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A Little Background
I came with a fine arts and art history education before pursuing the world of design. I had excellent mentors, learned pretty much everything on the job and quickly realized that there is an art to good design.

The firms I worked for were small, so I got to wear a lot of hats. Not only did I learn to separate really good design from mediocre, I learned how a business is run. I started with production, (knowing how to make any design print well is fundamental), then moved on to graphic design and art direction positions.

The great thing about all this on-the-job-hands-on gave me experience in the business of design — from budgeting project costs, to working with writers, creative directors, photographers and printers, to giving presentations, solving problems and building rapport with clients. You could say it was the best boot-camp training for building Grand Ciel Design.

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Have a project that needs special attention? Let’s talk.
Call: 952.898.5699 or email me.

Who is Grand Ciel?

I'm Kristin Maija Peterson, principal, art director, designer and artist. I launched Grand Ciel Design in 1996, so I could…

Save the World From Bad Design.

Well, as much as possible in my corner of the Universe. The thing is, I work with mid-to-small businesses and non-profits. I know they deserved the best design to represent their organization or cause just like the big wealthy-mega corporations. They shouldn’t have to settle for “crowdsourced” design, canned templates, or something a nephew slapped together.

That’s where I come in. For any business, their brand is the foundation for all other communications, marketing and selling. If it’s well thought out, original, simple and beautifully designed, it will become memorable. Brand recognition ~ it’s priceless. But I can make it affordable, too.

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My business focus is primarily working with women-owned businesses, non-profits and alternative healthcare with the approach that out of good working relationships and mutual respect, good, effective design evolves. This makes the business of design truly rewarding, not only for myself, but for my clients, too.

From my day-to-day experieneces designing and working with clients emerges some interesting ideas, options, and how-to’s that I post somewhat irregularly on Grand Ciel: The Other Side of the Sun.

When I’m not busy designing for clients, you’ll find me painting watercolors, writing stories and illustrating children’s books, fussing over my 25+ houseplants and outdoor garden or noodling over the next big idea.

Grand Ciel Clients

The clients I work with fall into several industry types. They are:
• Marketing Communications
• Public Relations
• Alternative, Complementary Healthcare
• Interior Design & Home Improvement
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Women-Owned Businesses and Start-ups