Strategic graphic design & branding support for agencies & teams

Need a creative partner with the energy of a golden retriever and the strategic design chops of a seasoned creative director? I’m here to help you deliver beautiful, thoughtful, values-driven work—no micromanaging required.

 
 
 
 
 

As a subcontractor, I come in as a thoughtful partner who understands the big picture—and helps you bring it to life efficiently and with care.


Here’s what I can bring to your project:

  • 13+ years of graphic design experience

  • Clear communication, fast turnarounds, and no ego (I did stand up and improv comedy so I’ve got a thick skin & action on feedback without drama because I know collaboration is what leads to the best results)

  • Visual systems that work across channels

  • Brand consulting that supports your strategy, not complicates it

  • Golden-retriever energy (but with deadlines met)

  • Seamless integration to your existing systems and workflows (Whether you use Clickup, Asana, Trello, or an elaborate homegrown spreadsheet system, I can work within it. Before I was a designer, I was a project manager so I honestly love this kind of thing!)

Rachel, Web Designer & Founder of Bright Seid Design

“I'm a web designer with zero Illustrator skills. When my client mentioned that she had an idea that she wanted to use as a logo on her site I knew I'd need a hand. I knew Kristy would be able to bring my client's logo dream to life. Not only was Kristy a delightful addition to our team, but also her work was exquisite! I was especially blown away by her presentations – I knew I'd made the right choice as soon as I saw the level of professionalism and care she put into those deliverables. Thanks to Kristy, my client now has meaningful brand visuals that she's stoked to share with the world! Plus Kristy made my life a 1000x easier because the brand assets worked beautifully on my client's stunning new website. I can't wait for our next project together!”

Subcontracting
Services Offered

    • Client presentation decks

    • Workbook and freebie design

    • Website or email graphics

    • Social & digital brand collateral

    • Style guides & handoff packages

    • Brand positioning & messaging refinement

    • Brand voice & tone development

    • Stakeholder workshops, focus group facilitation, & branding intensives

    • Concept-to-shelf packaging design for consumer-facing products

    • Line extensions and brand system development across SKUs

    • Production-ready dielines and print coordination

    • Packaging refreshes that align with updated brand strategy

    • Private label or white label packaging design

    • Retail-ready packaging optimized for shelf impact and brand storytelling

    • Sustainable packaging solutions and materials guidance (if applicable)

    • Presentation decks for internal or client review

    • Adapting designs for multiple markets or languages

    • Experience with Nutritional Facts, Supplement Facts, Drug Facts, CBD products, and other regulatory documentation & requirements

    • Custom Canva templates for client content reuse

    • Static social media graphics for consistent online presence

    • Visual execution of pre-written content or strategy

    • Fast, reliable support for one-off or ongoing needs

    • Ideal for creative partners who want hands-off design help

Most subcontracting work is offered at a flat rate, with a $1,000 project minimum. Ongoing creative retainers are also available, starting at 5 hours per month for a minimum of 3 months, billed at $125/hour.

Have a client that needs full brand support? Refer them to me and you’ll get a referral bonus (10% of total project booked at start of project) and they’ll get $500 off their Unshakable Branding package.

Christie, Brand Experience Designer & Owner of Christie Mayer Creative

Working with Kristy on a brand identity project was an absolute game-changer. I needed a fresh set of eyes on a logo I’d been fine-tuning, and Kristy came in with the perfect mix of expertise, creativity, and sharp attention to detail. She instantly got the brand’s vision and mission and knew exactly how to refine the design to make it even better.

Beyond design skills, Kristy is the kind of collaborator you want on every project. She's fast (seriously, her turnaround times are next-level), crystal clear with communication, and always brings thoughtful, strategic insights to the table. She made the entire process easy, seamless, and actually fun.

Not only did Kristy help enhance what I had already started, but she also played a key role in shaping a new brand system that felt intentional and polished. If you’re looking for someone who can seamlessly step into an existing brand framework while also building something fresh and impactful, Kristy is your person. Can’t wait to work with Kristy again!

Meet Kristy

Kristy Black (she/they) is a brand consultant and designer with over 13 years of experience in the graphic design industry—and a personality often likened to a golden retriever: friendly, loyal, and always ready to jump in with enthusiasm.

She brings a strategic, values-driven approach to both brand consulting and visual design, helping clients clarify their messaging, elevate their visuals, and align every touchpoint with their long-term vision. Whether she’s leading branding intensives, refining visual systems, or building assets that bridge the gap between mission and market, Kristy’s clients appreciate her rare blend of depth, curiosity, and genuine partnership.

She’s collaborated with everyone from first-time founders to legacy companies, and thrives in creative environments where heart and strategy go hand in hand.

The Process

1. Share the Scope

Send over the project details, timeline, and what kind of support you’re looking for—whether it’s one-off help or recurring design support. I’ll confirm fit and put together a custom quote or retainer proposal.

Step 2: Align + Integrate

Once we’re aligned on scope and pricing, I’ll get integrated into your existing systems—Slack, Asana, Google Drive, whatever you’re using—so I can work seamlessly alongside you and your team. I adapt to your workflows to keep things easy and efficient.

or email me at kristy@kristyblackcreative.com

Step 3: Design + Deliver

I get to work behind the scenes turning your strategy or content into polished visuals and easy-to-use templates. You get reliable, thoughtful creative support—without needing to micromanage.