Meet+
It’s with a grateful heart that I welcome you to Creative Fools and that you landed here.
I’m Stacy, and I didn't set out to be a designer or photographer, but doodling on PeeChee folders and being obsessed with a camera since grade school was the start of living my creative life. The fool in me takes on too many projects - which usually has me working till dawn with our dog Jase at my feet. My husband and I have three sons. I like inappropriate humor and am a sucker for a game of Cards Against Humanity. I also nerd out over spelling and grammar, use way too many exclamation points and smiley faces in my emails, and I am OCD about my inbox.
Over the years I’ve worked for some of the most exciting companies in the world. My clients come from diverse industries that include technology, real estate, restaurants, wineries and more. Some are large and well known brands, while others are smaller companies at the beginning of their growth. What they have in common is a desire to push boundaries, challenge conventional thinking, explore new models and develop products and services that can change our world.
My hope is that you've seen my work and are ready to become one of those boundary
pushing clients.
Need more info? Below are some visuals of my life’s pleasures as well as my Client List,
Client Raves, FAQ's and the evolution of 22 years of being in business....yikes.
Life is good.
Scroll down to view what I love.
Hover over the items to view what I love.
expressing
myself
My husbands
hands
Jase
our silver lab
my montana
family
refining
old recipies
antique can
graphics
red wine
& picnics
This show
Camping
Blues &
country
feeDing my wanderlust
and getting lost
(My second dream job.)
BEAUTY/HEALTH/IMAGE
Cadet Health
Hair Mechanics
KB Fitness & Training
Masterpiece Photography
South County Med Spa & Wellness
CONSTRUCTION/AUTOMOTIVE
DCI Construction
DJ’S Performance
McDonald Concrete Construction
R&D Construction
RV Sales 101
RESTAURANTS/FOOD/B&B INDUSTRY
Amour Patisserie
Angelo’s Italian
Black Gate Olive Oil
City Diner
Fitz Place
Garlic Shoppe
Scramblz / Almaden
Scramblz / The Alameda
Scramblz / Winchester
Scramblz / Meridian
WINE INDUSTRY
Aver Family Vineyards
Emma Lily Vineyards
Dorcich Family Vineyards
Fortino Winery
Guglielmo Winery
Heller Winery
Jason-Stephens Winery
La Vie Dansante
McCarley Ranch
Morgan Hill Cigar and Wine Shop
Seeker Vineyard
TASS
Wineries of Santa Clara Valley
B2B & B2C BUSINESSES
Apple
Autodesk
Avaya
BAJobs
Charter Semiconductor
Coherent
Creative Labs
GAP
Hewlett-Packard
iTeach
Integrated Systems Eng.
Interwise
Net I.Q.
Los Gatos Ballet
Lucent Technologies
NetFrame
Nortel
Momomi
Newmark Cornish & Carey
Octel Communciations
OSI
Otari
PeopleSoft
Pure Atria
SSET
San Jose Country Club
Secure Computing
Silicon Valley Personnel
Space Systems/Loral
Streak Technology
SunMicro Systems
Synopsys
TekEdge
Telco Systems
United Airlines
Vantive Inc.
Xpedior
3Com
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our client list
CINDY ADAMS // GUGLIELMO WINERY
When we wanted to update the look and feel of our advertising, I worked with Stacy and gave her some basic ideas. She really ran with it and produced 4 different proofs for us to choose from. They all were so true to our concept that it was hard to decide! Later, when we were placing the ads and needed various sizing and other small changes made, Stacy was extremely responsive and we didn't miss a single deadline! She's no fool, but she certainly is creative!
rAVEs from clients
JIM ANGELOPOULOS // founder, scrambl'z restaurants
I have used Stacy's design services for over ten years. As a business owner and founder of Scrambl'z breakfast restaurants, Stacy has provided a multitude of services to help my business grow. Her talents are varied from as simple as designing a business card to the full interior of a Scrambl'z restaurant. I've used her for all. Furthermore, Stacy has a great demeanor always a great attitude. She is quick to respond finishes projects on time. Last but not least, she has become a great friend.
christine denter
We choose Stacy as our photographer for our sons high school and college graduation photos. We were so surprised that we got a email from her 48 hours
after each shoot of our proofs. Viewing them together as a family in our home on our computer made it fun and easy to choose the ones we wanted to frame.
AMBER TONKIN, BLACK GATES ESTATE OLIVE OIL
I am elated with the end product of our Black Gate Estate Olive Oil label.
The creativity with which you work is boundless. With one photograph you came up with a label that is enticing, distinct and graceful.
I am happy I chose Creative Fools, Stacy listened and created a stunning label. Working with Stacy was easy, the hardest part, for me, was making decisions as quickly as she gave examples.
Thank you STACY!!!
david doyle // doyle construction inc.
When we started my company,
I reached out to Stacy and she delivered, more than promised. In fact, we still get comments today about our company logo and brochures.
As a business owner, I know my numbers and I know when to take risks. And when not to. Hiring Stacy and Creative Fools is a NO risk and high return business proposition.
Karen Seeker // seeker vineyard
president, wineries of santa clara valley
I highly recommend Stacy, both professionally and personally. Her creative insights and abilities shine through in her all of her work, whether creating a logo, brochure, detailed map or other deliverable. And she is a joy to work with—dependable, very quick to respond, and always goes above and beyond to provide exactly what is needed, when it is needed. Stacy has provided her services to both our vineyard and to the association, and I consider her a valued partner.
CHRIS MARTIN // VP, CREATIVE LABELS INC.
Creative Labels has had the opportunity to work with Stacy at Creative Fools on a few projects now and not only have I felt the designs were eye catching, but I felt one in particular was an improved image on a tired look. Creative Labels receives many files from many designers and some don't seem to understand how to set files up that actually work with the printer. So far all the artwork we have received from Stacy has been easy for my Production Artists to work with.
greg smith
Stacy @ Creative Fools is one of the best marketing professionals I've had the pleasure to work with in years. She keeps on schedule, can be flexible, brings great ideas and her artwork & photography are truly amazing. Plus, she genuinely seems like a very nice person. I'd recommend her for any project, small or large.
JOHN GROGAN // SUNLIT OAKS WINERY
We at the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Association needed a map of the member wineries and a Passport booklet design for our main fundraiser event. Both items needed to be professional looking, functional and convey the brand image that we are trying to promote. Stacy did an excellent job including some clever ways to help people navigate, all on a tight schedule and a limited budget!
STEPHEN GONZALEZ //
FIRST IMPRESSION PRINTING
I have worked with Stacy for the past 6 years and we have worked on several projects together. As a printer it's hard to find a quality, reliable designer. She makes it VERY easy for me to print quality signs and graphics to impress my customers with her beautiful design work. I have worked with several designers and she is top notch. If your looking for an amazing designer look no further.
ANN CANNON // Avaya
We have used Creative Fools for our trade show booth graphics and event signage. Stacy is able to not only provide the design for these items, but handles all the printing and delivery to our events - local and national. She's creative and follows the look of our brand which makes our corporate marketing team happy.
JOAN TINER // COHERENT
We have worked with Stacy on many projects through out the years from design projects to photo shoots. Her work continues to stay on the cutting edge and makes me shine as a Marketing Director.
design
HOW DOES THE DESIGN PROCESS WORK?
discuss
The design process begins with either a phone interview or a meeting to discuss your vision, target audience and all the components of your project.
01
estimate
With the information gathered from our discussion, an estimate is emailed to you for review. After your approval is received, a timeline will be submitted outlining the deliverables.
02
create
Researching and discovering your technology, market and competitors helps identify where your company should be. Designs are then created and executed into concepts.
03
present
Here's where the ideas are presented. Together we review the concepts and you choose the design that provides the best direction for your project. If we need to alter the design, a second meeting is then set until you are satisfied.
04
WHAT’S THE NORMAL TURN-AROUND?
Ads, Emailers, Facebook: 1 week
Logos & Signage: 1-2 weeks
Collateral: 2-3 weeks
Engagement & Wedding Albums: 6 weeks
Websites & Packaging: 4 weeks
Ads, Emailers, Facebook: 1 week
Logos & Signage: 1-2 weeks
Collateral: 2-3 weeks
Engagement & Wedding Albums: 6 weeks
Websites & Packaging: 4 weeks
WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENT DO YOU REQUIRE UP FRONT?
First time clients where the estimate exceeds $1500, a 50% deposit to start the project is required with the full amount due upon completion. Cash, checks or payment thru PayPal is acceptable.
IS THE ARTWORK MINE AFTER I PAY YOU?
Yes. All origiinal artwork is yours once payment is made in full. If any of your artwork incorporated stock imagery (which would’ve been outlined in estimate) stock imagery must be purchased in advance and licensed in your name or business name. Once payment is made in full, all artwork will be emailed to you or copied onto a DVD. We archive all projects up to 3 years.
DO YOU PROVIDE PRINTING?
Yes. Being a print broker provides you, the client, better rates than if you were
to outsource the printing yourself. Basic digital copying as well as high-end litho printing is offered as well as UV spot varnishing, foil stamping, aquas coating, embossing,
debossing, die cutting and custom bindery and packaging.
Signage, screen printing on apparel, speciality products and framing is also available.
photos
HOW DOES THE photography PROCESS WORK?
discuss
The process begins with either a phone interview or a meeting to discuss your session or components of your type of shoot needed.
01
estimate
With the information gathered from our discusssion, a estimate is emailed to you for review.
02
book
After the estimate is approved, your session will be booked, deposit scheduled and details of location, time etc. will be narrowed down.
03
review
When your images are ready, a link will be provided to your personal gallery. You then log in and begin tagging your favorites*. Color correcting & cropping is then done and you can begin sharing or printing. If want to order products, we set up BOOK a meeting so you can pick and choose those products to highlight your images
04
HOW SOON BEFORE I CAN SEE MY PHOTOS?
Portraits: 72 hours
Engagements: 1 week
Weddings: 2 weeks
Canvas Wraps: 2 weeks
Albums: 2 weeks
Wedding Website: 3 weeks
Portraits: 72 hours
Engagements: 1 week
Weddings: 2 weeks
Prints: 2 weeks
Framing: 2 weeks
Canvas Wraps: 2 weeks
Albums: 2 weeks
Wedding Website: 3 weeks
WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENT DO YOU REQUIRE UP FRONT?
All sessions are due at the end of the session day. For weddings, a 25% deposit to save your date with the full amount due one month prior to your wedding is required. Cash, checks or payment thru PayPal is acceptable.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?
Choosing complimenting colors or simple patterns works best. If the session you choose includes our "Color Coordinating Outfit & Rooms" service, you’re covered. If your session doesn't, head over to the Pinterest page to view some ideas.: http://www.pinterest.com/creativefools/what-to-wear/
SHOULD WE PROVIDE YOU WITH A SHOTLIST?
If you have particular posed shots that you want, I would love to see them. Send a link to your Pinterest board or provide hard copies. Same applies for brides, provide a list or we can provide you with a link to download our standard photo list so you can list important family members and check off which photos are most important.
*Drone videos will be viewed thru youtube.
ARE YOU LICENSED TO FLY DRONES?
Yes, we partner with a licensed drone pilot who can legally fly as high as 400’.
Prints: 2 weeks
Framing: 2 weeks
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