Karen Kardan
I'm a Los Angeles–based designer working remotely with clients everywhere, specializing in print and digital design as well as licensing production—from approvals through vendor coordination to final assets. Let's connect!
Why do I love being a designer? I get to be an artist and storyteller as well as a detective, psychologist, catalyst, and troubleshooter...sometimes all before lunch! I am passionate about helping clients of all sizes achieve their business, marketing, and sales objectives through innovative, grounded, results-driven design.
What are my areas of expertise? Having worked long-term in-house and as a design studio owner, I am well-established in print, digital and licensing production, serving a wide range of clients in entertainment, corporate, education, and nonprofit.
What are a few unique talents I bring to the game? With a true collaborative spirit and the ability to listen deeply, I am able to distill clients’ goals, respond to and visually translate their creative voice and vision, and deliver an authentic and effective final product.
What are my design passions these days? Sustainability, waste reduction, and rethinking packaging materials and formats. I'm also interested in creative approaches to product ingredients and responsible sourcing. I occasionally volunteer with Surfrider and Climb for Air—two organizations whose work I value and hope to support more over time.
What are some of my favorite creative accomplishments? Award-winning Kona Natural Soap Company branding; Patrons quarterly magazine for Torrance Memorial Hospital; TreePeople urban forestry campaigns; and product, packaging, and brand development for Walt Disney Consumer Products. I have also enjoyed collaborating with licensees on several successful co-branded initiatives for MGA Entertainment.
What do I do in those precious moments when I’m not glued to my Mac? Crafting beaded jewelry, attempting to garden (with mixed results), laughing at sketch comedy, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, dancing at the Soyara, relaxed entertaining, and losing myself in the latest New Yorker or a juicy TV drama.
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