Arts & Letters Ltd.

Kathy Skobel and Arts & Letters Ltd. are relatively new to downtown Skokie. Kathy moved her graphic design studio to Oakton and Lincoln in Fall of 2005 after 24 years in Evanston. When asked why she moved here she said “The building use was in transition, I started looking and when I found the studio at 8009 Lincoln I thought: this downtown district feels different, like a small city on the brink of change. I like the potential here.” That intrigue led her to join IMODS immediately so she could stay on top of what’s happening, help the process, and meet other Skokie business people.

Kathy has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Illinois in Urbana and taught high school art for two years before she opened Arts & Letters Ltd. primarily as a sign business. However, her work soon transitioned. “Clients were frequently asking for custom artwork, such as logos, and business card and stationary design. I found myself immersed in graphic design, advertising and marketing design, so I re-directed my focus,” she says. “Now all my work is about good design and branding. I still provide sign work and signage design, but my main thrust is helping businesses and organizations look like a million bucks, even if they are just getting started.”

By getting to know her client’s business and customer base, Kathy becomes part of their team during the design work. “I have a good grasp of their needs so time is well spent and results are beneficial,” Kathy adds. “I believe a company should look sharp, savvy, competitive (and when appropriate, fun and clever) in all its promotional pieces: logo, print work, advertising, signs, vehicles. The whole package should look coordinated and professionally designed.” She notes that it’s challenging in today’s climate, with smaller budgets. “Many businesses do their own design, but my clients know they get a great deal of value-added service from me, and I work within their budget. Having an outside marketing perspective from a graphic artist can open your thinking to fresh ideas.”

Arts & Letters’ customer base is diverse and includes for example: municipalities, restaurants, fitness/wellness centers, hair salons/spas, architects, medical offices, not-for profit organizations, and merchant groups (including IMODS). “There’s so much variety in my work. Yesterday a fitness center brochure, today a restaurant menu, tomorrow a high school wayfinding signage system and a dentist’s promotional postcard; every day is different. I enjoy the challenge of helping my clients look terrific, whether they are a 1-person or 30-person company. I know we have arrived when I hear my customer say “I love it!”

Arts & Letters offers design of: logos, identity materials, brochures, newsletters, advertising, collateral material, signage, creative copy writing, postcards, direct mail, printing, short-run digital printing, large format digital printing, consulting. The studio is located at 8009 Lincoln, hours by appointment. Reach Ms. Skobel at 847-673-3111 or visit www.artsandletters.com to learn more.

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