My start in design came while I was studying journalism at Northwestern University in the late '90s. It wasn't long before I discovered that I enjoyed designing stories more than writing them, so while I completed my degree I spent my spare time learning graphic design through on-campus publications and internships. This experience helped me land a Design Editor position after graduation at a publishing company in Chicago.
After three years designing two monthly trade magazines, writing a monthly column (which I still author today), and learning about website design and programming, I left the publishing company and moved to Toronto with my wife in 2002. Under the moniker of "Ink Stain Design," I took my new web design skills and my client roster of two and set out on my own as a freelance web designer.
Sixteen years later, Ink Stain is a flourishing business with clients throughout North America and Europe. A big reason for this success is that I've been able to create a truly one-stop resource for marketing by utilizing all of the different skills I learned while I was getting started. Not many designers get a chance to gain experience in both print and web design, and even fewer learn web programming. Usually only large firms provide all of these services, and even then not many also have a professional writer on hand who can assist with content development, copy editing and proof reading.
The other unique aspect of Ink Stain Design is its size. While I have a small team of assistants, I am still the owner, head designer, head programmer, project manager, accountant, and custodian. Clients appreciate knowing that when they call with a question, they're talking to the person who's actually doing the work. Being a small company also allows me the luxury to pick and choose the projects that I want to work on, so I'm never too busy to give my full attention to any commitment I take on. And because of my modest overhead, I'm able to keep my prices very reasonable.
If you'd like to discuss whether Ink Stain is a good fit for your project, please contact us or fill out a free, no-obligation estimate request. You've got nothing to lose, and only great design to gain!
David Matthews
Owner & Principal Designer