I’m Jenny Dyer — I design annual reports, branding, and other marketing materials that help nonprofits connect with donors, demonstrate their professionalism, and showcase their impact to grantmakers.
I’ve been a graphic designer for a looong time. Long enough that when I started out, I was pasting up type on paper.
Now, almost everything is digital. Though I still like drawing and taking notes with a black Flair felt-tip pen.
The tools have changed, but the underlying nature of the work hasn’t.
And that’s what I enjoy most — figuring out how things fit together. Discovering patterns and identifying the common thread in your messaging. Creating communications that are clear and easy to understand … and a pleasure to look at.
My work has always blended design and copywriting. To me, neither is more important than the other. They support each other in conveying your message.
How I work
My approach is collaborative. So your input and engagement are essential to making this work.
Before I can even start sketching with that Flair pen, I’m going to ask you a lot of questions!
At our kickoff meeting, we’ll go through my discovery guide for an in-depth exploration of your organization, your goals, and your needs.
And from that conversation will emerge the themes and concepts that inform every creative decision I make.
If you already have a branding system, I’ll work within those guidelines. And I’m happy to work alongside your team, too.
If you don’t have a branding system yet, I’ll help you create one. I keep notes on things like the colors, fonts, language, and processes you tend to use, so we can keep using them consistently in the future.
Who I work best with
I work best with experienced EDs and marketing and development directors who are full of great ideas and are looking for someone to help make those ideas a reality.
They plan ahead because they understand that most communications projects benefit from having time to think, create, and get the little things right.
And I know, sometimes you can’t avoid a tight deadline. I’m actually very good at handling them and will do my best to accommodate them when they come up.
My clients care about excellence and want to invest in doing things well. They appreciate my attention to detail — and my tendency to notice things that might otherwise get missed.
They also value clear communication. It makes everything so much easier when we can tell each other what we need, so we can make a decision and take the next step.
And finally, they have a sense of humor. What a difference when we can enjoy the work and share a laugh!
I’m based in Baltimore and work with nonprofits and foundations across the U.S.
Credentials
- Professional Print Production Certification from Print Communications Professionals International
- M.A. in publications design from the University of Baltimore, a program that integrates conceptual thinking, writing, and graphic design
- B.A. in studio art and graphic design from Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges
- Certification in white papers and UX copywriting, and Mastery in copy chiefing, through the American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI)
- Maryland Art Place Critics’ Residency Program, a writing workshop with art critics from The Village Voice and the Schomburg Center