I left my agency job to work directly with people who believe in labors of love and making a difference in their worlds.

Independence and entrepreneurialism run deep in my veins. Nothing excites me more than challenge and shaking up the status quo. Since going freelance in 2016, I’ve had the privilege of working with more than 75 different companies. Working in side-by-side partnership with my clients, we’ve established brands, launched products, raised money, connected people, made money, told stories and added value to bottom lines. 

Who I work with:

I work with brands hungry for a strategic design partner. Some haven't launched yet, others have been around for decades, and many are somewhere in between. My clients have big goals and need help visually articulating the essence of their mission. Working together, we end up with a final product that’s more than just a pretty design – it’s meaningful and it works.

What I do:

Branding: Identity, Logo Design, Brand Systems, Brand Strategy Consulting

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Packaging, Marketing Collateral, Layout & Publications, Infographics

Digital: Web Design, eCommerce, App Design, Content Strategy, ADA Compliant Design

Creative Direction: Art Direction for Product + Lifestyle Photography, Photo Styling, Coordinating creative work between client and other creatives (photography, videography, writing and so on)

Illustration: Branded Illustrations, Editorial Illustrations, Spot Illustrations, Commercial Art, Murals

Let's get to the bottom line:

With my clients, I’m all in. If you believe in what you’re building and looking for a go-to creative partner, let’s talk.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Elena on a few projects. A friend referred Elena in 2018 after a successful brand launch with her, and I can now corroborate that she is talented, professional, timely, and an absolute joy to work with. Elena has helped me to create a brand identity for a mission-driven wellness concept, and she launched my professional website. I have in turn recommended her for a product launch for a brand I'm advising, and the founder is thrilled with her work on that as well. So, if you like talented, kind people who listen well and actually deliver what they say they will, then go with Elena! You won't regret it!"

– Mia Davis: Director of Environmental & Social Responsibility at Credo Beauty

Other things worth mentioning:

In 2018, I co-founded Busby Potter, a freelance design and development firm.

We offer full-service brand development and digital experiences, blending strategy, creativity, and technology to build brands that win hearts and minds – without the agency overhead and baggage.

Chicago Co-Working Community

I organize a weekly co-working group, building community among self-employed, work-from-home and haven't-interacted-with-another-human-in-days folks.

Speaking & Teaching

Excited? Me too.