A creative strategist & designer shaping thoughtful brand systems,
print experiences, & human-centered work since 2013.

Clients

Welcome, I’m Emily Bode.

I’m a creative strategist & designer based in Michigan, working across brand systems, publication design, and experiential storytelling. For more than a decade, I’ve helped clients bring clarity, cohesion, and meaning to their creative worlds — whether through visual systems, print and packaging, or the details that quietly shape a memorable event.

My work intersects where craft meets strategy: the place where aesthetic design solves real problems, supports real people, and leaves a lingering impression.

How I Work

I approach design with equal parts intuition and discipline. I enjoy the rigor of a brand system, the calm logic of a well-built layout, and the tactility of print.

A project with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded. I listen deeply. I ask precise questions. And I build work that belongs — not just to the brand, but to the moment and to the people who interact with it.

Across industries, roles, & mediums, I build creative work that is:

  • Intentional — purposeful choices, no filler

  • Human-centered — design in service of connection

  • Crafted — detail-forward and considered

  • Strategic — rooted in business needs and long-term goals

What I Do

Ways to work together

  • Brand & Identity

    • Visual identity systems
    • Brand guidelines
    • Campaign art direction

    brand work

  • Print & Publications

    • Books, magazines, catalogs
    • Print & editorial design
    • Packaging & tactile brand experiences

    print work

  • Event & Experiential Design

    • Environmental graphics
    • Event identity & wayfinding
    • Creative direction for gatherings

    event design

  • Creative Strategy & Mentorship

    • Art direction
    • Creative consulting
    • 1:1 mentorship for designers

    contact me

Professional Background

Since 2013, I’ve worked as a senior designer, brand lead, and collaborator with cross-functional teams. I’ve built design systems from the ground up, refreshed established brands, and contributed to award-winning work across print and digital.

My experience includes in-house roles, agency partnerships, and long-term freelance collaborations. This blend enables me to navigate both high-level strategic direction and granular, hands-on design.

I’m also a board member, creative educator, and advocate for thoughtful, human-centered design practices. My work is recognized industry-wide and trusted by teams who value craftsmanship and clarity.

see full work history

Career Highlights

• Honeybook’s Creative on the Rise Nominee
• Top 100 Women’s Blogs Every Woman Must Follow by Feedspot
• Featured Illustration at Starbucks Roastery, Seattle WA
• Gold ADDY in Consumer Category, AAF
• 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place by MPA for Ferris State Torch Newspaper

Publications & Interviews

My Newsletter | 10+ years of essays on creativity & craft
We’re All Hustling | Bella Grace Magazine (national)
The New Old-Fashioned Way | Driftless Magazine (regional)
How To Save the Honeybees | Driftless Magazine (regional)
Life & Work with Emily Bode | Voyage Michigan (local)
Tips & Trends for Wedding Season | Grand Rapids Magazine (local)