courtney ahn design is a creative studio that…
offers accessible design services to marginalized + small businesses
provides contract design services for like-minded brands + orgs
creates educational artwork + resources in support of social justice
i know this is “courtney ahn design” but I actually go by courn!
I’m a queer and autistic non-binary designer and illustrator who uses they/them pronouns.
I’m a multi-disciplinary designer with 5+ years in the creative industry and I’ve just about done it all in that time: I worked in-house at a large brand, I tried the agency lifestyle, I worked contract gigs for years, and did just about everything in-between, even running a dog bandana shop at one point(I know, I know). But the thing is, regardless of the position, team, or place, I often found myself unhappy and ultimately, unfulfilled by the work. I was running into the same issues regardless of the job: racial microaggressions, misogyny, and corrupt business practices. It was becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the design industry I had grown to love, one heavily colonized and led by white supremacy, as a young Korean person in the ways I wanted to. So in 2020, I quit my agency job to work full-time as a freelance designer and haven’t looked back since. I couldn’t be more happy to continue to support clients, projects, and organizations that align with my core values and are making a difference in their communities.
you know you’re working with someone who…
validates your experience, is an advocate for your well-being, and is dedicated to dismantling white supremacy and systemic oppression through their design practices as a queer asian.
why this matters
Because finding a creative partner that values your lived experience shouldn’t be a compromise like many work relationships are for marginalized folks - it should be an expectation. Systemic oppression is not exempt from the creative industry, or any industry for that matter, which is why anti-racism is a core part of my studio philosophy.
BIPOC priority
This studio prioritizes work with BIPOC, queer, disabled, and marginalized-owned businesses as they often face the hugest barriers to success in developing, growing, and sustaining their work - getting quality creative work done shouldn’t be one of them! As part of that priority, BIPOC led organizations and brands in the equity and anti-racism space will always be given priority in timeline and availability. If that upsets you as a non-marginalized business owner...this isn’t a good fit!
cultivating creative partnerships for life
it’s not just business…
When I onboard a new client, I’m looking to build a meaningful creative partnership that lasts a lifetime (quite literally!), not just the length of your project, or even your business. Down the line in your endeavors, I am always here to chat about future work, the goals of your brand, or just to grab a virtual coffee and catch up. I’m just an email away, always! The truth is that if we’ve worked together, I am genuinely rooting for your success, which is why I’m always here to be an advocate for you, your business, and how effective design can play a part in your success.
