About Elaine
Elaine Lazarus: Owner & Creative Director of Designs by Elaine
Elaine Lazarus is a dynamic creative force and the visionary behind Designs by Elaine. A graphic designer, fine artist, computer illustrator, and writer, Elaine fuses artistic talent with strategic visual marketing to elevate brands. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cornell University, a Brand Management Certificate from Cornell, and a Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Certificate from Google, reflecting her dedication to excellence in both marketing and design.
Elaine believes that visual design is the face of any brand, capable of connecting businesses to their customers, building brand confidence, and inspiring action. She is passionate about creating designs that evoke emotional responses, while also driving tangible business results.
True to the meaning of her name—“torch of light”—Elaine brings positivity and clarity to every project she undertakes. This guiding principle has shaped her career, starting from her childhood in Rockford, Illinois, where a summer road trip to Carmel, CA, sparked her dream of living there one day. At just 13, after winning a Gold Key Scholastic Art Award, Elaine knew she wanted to become an artist. She channeled her ambition into studying fine arts at Cornell University, where she discovered her passion for combining traditional art techniques with computer design.
Elaine’s career highlights include founding Elton Designs, a graphic design that provided in-house capabilities for Weber Shandwick in Chicago, where she worked on high-profile campaigns for brands like Kraft Foods, ACE Hardware, and "got milk?". After selling her business to focus on her family, Elaine continued freelancing for major companies, including Discover Card and AON Hewitt, before becoming Senior Graphic Designer at the College of Lake County in Illinois. There, she played a key role in driving enrollment and fostering community partnerships through compelling visual marketing.
In 2022, Elaine fulfilled her lifelong dream of moving to Carmel, CA, a testament to her perseverance and determination. Alongside her graphic design career, she continues to create bold, colorful fine art that blends painting, photography, and digital graphics, often incorporating tree branches to symbolize life, emotional connection, and spiritual growth.
Elaine is committed to helping businesses transform their brand identity through innovative design. Whether you need to develop a new visual brand or refresh your existing materials, Elaine is here to help you achieve your goals with creativity, strategy, and heart.
Thank you for visiting. Contact Elaine today to elevate your brand with impactful design and visual marketing.