CREATIVE SERVICES

I offer visual solutions to a national client base providing creative, eye-catching statements that complete a company’s mission and vision. My experience includes corporate, small businesses, nonprofits, start-ups, and individual artists and consultants. Chocolate Peanut provides creative services for small businesses and nonprofits, especially in the pet-related field.

In 2018, when social media started showing up in the form of followers, likes, and eventually clients for Chocolate Peanut, I created branding inspired by my little Betty the frenchie—logo, business cards, postcards, and flyers. My studio is painted a cool, comforting grey, which inspired my color palette. Participating in the Providence Flea markets beginning in 2019 led to the creation of booth materials—table signage and runner, a banner, and more. I integrated my brand and my grey color scheme throughout, from a small handheld card to a large display. The website was revamped completely in 2019, and I continue to update with new apparel and market dates. This “side hustle” was beginning to feel like a full-time job…a labor of love and hopefully with your support will become just that.

The original logo was a gestural drawing of my chocolate lab Zoey back in 1990, a side view of her sitting in front of me with the ball at her feet looking at me impatiently, waiting for me to pick up the ball and throw it for her to run after and bring back to me. She would sit there, pick it up with her mouth, drop it, whine in frustration, pick it up it up, drop it, on repeat. It was hilarious…I digress.

My services include branding with all the accompanying parts—business cards, brochures, marketing materials, apparel, booth presence…everything that a business owner can offer standing at a market or trade show in an effort to communicate their company’s mission and vision.

Please let me know how I can help your business.

“Renee provides a full range of creative solutions to businesses locally and nationally—bringing skill, experience, and a unique flair to your design and photography needs. Creative services include branding, print collateral, trade show and market presence, and social media design.”

Originally from North Carolina, I live in Rhode Island where lobster rolls are the new barbecue sandwich. I’m a graphic designer and photographer offering creative solutions for clients in health care, education, publishing, travel and recreation, consultants, a farm-to-table restaurant, individual artists, and solopreneurs. I received a degree in graphic design from North Carolina State University School of Design with an emphasis on photography. I have taken continuing education courses in light painting photography, photographic lighting, framing, and printmaking at The Maryland Institute College of Art, The University of California at San Diego, San Diego State University, and The Rhode Island School of Design respectively.

I began my career in graphic design as a freelancer for a public television affiliate in Washington DC in 1990 where my foundation in computer graphics began before joining the team at KPMG, and international consulting/accounting firm, providing print collateral and multimedia support throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Eventually, I moved to San Diego and joined the team at an internet marketing agency producing websites for film, sports, and the entertainment industry. I designed UIs for boutique, custom websites before WordPress/CMS sites became the norm.

In 2000, I published a photodocumentary on animal-assisted therapy titled “You Have A Visitor” traveling across the country visiting assisted-living facilities, hospitals, and other locations documenting the human/animal connection. I was fortunate to continue my travels across the country on a book tour appearing on television and radio.

In 2002, I moved to Southern New England, my freelance career expanded to a national client base including the San Diego Zoo designing brochures and educational curriculums, Atlantis Resort/Bahamas designing brochures, curriculums, infographics, and maps, including a coffee table book documenting the rescue and re-homing of the Katrina dolphins, and Hartz Mountain designing a map based on the Atlantis version. I was fortunate to travel to China to oversee the printing of the Katrina Dolphins book. I also took on local small businesses including the area Chamber of Commerce and many other local businesses. I eventually offered freelance design and photography for over a decade at a health care company providing annual reports, brochures, logos, infographics, banner ads, newsletters, and editorial photography.

I have enjoyed many years of photographing informal family portraits, pets, events, small weddings, individual and group shots in work settings, interiors, nature, and food. I have always incorporated my photography into my design work whenever possible.

SERVICES INCLUDE:
A few examples coming soon!

BRANDING: Memorable logos, companion print pieces, and more.

BROCHURES: A handful of inviting handouts to hold onto.

BOOKLETS: From marketing tools to educational guides.

CURRICULUMS: Workbooks for kids visiting zoos and aquariums.

ANNUAL REPORTS: Making financials look better than ever.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Product shots, editorial, special events, portraits.

MAPS: Information graphics at its best.

INFOGRAPHICS: Charts and diagrams that are next-level fun.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Eye-catching stories and post ideas.