-Graphic Design and Marketing in Traverse City-
Make Your
Traverse City Brand
the Talk of the Town
Nicole Steffen Design brings your brand’s story to life with creative direction and marketing design that’s smart, focused, and designed to make an impact here in Northern Michigan.
Trusted by Leading Northern Michigan Businesses
I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most well-known and trusted businesses in the region. Here’s how I’ve helped them elevate their brand presence:
Goodwill Northern Michigan
Created strategic marketing and design highlighting Goodwill’s impact across Alpena, Grayling, Petoskey, Cadillac, and beyond.
Great Lakes Energy
Developed creative solutions for this trusted energy cooperative serving Northern Michigan from its headquarters in Boyne.
Traverse City Horse Shows
Elevated the branding for one of the nation’s premier equestrian event series, drawing competitors and spectators to the Traverse City area.
Creative Direction Marketing, and Graphic Design for Traverse City
Helping North Michigan Brands Stand Out with Strategy & Style
Northern Michigan is a special place for a business. We skip the suits, the highrises, and on Fridays we run for the beach — after more than a decade in Traverse City, I get it.
The people, the industries, the seasonal shifts, the small-town connections that drive big ideas.
I’ve spent my career helping brands across the region create smart, compelling creative that resonates.
Whether you’re a growing enterprise or an established brand looking for fresh creative leadership,
I bring the expertise of an Art Director (Traverse Magazine), Graphic Designer (Oneupweb), and Fractional Creative Director, all with an in-depth understanding of the local landscape.
Remarkable
Nicole had a remarkable talent for translating complex ideas and concepts into visually stunning designs. She consistently delivered exceptional work that exceeded our expectations.
Lacey Matthews
Marketing Manager
Design, Plus
Whatever vision I have of a project, Nicole supplies a design that is better. Her reality exceeds my imagination, which is a tough standard to beat.
Rachel North
Marketing Manager
WOW
WOW… just returned home to find the Annual Report in my pile of mail. So well done!!! Between headlines, pictures, “personal” partner endorsements, and highlighted messages it delivered a succinctly powerful message.
GoodwillNMI Board Member
Ready to Turn Heads in Traverse City and Beyond?
I work with enterprise-level brands, local organizations, and growing companies across the region, offering:
Brand Strategy, Logo & Identity Design
Establishing (or refreshing) your brand’s look, feel, and messaging to make an impact.
Marketing Design
Creating campaigns, visuals, and creative assets that drive engagement across print, digital, and beyond.
Fractional Creative Direction
Providing high-level strategy and leadership for businesses that need an expert without the overhead of a full-time creative team.
Why Northern Michigan Businesses Work with Nicole Steffen Design
I Know
The Market
Enterprise-Level
Experience
Smart, Strategic
Design
Our CollaborationProcess
ONE
Discovery and Strategy
We’ll dive into your brand together, exploring your audience, goals, and challenges. Whether you’re refining your messaging, launching a campaign, or refreshing your identity, we’ll align on a clear creative direction.
TWO
Creative Development
With a strategy in place, we’ll bring your vision to life. Through bold visuals and clear messaging, we’ll create on-brand, results-driven creative that speaks to your audience.
THREE
Execution & Refinement
We’ll fine-tune every detail, from polished design assets to seamless marketing rollouts. With your feedback, we’ll refine and optimize to ensure everything hits the mark.
How Your Organization Benefits…
More than just good design, it’s creative with a purpose.
Stronger Brand Recognition
Stand out in the crowded Northern Michigan market with a memorable, cohesive brand presence.
Higher Engagement & Conversions
Drive action with compelling creative that captures attention and resonates with your audience.
Clearer, More Consistent Messaging
Agile, Expert Execution
Get the expertise of a full-scale creative team with the flexibility of a fractional partner.
Hi, I’m Nicole.
Creative Director. Brand Builder. Northern Michigan Local.
I’ve spent the past 15+ years helping businesses tell their stories through smart, impactful design.
After moving to Michigan in 2005, I made Traverse City my home in 2012 and have been deeply immersed in the local business landscape ever since.
My creative journey began at ARS Advertising in Southern Michigan, where I worked on national campaigns for Whirlpool and Jenn-Air, sharpening my skills in big-brand marketing design.
From there, I joined Oneupweb, a Traverse City-based digital agency, refining my expertise as a Graphic Designer. I later became Art Director for Traverse Magazine, bringing the essence of Northern Michigan to life through bold, engaging creative.
Today, as the founder of Nicole Steffen Design, I partner with businesses across the region, combining big-brand thinking with a distinctly local approach.
My work blends:
- Strategic and creative leadership with hands-on execution.
- Bold, visually striking design with meaningful storytelling.
- A collaborative mindset that puts your goals first.
I’m passionate about helping Traverse City brands make a lasting impression because this region isn’t just where I work. It’s home.
Got Questions?
Here are some quick answers to help you get to know how I work.
What types of businesses do you work with?
I partner with enterprise-level brands, regional organizations, and growing companies in Northern Michigan across industries, including non-profits, energy, healthcare, e-commerce, and events.
What makes fractional creative direction different?
You get senior-level creative expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. The setup offers flexibility and impact when you need it.
What’s your creative process like?
It’s collaborative and strategic. We’ll align on your goals, I’ll develop a custom creative, and we’ll refine it together for maximum impact.
How much does it cost?
Every business is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We provide custom quotes based on your specific challenges, goals, and needs. Let’s connect to create a plan tailored just for you!
How long does it take?
The timeline depends on your needs and the project scope. Smaller projects, like a simple brochure, can be completed in just a couple of weeks. Larger, more complex projects, such as a full rebrand, may take several months to ensure everything is done right. We’ll work with you to set clear timelines that fit your goals.
Reach Us
Office Hours:
By appointment only
Monday — Friday : 9:00am – 5:00pm
Call Us:
