About CDS
Principles at CDS
Sarah Fletcher
President/Creative Director
Sarah, whose mother was an art director, literally grew up in the art department of an advertising agency. After a brief rebellion she began her career at age six, stripping boards and organizing type. To date she has worked is almost every capacity in the business from copywriter to photographer to creative director. Her main focus for the past twenty five years has been catalog design and development working with and for companies like Scholastic, Wyeth Pharmaceutical, International Paper and L.L. Bean. Her articles have appeared in Catalog Success Magazine, Multichannel Merchant and DM News and she has spoken at The Annual Catalog Conference, the NEMOA directXchange Conference and the GCIC. Sarah has also been a judge for the Multichannel Merchant Awards and the International Echo Awards. Sarah is also the co-founder of Stylaquin a better way to shop online.
David Gillis
Sr. Art Director
David started his Art Directing career at TBC, a respected Ad agency in Baltimore, Maryland, where he ultimately became Associate Creative Director. His clients at the agency included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maryland, Micron Computers, the Baltimore Orioles Baseball Club, the Maryland Lottery, Schmidt Baking Co., Manor Hill Foods and Baltimore Aquarium.
In 1997, David returned with his wife and children to his native Maine. He joined L.L. Bean where he became the Sr. Art Director for the Men’s, Travel, Outdoor and Corporate Sales catalogs, as well as others.
After nearly 5 years, David left L.L. Bean to pursue freelance Art Directing. His award-winning design work has encompassed packaging, annual reports, advertising, Website design, logo and identity work, direct mail and more. His clients have included: D.L.Geary Brewing, Maine College of Art, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Portland Symphony Orchestra and Crestline, as well as his work for Catalog Design Studios.
Jeff Ryan
Copy Director
Our Philosophy
It’s all about the Work. Catalog Design Studios has built an impressive track record in the catalog industry by recognizing that great work can only be achieved by getting to know you, your products and your customers. We love catalogs and it shows in the excitement and enthusiasm we bring to each project.
Asking the right questions
Before we roll up our sleeves, we take the time to review your current work and ask the right questions about your strategy, your products, your current customers and where you see opportunities for growth. Only then can we start crafting a solution that will work best for you.
Building on your expertise
We don’t view the creative process as a mysterious puzzle that only we can solve. Quite the contrary. We have found that the most potent creative solutions spring from a team approach that combines your product and customer knowledge with our experience and creativity. In addition, we are always willing to discuss why we made creative decisions to help you understand why we feel they are the best choices for you and your customers.
Flexibility is our strength
CDS will work with you to develop a project strategy that fits your comfort level and your budget. Not ready to take on an entire catalog redesign? We can help you maximize the sales of your top products first, then tackle the rest in subsequent catalogs. Do you like your design but feel your copy is falling short of the mark? We’re happy to provide only the services you need to bring your creative (and your sales) up to snuff.