I spent several years as a freelance designer for the Hallmark team, Hallmark Business Connections. HBC works with clients (like Edward Jones) to give them a branded, yet authentically Hallmark card. A fast-paced work process that begins with ideation using Hallmark assets, and continues with a concept into a final design. I worked with the HBC team and clients to create a card that helps the businesses and organizations connect with customers.

©Hallmark Business Connections

I created three different fabric collections for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. When creating a collection of patterns there needs to be a variety of sizes, from small prints that can blend in, to larger scale prints that make an impact. I also sewed projects, from quilts to accessories to showcase how the fabrics could be used.

A collection of self-published patterns that are for sale in my Etsy shop. I design the quilts and sewn goods, write the directions for the patterns, draw the how-to illustrations, take the photos and design the layout of the pattern. I really enjoy getting to work on all the different parts of the pattern, and love seeing what other people make with my patterns.

A collection of product concepts for the company DanDee as a freelance designer. I was able to create a lot of hand lettering and also work with type to create unique designs for a variety of holidays.

Worked with Em Thompson of Southern Design Bee to design booth signs for the Savannah Christmas Market. Pulled a group of fonts together to fit the market theme and adjusted the type to best fit the shape and make it feel unique.

A collection of freelance work for Hallmark Cards, including work for a variety of holiday greeting cards and the ornaments team. Along with the design; card format, processes like foil, and attachments are part of the creative problem solving for greeting cards. This work shows a strong use of typography and hand lettering and design skills. While some of the illustrations I created, most of the designs incorporate existing Hallmark illustration and photography. All editorial is from Hallmark writers and editors.

©Hallmark Cards

While working at Hallmark, I participated in a creative renewal program, that allowed us to spend up to 5 days trying and learning new things. This year, I chose to spend my time designing a puzzle. Why a puzzle? Well one, I love puzzles (I love the conversations that happen during puzzle time, the concentration of finding the right piece and how you work together to put the pieces together). I also wanted to use the laser machine, and I thought it would be a fun challenge to design.

The design is inspired by a magical trip to the Sea Life Aquarium in Crown Center with my son. Weston loved looking at all the fish, and even though he was scared at first, he touched a star fish in the rockpool, and the octopus that day was moving all around the tank acting all cool. It was such a great memory of us hanging out together.

Sea Life Adventure Puzzle
433 Pieces
20" x 20"

While on the Hallmark Home & Gifts team, I worked on a wide range of products - from physical product design to applying lettering and typography to home decor and gift items.

©Hallmark Home & Gifts

Lettering for a variety of baby products, including quilts, crib sheets and phrase props for taking photos of your baby's first year.

©Hallmark Home & Gifts

Bright Box helps people send mail that is fun and meaningful, whether you need to send a little sunshine or recognize a celebration. Each concept comes with small giftable items, a designed box for shipping, and labels and stickers to make it personal. Everything in the box is thoughtful and has a second purpose.

Concept & Design: Katie Larson & Em Thompson
©Hallmark Cards - CONCEPT ONLY

These cards were part of a collection that used song lyrics for the cover editorial. I designed the original concepts for "How sweet..." and "You put the lime..." and did the hand lettering for these four cards.
©Hallmark Cards

Designers: Mandy McKinney, Colin Walsh, Hannah Carey & Rachel Ignotofsky

Of my 11 years at Hallmark, I spent the first 7 in the Lettering Studio. This was a great opportunity to learn from Lettering Artists and Designers, and get to work on a variety of product and card lines. 

I mostly worked with typography and hand lettering during my time in the Lettering Studio, and collaborated with designers and illustrators. There are many people involved in the making of a card! I completed the hand lettering on these, while a variety of writers, designers and illustrators also brought their own talents to the final design of the card.

I loved collaborating and working together with other creatives at Hallmark, and getting to integrate hand lettering and type into a wide range of greeting cards.

©Hallmark Cards