Karen Cassel Bear: Designer

Growing up, my exposure to design was limited to straight tobacco rows and colorful patchwork fields. I helped my family grow cash crops and milk cows on a beautiful farm in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Those early years taught me to "make hay when the sun is shining!"

My graphic design experience started in 1997 when I moved to Ontario, Canada to volunteer for an organization that needed help developing their Public Relations department. I created many brochures, newsletters, booklets and other PR materials for them. The experience solidified my interest in design, so I enrolled at the University of Akron, (Ohio) in the Fine Arts College. During my studies, I had the opportunity to work for a book publishing company for a couple of years. This professional experience launched me into a freelance business, which has grown to become Cassel Bear today. As an entrepreneur, I can relate well to my clients, many of whom are also start up business owners. I value hard work and as a creative person I find a lot of fulfillment in seeing entrepreneurs meet their financial and personal goals through the enhancement of design for their business.

When I'm not designing, I'm most likely reading magazines, laughing with my son Keegan or shooting photography.