​Recipe
At the core of our foundational approach and process is the following path to creativity, innovation, and authenticity:
be present > embrace uncertainty > ask good questions > follow curiosity > discover wonderment > take action > refine > try again
Approach​
I believe brands that have longevity start with a solid foundation from which to build up holistically. All the parts combine to create a complete picture that not only captures attention, but connects on an emotional level that inspires people to action. Branding is not just what you look like visually, it is also a perception in people's minds about the who, what, why of your business gained through interaction with your product, service, or space at every point of contact. Done mindfully, you can guide this narrative.
Knowing your core values, story, and establishing a strong identity that is expressed consistently and cohesively across all customer touch points is the start to creating recognition. To establish trust and customer loyalty: Be reliable. Walk your talk. A brand does not exist without people. Make sure you are tailoring your communications to speak the language of your audience. Are you carving out the right experiences for attracting and building a tribe? 
The most successful brands become a way of life.​
​Process
As my client, you bring to the table a ton of ideas and dreams. I listen, dig through the noise, connect dots, and provide guidance that makes it easy for you to move forward. Together, we identify business problems, goals, audience, and align expectations. With a clear vision, the creative team researches and strategizes, developing solutions aimed at facilitating positive changes.
All ideation starts on paper.
Once a direction is approved, we create deliverables that are both thoughtful and beautiful; gathering your input at critical stages throughout. I work both intuitively and methodically. When ideas nag at me, I explore obsessively to determine its potential, in search of the best for my clients. I dig for the most unique aspects of each brand and elevate. Following launch of new programs. We observe results and gather feedback from clients and their customers. With this information, we are able to improve and refine for the future.
Experience 
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / FOUNDER
Left of Sunset
Independent Creative Studio
Portland, Oregon

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2005 - Present
+ ​Left of Sunset is an independent, woman-led branding and identity design studio, founded by Van Cooley.
Capabilities and Skills
+ Creative: Strategic + Conceptual Thinking, Articulating Story, Intuitive + Research Driven Problem Solving, Branding + Identity Design, Art Direction, Naming + Tagline Dev, Print + Web, Placemaking Design, Graphics for Retail / Built Environments, Signage Wayfinding Programs, Food Photography + Styling, Mixed-Media Illustration

+ Client: Managing Long-Term Relationships with Owner, C-Level Clients, 3 to over 10 years; Discovering Authentic Core Values and Heart of Brands

+ Team: Facilitating Dialogue, Visioning Methods that Get Buy-In from Project Stakeholders; Distilling Complex Information to Essence, Inspiring Better

+ Extra: Planning, Budgeting, Print + Fabrication Management, Content Guidance
BEER / CIDER / WINE / SPIRITS
Artisanal Imports
Authentic Beverage Management
Wild Badger Management
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Aspall Cyder
Cuvée des Jacobins
Brasserie de Bastogne
Dogwood Distilling
McBeth Vineyards
Novo Brazil Brewing Co.
Spencer Creek Cellars
Tripel Karmeliet
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FOOD / BEVERAGE
Berggren Demonstration Farm (consultant)
Equiano Coffee Co. (consultant)
Seven Virtues Coffee
South Fork Catering

WELLNESS / BEAUTY / STYLE
Living Proof Hair
Washizu Body Wellness
Black Opal Acupuncture

LIVING
Helen & Hazel Home Couture
Tufenkian Artisan Carpets
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BUILDING / CONSTRUCTION
deChase Miksis Development
Industrial Commercial Electric Co.
Lone Wolf Investments

SIGNAGE / WAYFINDING
The Janey Apartments (now Oakwood)
Parking Structure (consultant)
City District Branding (consultant)
Washougal Town Square, Office-Retail
Education 
Pacific Northwest College of Art
BFA, Communication Design | 2005
University of Oregon
BS, Psychology and Fine Arts | 2002