Design . Develop . Deploy . Delight!
We craft impactful visual experiences that reach customers and drive engagement. Whether a startup or Fortune 500 company, we meet creative challenges and client goals by distilling complex requirements into unique and engaging results. We’re passionate about merging the art of layout, typography, graphics and motion, with the science of code, A/B testing, UX and metrics.
Our process
Design
Immersed in your goals, requirements and brand story, we craft engaging solutions for mobile, tablet and desktop. Using mood boards, sketching, wireframing and prototyping, and then layering in a visual experience that’s a perfect fit for the project.
Develop
Whether HTML, CSS/SASS, Bootstrap, Foundation, we’ve custom-built responsive sites for businesses and non-profits, and draw upon a trusted team of experts to implement larger scale projects.
Deploy
We’ve led and directed small teams onsite, and project managed Agile remote teams to execute projects built on WordPress, Squarespace and NationBuilder on time and on budget.
Delight!
We strive to bring a bright spirit and sense of fun to the process, and work to identify a design solution that is unique, culturally relevant, and that stands out from the crowd while engaging and delighting customers.
Case Study
Guidant Financial Site Redesign
Guidant Financial needed a performant redesign in concert with a significant content overhaul and increased focus on client services signups, with a look-and-feel aligned to a mature audience.
Case Study
Motorola Solutions Solution Finder
Motorola Solutions sought to create an application that would allow customers to navigate and browse products and recommended accessories, and then submit an assembled list of items for a quote by their partner channel.
Case Study
LiquidPlanner Mobile App Redesign
After we completed an upleveled brand identity for a SaaS-based project management software company, the next goal was to visually transform the mobile app for iOS and Android, with recommendations for user flow.
Case Study
Hearst Journalism Awards Website
A responsive redesign and architecture update, with a visual rebrand to align with the site’s core audience of college students – while maintaining the historical aspects of the Hearst brand.
Case Study
Revuu Mobile App Design
An iOS mobile app design for Revuu, whose goal is to help homeowners to spend their money wisely when renovating, remodeling and upgrading their homes.
Our services
Web Design
Elegant, user-centered, and optimized for desktop, tablet and mobile devices. Custom-coded and managed via WordPress, NationBuilder or without a CMS.
Brand Identity
Exploring the building blocks of your organization’s identity, we distill and articulate the elements that make it unique, and extend seamlessly through email, digital, print and social media.
Advertising Design
Great advertising captivates and compels you to take action. Static or animated, display ad, landing page or email marketing, we concept and design the campaign or ads to meet your needs.
User Experience
From initial discovery “conversation starter” sketches to wireframing, prototyping and A/B tested workflows, we can craft an effective result optimized for your audience.
Visual Design
Useful and usable? Check. We focus on making your app, site or product desirable via an effective visual experience.
Illustration
Bring simplicity to complex data with an infographic, tell a story via eBook, or bring a landing page, graphics or illustration to life. We can help you communicate more powerfully than words alone.
Michael is a unicorn – it’s hard to find a designer of his caliber that can also do the development. He has now completed two full website redesigns working with different teams and companies that I’ve been at and in both instances we have enjoyed the process and have been beyond pleased with the final results.
Michelle Flandreau, VP OF MARKETING, Guidant Financial
Michael Ortlieb has been our go-to designer since our site launch, and he’s designed dozens of projects – from websites to posters – for both our agency and our hospitality clients over the years. He’s talented, creative, professional, and fun to work with. And, he can be counted on for delivering on time, and within the client’s budget. We highly recommend working with him!
Diana G. Haven, President & CEO, Ellipses Public Relations
Working with Michael was a true collaboration. He listened to my half-baked ideas and then turned them into reality. Across multiple digital platforms, Michael marries smart design with tech know-how and meaningful content – a rare combination.
Beth Sanders, Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker
Michael really listens and takes the time to understand what your business and its website need. Then he responds quickly and creatively, with elegant solutions that work. And when I need a change made or want to add new functionality, Michael gets on it immediately. He is a pleasure to work with.
Steve Fox, President and CEO, Urban Putt
Michael is talented and experienced in all elements of contemporary design. I worked directly with Michael on many projects and he’s easy to work with from the 10,000-foot level down to twiddling pixels. He successfully managed and executed many website and application design projects, is creative, and is a great team player – top marks!
Charles Seybold, Co-Founder, LiquidPlanner
Clients
Proud to serve and have served startups and foundations to Fortune 100 companies.
at Chicago’s Center for
Technology and Entrepreneurship
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
Suite 1212 . Chicago, IL 60654