I’m Rachel Johnson, a designer working at the intersection of brand, structure, and usability.
My background is rooted in hands-on creative practice. I started in photography in 2007, then moved through painting, hand lettering, and typography—eventually selling work independently and through Etsy. That foundation still shapes how I approach design today: visually, materially, and with an attention to detail that comes from making things by hand.
Over time, my focus shifted toward branding and web design—specifically, building systems that are clear, functional, and realistic to maintain. For the past several years, this has been the core of my work.
I work primarily with small businesses and non-profits who need their branding and websites to do real work: communicate clearly, adapt as things grow, and support the organization rather than complicate it.
My approach is thoughtful and collaborative. I spend time understanding what already exists, what feels unclear, and what’s actually needed moving forward. From there, the work is about creating structure before aesthetics—so the end result is cohesive, usable, and built to last.
What this looks like in practice
Clear scope. Honest timelines. Fewer surprises.
Design decisions that serve the work—not just the launch.
I care deeply about the work I take on and the people I work with. The best projects are collaborative, thoughtful, and built with longevity in mind.
I’m based in western Wisconsin and work with clients worldwide.
VIEW WORK →