FAQ
What is DogTooth Design?
DogTooth Design is a graphic arts service that specializes in creating interpretive signs for education, like those found on nature trails, at wayside rests or in exhibits. Other areas of expertise include web design, copy writing, illustration, and publication layout.
What services do you offer?
All facets of a project can be managed by DogTooth Design—conceptualization, research, writing, illustration, photography, layout, and installation planning. The only aspect of production that is not done in-house is actual fabrication of signs; DogTooth Design works with specialized vendors to ensure the best quality results in manufacturing.
Why choose DogTooth Design?
We provide comprehensive service, which results in a message that is cohesive in narrative and design. We work in collaboration with you, which ensures the message you intend is actualized. We design our signs with distinctive illustrative style, which makes the message unique and compelling. We have true interpretive savvy, which means your audience will actually read the message in the end.
What are your qualifications?
Over 15 years of intensive experience in a variety of graphic arts disciplines: illustration, book design, web site design, interactive content management, exhibit development, document layout and more. This is rooted in a Studio Arts, Art History and Mass Communications education (BA, U of MN) with advanced course-work in Graphic Design, along with ongoing studies in Ecology and Conservation.
With whom have you worked?
Among many others, major clients have included the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Minnesota. References are gladly provided upon request.
How “green” is DogTooth Design?
All deliverables are procured locally whenever possible. In all cases, they are made in the US or Canada. These products are extremely durable and of the highest quality to ensure long life, minimizing waste in the future. In all activities, conservation is considered. If materials can be reused, they are, and if they cannot, they are recycled. Wind-source credits are purchased to power production activities. Support of environmental charities is a priority.
Where are you located?
In the deciduous forest biome of the upper midwest near the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, in the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed (Lake Phalen Subwatershed), which is to say, on the east side of St. Paul in the great state of Minnesota.
Why the name “dogtooth”?
Because it sounds cool. Plus, it is a term associated with design. A dogtooth pattern is sometimes found in architectural elements like crown moulding. The pattern that spans the top of this page is a dogtooth pattern. Furthermore, much of my work revolves around nature/animal subjects: dogtooth not only evokes an animal but it is also a type of wildflower.