About Elaine

Elaine Lazarus: Owner & Creative Director of Designs by Elaine

Elaine Lazarus is a dynamic creative professional and the visionary behind Designs by Elaine. With expertise in graphic design, fine art, computer illustration, and writing, Elaine combines artistic talent with strategic visual marketing to elevate brands. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cornell University, a Brand Management Certificate from Cornell, and a Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Certificate from Google—credentials that reflect her commitment to excellence in both marketing and design.

Elaine believes that visual design is the face of any brand, capable of building connections, inspiring action, and fostering brand confidence. She is passionate about creating designs that not only evoke emotional responses but also drive tangible business results.

Elaine's career has been guided by a dedication to positivity and clarity. Her journey began in Rockford, Illinois, where a summer road trip to Carmel, California, inspired her dream of living there one day. At the age of 13, after winning a Gold Key Scholastic Art Award, Elaine knew she wanted to become an artist. She channeled that ambition into studying fine arts at Cornell University, where she discovered her love for blending traditional art techniques with digital design.

Career highlights include founding Elton Designs, a graphic design firm that provided in-house services for Weber Shandwick in Chicago. There, she worked on high-profile campaigns for brands like Kraft Foods, ACE Hardware, and "got milk?". After selling her business to focus on family, Elaine continued freelancing for major companies such as Discover Card and AON Hewitt, before becoming Senior Graphic Designer at the College of Lake County in Illinois. In this role, she helped drive enrollment and foster community partnerships through compelling visual marketing.

In 2022, Elaine realized her lifelong dream of moving to Carmel, California, a testament to her perseverance. In addition to her work as a graphic designer, she continues to create bold, colorful fine art that blends painting, photography, and digital graphics. Many of her pieces feature tree branches, symbolizing life, emotional connection, and spiritual growth.
Elaine is committed to helping businesses transform their brand identity through innovative design. Whether you're developing a new visual brand or refreshing existing materials, Elaine offers creativity, strategy, and a heartfelt approach to help you achieve your goals.

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Contact Designs by Elaine today to elevate your brand with impactful design and visual marketing.