ABOUT

Steph Mertes is the girl behind the .cool.

With 11 years as a seasoned designer and art director, I've navigated the dynamic landscape of both big and boutique ad agencies, infusing everything I touch with a unique blend of creativity and strategy. Beyond the pixels and Pantone swatches, I lead a double life as a Parrothead and actually founded a Jimmy Buffett lifestyle group at Colle McVoy, because why not complement design with a dash of salt? My design work pulls from a myriad of influences, from antiques and interior design to collage and textiles, culminating in a highly personal, expertly curated visual system.

Currently available for freelance work.

ABOUT

Steph Mertes is the girl behind the .cool.

She has over 10 years of professional experience as a designer and art director. She specializes in brand building, bringing abstract ideas to life and creating culture. Her interests beyond design include historic home restoration, antiquing and ikebana. Ask her about sheetcaking and Midwest Margaritaville.

Currently available for freelance or full-time work.

Currently designing at Media Loft.

WHAT I DO

WHAT I DO

Art Direction
Branding
Print
Digital
Social
Editorial
Exhibition
Retail
Illustration

Branding
Print
Digital
Social
Editorial
Exhibition
Retail
Illustration

WHERE I'VE BEEN

KC Truth
Media Loft
Colle McVoy
10 Thousand Design
Chandler Inc.
Permanent ADG
The Wake Magazine

WHERE I'VE BEEN

KC Truth
Media Loft
Colle McVoy
10 Thousand Design
Chandler Inc.
Permanent ADG
The Wake Magazine

SELECT CLIENTS

American Girl, Andersen Windows, Cargill,
Cub Cadet, Children's Health, Invisalign,
Land O'Lakes, McNeilus, Target,
Vermont Creamery, WinField United

SELECT CLIENTS

American Girl, Andersen
Windows, Cargill, Cub Cadet, Children's Health, Invisalign,
Land O'Lakes, McNeilus,
Target, Vermont Creamery, WinField United