The Story of Savage Design Studio

In 2001, I was painting the fresco line for a Seattle artist who had developed a modern variation of the ancient fresco style into a small line of wall plaques unique in the interior design market.

When the former owner decided to close, I bought the business and the proprietary fresco method. 

With the encouragement of a counselor at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), I explored the requirements, possibilities and pitfalls associated with undertaking the venture, spending five months in research before launching Savage Design Studio.

In January 2002 the business was underway and I hired business neighbor Ian Cherry to design my first Website and brochure for the Fresco line. The site and mailing increased sales, generating a demand for additional help. Once again, I turned to commnity resources. I contacted the pre-apprentice carpentry program at Seattle Vocational Technical Institute and employed two students to build wood frames for the paintings.

As the business succeeded, I created new images for the line each year. The line ultimately included 87 unique images of fruit, flowers, butterflies and insects. I hand painted each fresco order.

The Savage Design Studio line was carried by the Kennedy Collection at Seattle Gift Mart and promoted nationally by Rhonda Kennedy.

In 2005, I moved the studio to Colorado to be closer to family. I discontinued the volume Fresco line in 2008 and now use this beautiful, exclusive process for custom work.

The Studio has expanded to encompass the array of work you see on this new site, representing the media mastery and creative range of my art in its current stage.