“May the work that you have be the play that you love.”

I first saw that quote years ago and it has unconsciously and consciously become my motto. I’m one of the lucky ones who likes what they do. I like the challenges clients bring to me. I like the creativity. I like to play with different designs and colors and fonts. I like it when my clients like what I do for them.

Welcome to my site and some samples of my work. I have been a graphic designer since I graduated from college lo those many years ago. I have been fortunate to work with a terrific group of clients from a wide range of industries: restaurant, retail, wine, music, education, services. They have been small startups and larger established enterprises.

My background includes working in-house for design and advertising agencies as well as working totally independently. I work with marketing departments and for some clients I become their marketing person. I have seen the graphic design world explode from the wax and Xacto days to where we are now, which gives me the understanding and experience to handle most challenges. I have found a superb network of outside vendors to support my efforts and they consistently make me look good!

I offer a full range of freelance design and production services. I look forward to new projects and working with new interesting people who like what they do as much as I like what I do. I hope to hear from you!

Experience

1984 to Present
After moving from Jacksonville, FL to Cape Cod, I have been exclusively a freelance designer with a wide range of clients. As a one-woman band, I am responsible for developing relationships with my clients, understanding their company's needs, conceptualizing and presenting solutions, producing all visuals, keeping my prices and those of outside vendors in line, working with and overseeing printing. I pride myself on meeting a client's needs while working within their budget. My skills include proficiency in Quark Express, InDesign, Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat. I write a limited amount of copy for clients as well as some illustration when necessary. In 1988 I was the first woman to win the Massachusetts State Duck Stamp competition with my illustration of a brant goose decoy. 

1982-1984
Part-time designer with Stinson and Partners Advertising Agency in Jacksonville, FL. Worked directly with owner of company as well as their full time designer on various projects from printed pieces to advertisements. Created hand drawn line illustrations for catalog client; created final mechanical camera ready art; specified type for outside typesetters; worked in studio dark room. Worked at S&P during two off-seasons during the time my husband played baseball professionally.

1980-1982
Artist for Channel 17, a small ABC-TV affiliate in Jacksonville, FL. As the only person in their art department I was responsible for everything visual the station needed, for both commercial advertisers and the newsroom. This was long before computers were part of the design studio. I was responsible for creating promo slides for TV programs; doing product shots for clients in studio; doing on-site photo shoots for commercial clients; processing all still film and preparing slides; producing all ads for local newspapers; attending local trials and doing courtroom drawings; procuring all supplies necessary to run the studio. I worked for the station for two years, during the time my husband and I were not on the road pursuing his professional baseball career. The station held my job for me each year.

Education

As a California girl, I grew up in the Golden State and attended Fresno State University where I graduated cum laude with a degree in Communication Design. Of course this was before the Computer Age so what I learned then was not only hands-on, but priceless. My strengths proved to be typography and illustration.

Services and Skills

As a freelance designer, a veritable one-woman band, I have become proficient on whichever tool in my arsenal does the best job: QuarkExpress, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Freehand. I also depend greatly on my old habits... the sketch pad and pencil. My clients have learned to 'read' my rough sketches, and somehow, they convey the message. I still find doodling on clients' projects gets the creative juices flowing. Once we are happy with a concept I return to my computer and begin production. In short, I handle all aspects of your job, from concept through production through the pricing processes with outside vendors to overseeing the completion at the printer. I'm a bit of a stickler for details and fortunately, I have found vendors who are too. I also am happy to do a simple photo shoot in a pinch, but if it's something elaborate, I beg off and go to a real pro. I do believe in knowing one's limitations!

I think you'll find the whole process comfortable and accessible. Like I said before, I like to like what I do and I want my client to not only like the end result but enjoy the process.

What My Clients Say

• “The creativity and professionalism that Lou brings to each project is unparalleled. In addition to all of this, she is a lot of fun to work with.” Judy Walden Scarafile
  President
  Cape Cod Baseball League
• “Working with Lou Barnicle Graphic Design takes all the guess work out of the creative process. You give her the germ of an idea and she runs with it, and in return you get great looking ads that drive your business.” Melinda S. Gallant
  Property Manager
  C. Talanian Realty Co., Inc.
  Mashpee and Boston
• “Lou was fabulous to work with; she went above and beyond on a number of projects with us… we found her to be very personable, flexible, knowledgeable and talented at her craft.  I would recommend Lou Barnicle Graphic Design to any agency that desires professionalism and perfection.”Deanna Bussiere
  Events Coordinator
  Resource Development Department
  Housing Assistance Corporation
  Hyannis, MA
• “The rest of our event always comes together so nicely after we get Lou's invitation draft because she captures the design so perfectly and creatively that her work serves as our best starting off point.  Not to mention that she hits the target with our attendees.  We wouldn't want to design without her!”  Laurie Wyndham
  Cape Cod Academy
  Osterville, MA