please your customer, and you are extremely flexible. You are patient and just as concerned about details as I am. I have felt all along that this wonderful work was being accomplished through a partnership between us. I think that makes for work that feels good and looks great and is highly representative of my vision. Thanks!

Check out my website: http://www.shelleybond.com. This is the work of Erin Ferree of elf design.

I recommend her highly! She is easy to work with, even though I speak "artist-talk" and she speaks engineer-web-site. She's very collaborative. She's also redesigned my business cards -- and the logo on my cards and web site is her design. She is easy to deal with, customer focused, skilled at synthisizing my descriptions of who I am and what I like as an artist down to something coherent as a brand. Feel free to call me for specifics or more rave reviews on Erin --

Erin, you know, I REALLY love my website. Every time I look at it, it makes me happy. And it feels so ME. Thanks for being so good at what you do.

Shelley Bond
Jewelry Designer
Beadjoux
Year first hired: 2005
See the project

"I clicked on the link to your website — and YEOWZA! — is it fine! I'm not sure if you designed it by yourself or got help, but it is a really great website. Wonderful colors, easy to read — and better, to navigate. "

Karen S., a client of Shelley Bond's

"Erin Ferree is a design dream come true! Without fail, she is able to take the vision I have in my head and transform it into a design masterpiece. She turns projects on a dime and you can't beat the value she offers."

Kelly O'Neil
Business & Marketing Coach
UpLevel Strategies
Year first hired: 2004
See the project

I have worked with a lot of people in various capacities for a very long time, including as the director/coordinator of a large law school web project; rarely I have found someone this talented who did not have a mightier than thou attitude.

You were effective, gracious, generous with your time, extremely patient and willing to include my modifications in your work. During the card design, I was particularly demanding and asked for many modifications, your patience with my exigences was flawless.

Thank you so very much for putting your creativity to work for us.

One more question, will you be willing to be a member of our community, and later when it is well organized will you be willing to be the featured business woman of the month?

Monique Moore-Racine
Web Technology Consultant
Koumbite Webworks
Year first hired: 2005
See the project

What I love about working with Erin, is her efficiency with all details (start to finish) on a job. What makes her stand out is that her speed does not compromise her design. I also love that she is so competent with her skills and knowledge. She is able to hear what I want (and need) to express in my design needs and offer many examples and special touches to get the greatest impact. I recommend her to anyone who values high quality in both design and in service.

Laura Burkey
Professional Life/Business Coach
Laura Burkey Coaching
Year first hired: 2003
See the project

"Erin is at the top of her game. Having consulted with Erin on several occassions, she takes no short cuts with providing services for clients. She is extremely knowledgeable, creative, and professional. Best of all, I appreciate her laser-like, straightforward approach to getting small business owners what they need. I recommend Erin without reserve."

I especially want to acknowledge my sincere gratitude for all you have offered in advice and in posts and on your blog. Your information is invaluable and I have learned a great deal. I can't do all that I've learned from you but try as I might!!! If I counted every dollar for every hour I pussy-footed around changing my blog template- which still is sucky, not signing up for emailbrain sooner- trying to do it my way to save a few $$, and trying to do the amazon thing on my website — I could have bought a Lexus!!!

I am very grateful for the time and effort you take to respond to questions. You are truly, truly talented.

Maggie F. Keenan
givingadvice
Newsletter subscriber
Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative

"Erin is a master at creating company logos. A company logo is so much more than just a graphic element, and Erin guides you through the process so that the essence of your business is truly communicated. I am incredibly pleased with my logo, and I recommend her highly."

Karilee Wirthlin
KL Consulting
Project: Logo and business card design
See the project

"Erin is a super designer who understands her customers' needs better than anyone else I've worked with. I know that when I work with Erin I'll get not only the right solution, promptly, at a fair price, but also one that is sustainable. This is what sets her apart from her competitors. I've consulted Erin on a broad range of branding, design, and web site needs, and she's always come through promptly with a superb solution. You'll never regret your choice to work with Erin."

"I love elf design newsletter's quick, clear, incisive approach to business branding and differentiation. Reading it has helped me focus on what's most important right now."

Nancy Ross
Year first hired: 2007 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, On Time

Thanks. Looks good. Logo really looks clear. I know I tell you this all the time, but you really went above the "call of duty." I really appreciate all your work and your patience throughout this project — especially working with so many people and revisions.

Thanks again, I will contact you before the end of the week to discuss website and datasheets.

Have a good night.

Brian Lyau
LogiGear

Thank you for your terrific work on this logo development project. You clearly presented the process we'd use for working together, listened carefully for my preferences and business goals, and then offered logo design options that capture the spirit and identity of the business. I appreciate your willingness to explore and explain alternatives during the project and your clear communications. I'm sure we will partner on future projects and will eagerly recommend your services to others. Thanks again for making elf design an important partner to Wider Field.

Josh Malkofsky-Berger
Wider Field
See the project

For someone who can make a little go a long way (and is very competent and pleasant ), I recommend fellow WIC colleague Erin Ferree of elf design. I'm working with her on a project at the moment under the same constraints you indicate and am very satisfied/impressed.

Lucie Newcomb
B2B Global Marketing

A big thanks to you for your web site and the information you offer to others. It is most helpful to me. Thanks for caring enough to share yourself and your knowledge.

I am an executive coach and trainer in Homewood AL who has had difficulty deciding what and how to create a website. Your designs were very clear and specific. Because they are, I was able to 'inscribe my thoughts' inside a 'web box' (that's my name for it, anyway).

In addition, I was able to 'see' how to compose the home page while limiting my more lengthy discourse to specific described pages.

Kyle DeLoach
Newsletter subscriber

"Erin has done a terrific job of keeping my site fresh, clean and up-to-date. The best thing about working with Erin is how incredibly responsive she is. When we're working together, I know things will get done quickly and, more importantly, they'll get done correctly -- the first time!"

Katherine Gordon
Copykat
See the project

"Erin's commitment, energy and expertise are beyond compare. When presented with the complex task of placing hard-copy marketing material onto my website while preserving the graphic integrity, she delivered an exceptional website that clearly shows my firm's services and capabilities. And she did it all in four days!"

Michael Simpson
Thomas Dugan Partners
Project: Redesign and coding of a website
See the project

Bravo! to Erin L. Ferree of elf design. She has proven that excellent customer service and a job well done are alive and well! Her artistic eye is superb, her follow-up second to none, and her commitment to her customers impeccable. It was a pleasure working with Erin, and I am thrilled at the final product: on time, on budget, and everything looks fantastic! Thank you, Erin!

Erin provided me the ultimate in advertising services for a small start-up. From logo design, to letterhead, to t-shirts, to website design to a customized wheel cover for my Honda CR-V, Erin did it all! And, she always gave me top-notch quality at a very fair price.

Thank you elf design for providing me with everything I needed to get my small business going and for making me look as good as the 'big guys' !

Sandra Hare, MA
Ms. Clutter Buster
Organizing
See the project

But, I must say I'm very glad to hear that you enjoyed working with us. Sometimes I worried that we were being too demanding, so I'm glad to hear that you found it rewarding. You certainly did good work for us. I can't look at our business cards without breaking into a huge grin.

Jeff Combos
Exile Game Studios
See the project

I love reading the elf design Newsletter because its useful and plentiful information always has the audience at heart. It's clear from the genuine tone of the newsletter and the copy on Erin's web site that she truly wants her clients to succeed. And to go that extra personable mile, she ends it with a fabulous recipe. It adds the human touch — something missing from most e-newsletters I receive.

I bought your Standout eBook and thought it was terrific. In fact, it made my realize how much I disliked my own logo and needed to differentiate myself from other designers. So, I discovered my most important differentiator -- that I was "versatile" and redesigned it! Can't tell you how much better I feel...

Thanks, you're a great role model for designers around the world.

Julie Nardone
Newsletter subscriber

Erin's patience and creativity, coupled with the right amount of persistence, helped me through the process of creating the first logo and identity for a business that has been around for years. If you are serious about your business, this is one of the first steps you need to take. I would not hesitate to recommend elf design to anyone who is truly interested in improving the image of their business.

William Swackhamer, CPA
See the project

"I have had a very positive experience working with Erin Ferree at elf design. I love being listened to about my desires in design, and it is really exciting to see those expressed thoughts turn into an accurate representation of my business. I love the finished product and I have found the process to be easy and timely. Erin, I would enthusiastically recommend you to anyone!"

AJ Modesti
Serenity Chiropractic
See the project

"Working with elf design has been a positively enjoyable experience! When we originally met, I had my own ideas about the company logo that expressed my ideals. Erin listened and provided a focused set of logo ideas, which were quickly boiled down to the final design. I'm looking forward to her creativity on the Allied website!"

Eric J. Landtbom
Allied Engineering, Inc.
Project: Custom Marketing Package: Logo, business card, letterhead, mailing label, product sheet, car magnets

"Erin and I have just started working together on a project and she is not only a talented designer, but she is also lightening fast with her turn around time, and very reliable."

I found Erin Ferree of www.elf-design.com though a posting on this forum. She and I have only just begun a business relationship, (I want to be up front that I do not yet have a finished project) but I have been very impressed with Erin already. She's the only graphic designer I've ever worked with that actually has thought out a way to *really* work withh small businesses while respecting their budgets. She's also the only graphic designer I've ever worked with who is both talented and reliable--I've found most to be flaky, difficult, unable to meet deadlines--very frustrating people who make me want to tear my hair out.

Also--I think that Erin's other big strength is that she has educated herself about marketing--she understands how graphic design and logos fit into the bigger picture, and thus she is very "real" when it comes to thinking about the ultimate effect her designs will achieve.

By the way, Erin Ferree's comments (which I read *after* I posted my own comments) are probably something to really pay attention to as she *is* a graphic designer. (In fact, I'm hiring her for my own project). While I still like "the overlapping palm tree 'W' sitting on an island" as well as the life-preserver, if Erin says it is something to pay close attention to regarding the scalability, then I would really listen to her. My experiences with Erin thus far is that she is very knowledgable and really tries very hard to watch out for her clients and save them money by avoiding design solutions that might look good now--but wind up not being as flexible in the future.

Cynthia Kron
Interior Designer

I second Erin! She and I work for the same client and she does wonderful work. She works very quickly and has often gone above and beyond for this client. Please check her out!

Shannon Cherry

I wanted to thank you for the outstanding work you've done for me in the past year. I think we're up to a total of 5 web sites and 3 logos now, since we've redone the Expansion Consulting web site twice.

I've been very happy with the logos you developed for me. They definitely reflect the image I've tried to give to each company — and the companies are very different from each other.

I also am very happy with the web sites we've put together. They are functional, quick to load and nice to look at, and I regularly receive compliments from visitors on their professionalism and ease of use.

I look forward to more projects in the future!

Carol Woods
Expansion Consulting

"Working with Erin made completing our website painless! She stepped in and rescued our "plain vanilla" site and turned it into an easy to navigate and clean destination for our potential clients. We are a new consulting firm with very few resources and no "technical" background. She was flexible, patiently answered our questions and was able to translate our direction into a great website while working within our budget and extremely tight schedule."

"Erin is a pleasure to work with. She gets it right the first time, within budget and time frame. And the work is great. I would use Erin for all my website and graphic work."

Pamela South and Nancy Katz
L.O.L. Partners
Project: Website redesign and business card design.

I have been really impressed with your site ever since I first found it a couple of months ago. You seem to really know what you're talking about and have a genuine desire to help people in their businesses.

Allison Chambers
Newsletter subscriber

Kathie Smith, who rode with me to the WIC meeting a week ago gave me her new business card, AND, she showed me her new letterhead. All of which you created.

The package just completely "matched" Kathie. Considering that she uses her KAS, which really reveals nothing about her business, other than her "marketing," you captured the personal essence of her. Her rather relaxed style, the colors of her clothes. Kathie tells me she won your donated bid from the Silent Auction.

I send you my recommendations for a talented woman and graphic artist, Erin Ferree, also a WIC member, who creates Web sites. I have know Erin for several years, and I have copyedited and proofread many pages for HER Web site,

I highly recommend Erin. She is highly versed in her craft; and her many creative suggestions come from the angle of using graphics to interpret a person's brand identity.

Carol Iverson

"Not only does elf design do top-notch work, but the work has always been delivered sooner than the eminently reasonable promised dates I was given. Normally I would consider logo design for a new venture to be a tedious chore, but with elf design I had a blast getting two logos designed for me!"

Rob Kaye
Music Brainz

Just letting you know I really like your website and your work. Plus I like how you use "elf" (a nick of mine).

Just a note to say "well done"... and, don't ask how, 'cause I'm not even sure which part did it, but your site fills me with hope and a renewed invigoration.

Lorac Black

Erin is extremely responsive. Often times we felt like we were her only client, despite the fact that she is juggling a full client load. In general we are a pretty difficult client to work for. On our last project, we put Erin through over 20 revisions because we weren't sure what we wantedm or liked. Unfortunately, the only way for us to figure that out was through trial and error. Erin was patient with all of our requests and with each revision offered us several different options.

Erin has always respected our deadlines and almost always delivers her projects ahead of schedule. She's proactive and let's us know ahead of time when she's out of the office or unavailable. I think there's also been occasions when she's had to work an evening or weekend to make our deadline, and she never hesitated.

We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. We have hundreds of clients that use our software application and have received only positive feedback about the graphical and UI changes.

Over the last 3 years I have worked with several graphic designers and never been completely satisfied. It isn't often that you can find someone who is technically and artistically talented AND can work efficiently and reliably. mI can honestly say that Erin met all of the criteria.

Jen Fray
Sonic Recruit

Thank you, Erin, for creating a logo, business card, and stationery system for KAS MARKETING. I wanted a professional look, while conveying the idea that I provide collaborative, creative, effective solutions for my clients. You were successful in achieving that message. Now, people tell me that my materials "look like me," and I am proud to show them off. Your well organized process--including the questionnaire and emailed information exchanges--made this very easy for me. You did all the work, I simply made the selections. I would highly recommend your services to anyone.

Kathryn Smith
KAS Marketing
Project: Logo and Stationery Set

"Erin took my disparate thoughts and pulled them together into a professional, elegant, colorful website that integrates the cultural and fun aspects of my company image while conveying its marketing message. I am very happy with my site. Erin is patient, professional, talented and fast."

Gaye Freedman
Global Education Projects
Project: Design and development of website
See the project

"Erin was a joy to work with when she prepared our presentation. She didn't mind multiple passes as we refined the content, and was able to take vague ideas and turn them into polished product (e.g. adding photos). And, we were able to work entirely via email which was extremely efficient for everyone involved."

Cynthia Typaldos
SPM eGroup
Project: PowerPoint template design

Erin at elf design has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She has skillfully crafted our company logo, stationery design and website for our Custom Marketing Package with professional care, creativity and patience. elf design also worked within our budget, and provided all services within the time frame we required.

Erin's designs have enabled our small company to present a professional corporate image, and to compete in an international market. We will certainly work with Erin and elf design again.

Denise C. Reilly, President
Reilly Group Travel, Inc.
Project: Custom Marketing Package: Logo, Stationery Set and Website Design
See the project

Erin Ferree created a logo and two fliers for our program, Jumpstart, which is run through the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula's Teen Women Entrepreneur Program in Palo Alto, California. She was extremely professional throughout the project and has been very helpful on smaller projects that have come up since the completion of the logo and two fliers.

She has solid design ideas and would be an asset to any communications project.

Ellen H. Scheetz
Director, Teen Women Entrepreneur Program (Jumpstart and Sisters For Success)
YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula

I just wanted to thank you for the really excellent work you did on our logo recently. Transitioning from one corporate identity to another in a short period of time was a stressful event for us, but your handling of the logo made that aspect of it a complete breeze.

I was extremely impressed by the speed with which you were able to come up with such a wide variety of designs, even after we took one design all the way to finishing and then asked for a whole second round of designs as well.

The high level of professionalism with which you handled all stages of the process, and your thorough understanding of all the elements in those stages, gave us terrific security in relying on your suggestions and output. I think your finished product stands for itself, as it simply, elegantly, and boldly conveys all the elements of our identity that we hoped to express. Thanks again for a job well done!

Jonathan Michaelson
Equilar Technologies Corp.

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