CASE STUDIES

Designing Success: Case Studies That Tell the Story

Every company has unique goals, challenges, and stories to tell—and I’m here to help bring them to life. I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of businesses, from startups to established brands, tailoring my creative process to align with their specific budgets and timelines. Whether it’s designing impactful packaging, crafting cohesive brand identities, or developing standout marketing materials, I collaborate closely with clients to deliver strategic, results-driven designs that exceed expectations. Explore the case studies below to see how thoughtful design can elevate a brand and achieve measurable success.

Celebrating
40 Sweet Years

MICHELE FOODS'
COMMEMORATIVE GIFT BOX

Michele Foods’ Unique Packaging Challenge

Michele Foods, renowned for its gourmet syrups, aimed to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a limited-edition commemorative gift box. The goal was to design packaging that honored the brand’s legacy while telling its rich story. The box needed to include two signature syrups, a newly developed waffle mix, and a recipe book showcasing the syrups’ versatility. Unlike traditional retail packaging, this gift box was intended for sale on Michele Foods’ website and as a premium marketing piece to engage key stakeholders and elevate brand awareness.

The Creative Blueprint:
Research and Mood Boarding

To bring this vision to life, I began by researching Michele Foods’ history, brand identity, and target audience. I developed a mood board for inspiration, exploring colors, fonts, textures, photography styles and packaging ideas, ensuring they aligned with the brand’s essence.

Creative Concepts:
Sketching a Family Story

I began by sketching preliminary concepts, exploring various layouts, typography, decorative elements, and textures. My goal was to visually honor the brand’s remarkable history, which is rooted in a cherished recipe handed down from Michele’s great-great-great-grandmother, a formerly enslaved woman.

Preliminary Designs:
Blending History and Nature in Every Detail

From there, I presented multiple design iterations to Michele. To bring this story to life, I incorporated vintage-inspired elements, including heirloom photographs, to evoke a sense of legacy and authenticity. I also integrated beautiful product photography to showcase the syrups in an enticing way, alongside natural motifs like pecans and maple trees to highlight the key flavors of the products.

Commemorative Packaging
That Boosts Brand Presence

The 40th Anniversary Commemorative Gift Box captured Michele Foods’ rich legacy, serving as both a meaningful celebration of the brand’s history and an effective marketing tool to boost awareness. The client was thrilled with the final result, praising how it honored their story while showcasing the products in an elegant and memorable way. The project also received industry recognition, earning the Graphic Design USA 2024 American Package Design Award for its thoughtful and impactful design.

The Michele Foods commemorative packaging demonstrates how strategic design can celebrate a brand’s history while setting the stage for its future growth.

Ready to Turn Challenges into Results?

LET’S CREATE YOUR NEXT SUCCESS STORY TOGETHER.

  • Madison has relied on Susan as our trusted go-to designer for brand work since launching our business. We are always impressed with her creativity, technical skill, efficiency and professionalism. She does amazing work and can turn complex ideas into compelling designs that truly resonate. Beyond all this, she has a great sense of humor and is incredibly flexible, making collaboration a truly enjoyable experience.

    JULIE COURTNEY - Founder, Madison Design

  • Working with Susan Young on a complex packaging project was an absolute pleasure. Her meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and expertise ensured a seamless process, resulting in a stunning custom gift box with specialty die-cuts. Susan’s ability to manage every aspect of the project and bring in top-tier collaborators when needed makes her an exceptional creative partner.

    MELISSA ASKREN - Account Executive, Buckeye Corrugated, Inc.

  • I've had the pleasure of working with Susan for nearly 18 years, and I can't imagine partnering with anyone else. She’s incredibly creative, quick, thorough, and always delivers outstanding designs. Susan has become an essential extension of our team, consistently going above and beyond—even under tight deadlines. Clients rave about her polished designs, dedication, and ability to make the impossible happen.

    BECKY CAVANAUGH - Program Director, Cadent/Syneos Health

  • I have had the benefit of Susan's insight, talent and experience on several different projects. I am always surprised by the the number of design options that she prepares for me to review, but never surprised by how hard it is to choose from among them. She is open to collaboration and feedback and I look forward to those opportunities when I can include her in a project.

    JASON SAUER - Bam! Pow! Software Solutions, LLC

  • I would highly recommend Susan to anyone looking for a fresh new look for their marketing material. I have worked with Susan for multiple years and every project she knocks it out of the park. She has helped us with numerous product brochures, trade show booths, and digital presentations. Susan is a pleasure to work with, and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!

    DERRICK LAMBDIN - Marketing Director, Unlimited Systems

  • Susan is an excellent designer, and I highly recommend her. I have worked with her on multiple projects, and I'm never disappointed with the outcome. If you have a vision in mind of what you are looking for, Susan does an amazing job of bringing it to life. If you aren't sure what you want and need creative direction, Susan has a great ability to suggest options and create designs that are engaging and beautiful.

    MONICA SCALF - Founder, The Work Well Group

  • Susan is a truly gifted designer. Her creativity and attention to detail cannot be matched. In addition, Susan is a smart business owner who delivers products and services on time. She is extremely knowledgeable of the latest trends and stays current in all aspects of technology that affect design work. I can assure you she will exceed your expectations and help to take your business to the next level.

    TRACY KUETHE - Seasoned Digital Marketer

  • Susan is one of those people who is in the line of work she was born to do. I consider myself a pretty creative person, and I have high standards for others' creative work. I have been blown away each time I have hired Susan to do a graphic piece for me. She thinks of things I never would, and executes them perfectly. She has true, natural talent.

    POLLY BENZING - Commercial Real Estate Management

Experience Across Industries

BRANDS AND PARTNERSHIPS THAT HAVE SHAPED MY CAREER

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