About

I’m Simone Martin-Newberry, a graphic designer and award-winning illustrator based in Chicago.

I have over a decade of professional experience in print layout, typesetting, hand lettering, and illustration. I’m a fan of color, texture, and balance, and love pairing strong photography with bold type and clear, engaging messaging. My favorite projects are the ones where my creativity is welcomed and encouraged, and my favorite clients are the ones who are kind, curious, and collaborative.

I am currently accepting new freelance clients, whether for one-off projects or long-term retainer arrangements. If you run a small business, non-profit, arts organization, or environmentally-conscious company, reach out! I think we might be a great fit.

Take a look at some of my recent projects and get in touch if you would like to chat about your design needs or inquire about rates.

Selected illustration clients

  • The New York Times
  • The Guardian US
  • The Washington Post
  • NPR
  • Emergence Magazine
  • Chicago Magazine
  • Financial Times
  • Chronicle Books
  • Random House
  • Chicago Public Library
  • Pop-Up Magazine
  • REI Co-op
  • Malala Fund
  • Trust for Public Land
  • Southern Poverty Law Center

Selected design clients

  • Old Town School of Folk Music
  • Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
  • Playmakers Laboratory
  • Steppenwolf Theatre Company
  • Court Theatre
  • Davis Theater & Carbon Arc Bar
  • Young Chicago Authors
  • Chicago Improv Festival
  • Square Roots Festival
  • Manual Cinema

Skills

  • Brand and identity management
  • Editorial and spot illustration
  • Hand lettering
  • Copywriting and messaging strategy
  • Print design and layout (direct marketing, catalogs, wayfinding, large scale signage)
  • Digital graphics (banner ads, social media images)
  • Exhibition, event, and environment design
  • Merchandise and promotional product design
  • Art direction and styling
  • Digital photography (nature, product, ambient)
  • Photo editing (light retouching, color correction, post production)
  • Print production and estimation
  • Third party vendor management

Favorites

  • Bright colors and bold choices
  • Vegetarian burritos
  • Early morning trail runs
  • The sound of rain on the outside of my camping tent
  • West-facing windows
  • Planting seeds
  • Tending fire
  • Reunion hugs
  • The smell of eucalyptus
  • French fries