I founded Amy Charlson Design in 2000 after starting my career at Chicago-area design firms and corporate and institutional design departments, including Liska & Associates, Continental Bank, and Northwestern University.

My process combines curiosity and intuition with sharp design thinking, project management, and precise craft. I build long-lasting relationships and rely on partnership in all phases of my work—great rapport and trust lead to smart, exciting work. This multifaceted approach supports my commitment to achieving client goals with quality, purpose, and originality.

I hold a BFA from the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art and Design and am a member of AIGA, the professional association for design. Outside of work, you’ll find me mentoring designers, running and hiking, gardening, and creating prints and collages in the studio.

 

Methodology

  • Each project, big or small, begins with a conversation. I listen carefully to my client’s story and needs, working to develop a nuanced representation of their vision. Together, we begin collaborating on how design might help them achieve their goals. After determining the best strategy, I formulate a proposal.

  • Next, we create a design and production schedule. If the project requires more than just design, I work with my network of writers, strategists, and web developers to build the right team for the project. I coordinate with printers and specialty vendors to investigate products and printing options.

  • I begin the design development process, collaborating with clients along the way. I share progress regularly to ensure the direction follows vision and strategic goals.

  • We collaborate on iterations. Once a client is satisfied with the design solution, I coordinate production, shepherding proofs and ensuring production stays on deadline.

  • The product is delivered on budget and on time. We take a moment to celebrate, then begin strategizing on the next project.

 

Clients

Alan Berlow Realtor/Broker
American Library Association
Ascend HIT
Barrington Area Conservation Trust
Barrington Concours d’Elegance
Barrington United Methodist Church
Broad Street Home Care
Charlson Braber McCabe & Denmark, Attorneys
Chicago Jewish Day School
CloutLab
Clutch Legal Staffing
College of Lake County
Congregation B’nai Tikvah
Congregation Rodfei Zedek
Consero
Crimson Design & Construction
Deerfield Park District
Expedited Trans
Glamox
Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf
HL Strategy
Jeremy Lew & Associates
Keyt Consulting
Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion
M. Calibrate
MA Interactive
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University
Northwestern Community Ensemble

Northwestern University Center for Water Research
Northwestern University Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies
Northwestern University Department of Corporate Engagement
Northwestern University Hillel
Northwestern University School of Communication
Northwestern University Institute for Sustainability and Energy
Northwestern University Israel Innovation Project
Northwestern University Center for Talent Development
Northwestern University Institute for Policy Research
Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Park District of Highland Park
Physicians for Weight Loss
The University of Chicago Pozen Family Center for Human Rights
Schuler Scholar Program
Sunshine Charitable Foundation
SVARA
Tannenholz & Associates, PLLC
Tenneco, Inc.
Tesserae Communications LLC
The Ark
The Kristin Linnae Skvarla Foundation
The Mordecai M. Kaplan Center for Jewish Peoplehood
The University of Chicago Divinity School
TLP
University of Virginia School of Law
Village of Deerfield
West Deerfield Township
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.