Takenotes Design Studio is my personal design studio. I am a marketer and leader helping companies with strategy, design, and branding for complex ideas.

Biography

Ryan Underwood

I have been practicing design for over a decade, with a career that began during my early twenties creating visual materials for musical projects. This experience taught me not only the fundamentals of design but also essential professional skills, including client management, meeting deadlines, and the importance of formal agreements in freelance work.

Over the years, I have collaborated with a variety of companies, helping them grow through strategic design, brand development, and systematized processes. My work spans refining brand identities, creating digital experiences, and optimizing internal workflows, underscoring my belief that design is not solely about aesthetics—it is a critical driver of organizational growth and efficiency.

Outside of my professional practice, I pursue a range of creative and technical interests. I enjoy exploring modern cooking techniques, playing guitar, and studying wiring schematics, reflecting a commitment to both creativity and precision in all that I do.

Capabilities

Strategy

Brand Audit

Discovery Workshop

Competitive Analysis

Brand Storytelling

Brand Architecture

Naming

Key Messaging

Voice & Tone

Design

Brand Identity

Brand Guidelines & Design Systems

Art Direction

User Experience (UX)

User Interface (UI)

Wireframe & Prototyping

Product Design

Mobile App

Development

HTML

CSS

Jekyll

Creative Development

Quality Assurance

Tenets

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.