Hi! I’m Colleen.

I’m a graphic designer and business owner based just outside of Dallas, Texas, specializing in brand identity, creative marketing design, and Squarespace website design.

I grew up on a fourth-generation farm in central Kansas, where consistency, discipline, and long-term thinking weren’t optional—they were the foundation. That environment shaped how I approach business today: build it right, make it last, and don’t cut corners.

I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications (Graphic Design emphasis) from the University of Kansas, where I was trained to research deeply and ask the right questions—skills that continue to define how I approach brand identity work. Strong design is not just visual—it’s informed, intentional, and built on clarity.

Before starting my own business in 2013, I spent a decade working within established brand systems for companies including Hallmark Cards, Walmart, Frito-Lay, Susan G. Komen Foundation, AT&T, Bacardi, and the Texas Lottery, as well as a range of nonprofit organizations. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how to maintain brand consistency while producing effective, high-quality creative across a variety of platforms.

Since then, my work has expanded beyond design into full-scale marketing execution. In my current role within a manufacturing company, I lead marketing as a one-person function—overseeing trade show strategy and logistics, coordinating website development and content, implementing CRM systems to support sales, and creating structured marketing processes where none previously existed.

I understand how marketing needs to function inside real businesses—especially in industries where it’s often undervalued or misunderstood. I also understand the gap between simply “having a brand” and having one that is clear, cohesive, and aligned with growth.

That’s where I do my best work.

I partner with business owners and teams who recognize that design is not decoration—it’s a core part of how their company is perceived, trusted, and chosen. My role is to develop the right visual and marketing systems to support that—whether that’s a brand identity, a website, or a broader creative marketing strategy.

I’ve worked with clients of all sizes, and I bring the same level of thoughtfulness and structure to every project. It’s about finding the right solution for the right business—and building a foundation that attracts the right customers.

I’m not focused on volume or quick-turn work. I work with clients who are ready to invest in doing things well—those who value strong communication, strategic thinking, and a brand that reflects the level they operate at.

If you’re looking to create a brand identity or marketing system that promotes growth and brings clarity to your business, we’ll work well together.

You can also follow along on Instagram or sign up for my newsletter for insights and tools focused on building stronger brands through visuals and strategy.

Experience

TPI - Telecom Products, Inc.  |  Garland, TX
Director of Brand Marketing
2020 - Present

University North Texas  |  Denton, TX
Marketing Graphic Designer
2020 - 2021

Colleen Hartley Creative, LLC  |  Prosper, TX
Designer & Creative Director
2013 - Present

The Marketing Arm  |  Dallas, TX
Associate Creative Director
2012 - 2013

Hallmark Cards, Inc.  |  Kansas City, MO
Graphic Designer III
2006 - 2012

Cerner Corporation  |  Kansas City, MO
Graphic Designer
2004 - 2006

More About Me

I was raised on a farm in central Kansas, where creativity started early—drawing and building ideas long before I understood what design was. That foundation still shapes how I work today: thoughtful, observant, and grounded in purpose.

At the core of my work is a simple goal—to help entrepreneurs present what they’ve built in a way that reflects its true value. When a brand is clear and well-executed, it doesn’t just look better—it creates momentum, attracts the right clients, and supports real growth.

I’m especially drawn to working with business owners who are ready to move forward with clarity and intention—those who understand that how they show up visually matters.

Outside of work, I’m a mom of two daughters based in Prosper, Texas. Life is full, and most days include some combination of music in the kitchen, quick moments behind the camera, and an appreciation for the small details that often inspire my work.

I’m continually inspired by:

• The role of color in shaping perception

• Capturing everyday moments through photography

• Collaborating with people across different industries and perspectives

• Thoughtful, well-crafted design in all forms

• The balance between structure, creativity, and real life