Why? Because:
- We’re a small, exclusive firm.
- You’ll work directly with us, i.e. the principals – not a junior designer or account executive.
- We choose to be small firm. We’re “hands on” and we enjoy doing the work – rather than simply managing it. But even though we’re “small,” we handle surprisingly large projects.
- The people we do work with (other designers, printers, programmers, etc.) – are exceptionally professional. Or we don’t work with them.
- We do excellent, highly recognized work.
- We have over 30 years of design, branding and marketing experience.
- We’re more than just a design firm, we have a solid marketing background. Thoughtful consideration is given to your marketing objectives, and we design accordingly.
- We work with and within your budget. We’re not inexpensive, but you will always get more than your money’s worth.
- We design common-sense, practical solutions – no fluff, no jargon, no BS. If you’ve ever heard this kind of talk and laughed, call us. We don’t talk that way.
- If we don’t think we’re the right fit for a project, we won’t do it.
The Principals
Lee Phillips, Creative Director
Lee’s background in Psychology, Math and Architecture at the University of Utah is rooted in his basic design sensibilities; “Less is more,” “Keep it simple,” and “What the hell are they really trying to say?” It was there that he developed an appreciation for the architecture of Mies Van Der Rohe and a Less is More design philosophy. Before completing a Master’s degree in Architecture, he changed course – he took the skills he learned as an architectural draftsman to go into graphic design. He worked at design studios in Los Angeles and Sacramento before finally opening under his own name in 1983.
Lee is really into cycling and skiing. He picked a college based on its proximity to a ski slope. (Yes, he knows – that’s probably not the best way to pick a college – but OMG it was worth it! ) Sadly enough, he only skied once last winter. A couple of years ago he crashed a dogsled on a glacier and thought he broke his shoulder. He has jumped out of a perfectly good airplane. He recently flew over a car when a sweet little-old lady tried to kill him as he bicycled to work. He’s a Burner and premiered an Apocalyptic Poetry Bar in 2014. (See the blog for pictures.)
Lee’s 30 years of experience, along with his creativity and pragmatic approach are prized by our clients.
Jill Chan, MBA, Marketing Consultant
Jill has an MBA in Marketing and, after completing her thesis on Branding at CSU Sacramento, worked in the corporate environment as a Project and Marketing Manager before joining Phillips Design. Over the last 22 years, she has cultivated relationships with clients and managed projects across nearly every spectrum, ensuring that each solution is targeted powerfully and efficiently. She is also a conference speaker on marketing, has served on the American River College Foundation Board and is Phillips Design’s “Traffic Cop” and “Keeper of All Things Peaceful.”
Jill is currently raising two beautiful daughters and she has her hands full. Having completed a couple of marathons and a couple of halfs, she now enjoys the peaceful solitude of swimming. She also spends personal time as a volunteer for BSF.
Clients love Jill because she’s honest, tirelessly patient, and an enduring advocate for common sense.
Here’s What Our Clients are Saying:
Smart, creative, fun. Always a job well done.
One of Peter Davis’ Associates:
I have to tell you, I was asked to draft some marketing materials recently and I went straight to the ATRE website for inspiration. Your site and materials really showcase well what you offer and your involvement in the industry. Love it.
Peter Davis, Statewide Director, ATRE
After working with Jill Chan and Phillips Design for over a decade, I am consistently impressed by their attention to detail and their dogged search for just the “right look” for each project.
Elizabeth Wallner, Wallner Consulting Services, JSPAC
If I don’t learn anything else at this conference – hearing the marketing (Jill Chan and Phillips Design) made the entire event worth it!
Change is Constant Conference attendee,
December 4, 2013
Jill (Chan) was a very experienced presenter. She gave us good ideas, and adjusted the presentation to fit the audience. I enjoyed it!
C.L., JSPAC Member, Change is Constant Conference attendee,
December 4, 2013
There is no shortage of graphic designers out there – almost all self-applauding and assuring you of their brilliance, cost effectiveness, etc.
Jill and her team at Phillips Design are an “endangered species”: truly talented, creative, and very business oriented. This is no small feat. Not only do we business clients appreciate a minimum of “drama”, but Jill’s honesty and integrity about budget, and understanding that meeting the company’s needs (not the graphic designer’s) is what defines a successful project.
I particularly value her ability to partner – not in the “buzzword” sense that the word is now used – but in working with the client to bring both ideas and text to life visually that position and promote the business to its maximum advantage. I highly recommend Jill and Phillips Design – they will enhance your business objectives, especially if those include image, information, and increasing sales.
Sharon Prager, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
You guys are really phenomenal! Please express my sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed.
I’ve got 20 years of history doing this sort of work and you are one of the most responsive teams I’ve ever worked with, and one of the brightest. It is nice to see a group quickly internalize what is important to convey – both in terms of words and emotion.
It was a pleasure working with you on this and I look forward to lots more!!
Mike MacIntosh, For ConnectBeam
Phillips Design always comes through.
Dave Baker, RobbJack Corporation