About Kern Creative Design
Kern Creative Design is a full-service creative studio based in Northeast Ohio. Backed by more than 30 years of B2B and B2C experience, the studio is led by Russ Kern—a designer, educator, and creative strategist who has worked with local businesses as well as Fortune 500 brands including Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO), Firestone, Mack Trucks, Goodyear, Elizabeth Arden, and more.
We specialize in branding, web design and development, motion design, and marketing, bringing clarity and creative energy to every project. From startups and nonprofits to established organizations and national brands, we help businesses communicate with purpose and stand out in meaningful ways.
At its core, design is all about communication and connection. Every project begins with understanding the audience, solving real problems, and creating brands and marketing experiences that inspire action.
Our Approach
Every engagement starts with listening. We take the time to understand your goals, challenges, and audience, then turn those insights into strategy and design that connect in meaningful ways.
Our process is structured, collaborative, and adaptable:
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Discovery & Strategy: Understanding where you are today and where you want to go.
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Design & Development: Turning insight into visuals, messaging, digital experiences, and systems built to perform.
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Launch & Support: Making sure every detail works seamlessly and continues to evolve alongside your business.
We build brands and websites that do more than look good. They’re measurable, maintainable, and ready to grow with you.
Russ Kern
Russ Kern has spent his career helping organizations use design to create meaningful impact. After decades in agency leadership and education, he founded Kern Creative Design to bring strategic thinking, creative clarity, and collaborative problem-solving to clients who value both strong design and strong partnerships.
In addition to leading client work, Russ teaches graphic design and motion design at The University of Akron, where he shares real-world experiences and industry insight with the next generation of creatives.
Who We Work With
Our clients range from local small businesses to national organizations, and every project receives the same level of attention, strategy, and care.
We’ve partnered with nonprofits, educational institutions, industrial manufacturers, and consumer brands, helping each communicate with confidence and consistency.
Whether you're looking for a brand refresh, a high-performing website, or a campaign that builds awareness, we bring creative horsepower to match your ambition.
Reviews
Russ is one of the most talented, imaginative, intelligent, hard-working creatives I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
Maria Drutel - Maria Drutel Creative, LLC
Working with Russ on a first-time not-for-profit event management project was a terrific experience. The work that he and his team created was exactly what the client required.
Debbie Williams, Time To Spare LLC
Let's talk about your next project.
Do you have an idea, a project, or a creative challenge you're ready to move forward with? Reach out and tell me a little about what you need, I'd be happy to talk through the details and see how Kern Creative Design can help.