Design leader guiding
businesses to success
I’m a non-award-winning designer, leader, and occasional front-end developer. (It’s all politics anyway, and I never submit my work. So, not bitter at all.)
01
Basecamp
A simple, minimally opinionated CSS framework
02
Mrktpay
A vintage take on a modern solution. The only thing it’s missing is Miss Minutes.
03
Princeton Mortgage
Revitalizing a decades old mortgage institution.
04
Scout Outdoors
Rebranding for a local, couple-owned store from rural Illinois.
05
Club Soda
Branding for mocktails and coffee shop with a speakeasy feel.
Takenotes Design Studio is my personal design studio (a.k.a. the desk in my living room). I’m Ryan Underwood—an unapologetically non-award-winning designer, leader, and part-time front-end developer. (Awards are all politics anyway, and I never submit. Not that I’m salty.)
Tenets
Core Ideas
1
Clear goals are key to success.
Without a defined strategy that outlines intent, design work becomes aimless—just pixels pushed around with no purpose.
2
Trends can be tempting, but they’re fleeting.
While it’s valuable to stay aware of what’s trending, it’s essential to approach trends with caution, as most are short-lived and don’t offer lasting value.
3
Every detail matters.
No decision, no matter how small, is insignificant. Every choice should serve the larger vision and contribute meaningfully to the end result.
4
Design uncovers the heart of a story.
Every brand or individual has a narrative. Good design can go beyond the obvious, tapping into what truly resonates and leaves a lasting impression.
5
Some things are universally effective.
When design and strategy are thoughtfully aligned, the result transcends personal preference, achieving a standard of excellence that’s hard to challenge.
6
Iteration beats reinvention.
Instead of starting from scratch, building upon what already exists can often lead to stronger outcomes. Great design evolves by refining and improving, not by erasing the past.