Lakewood Designer Chosen For Global Design Intensive

Lakewood, Ohio resident and business owner Charity D'Amato was recently selected as part of a global design intensive crafted by Iggesund, a leader in European paperboard manufacturing. D'Amato traveled to the heart of Sweden for a week of packaging and graphics immersion. 

“It was a week to remember,” said D'Amato, owner of Chartreuse, a design and marketing firm. "The experience enabled me to not only discover the design field abroad, but it also provide the opportunity to discuss design industry sustainability and materials issues with some of Europe's experts in the field. We were able to create art, experience the Swedish culture and see firsthand how the European forestry industry differs from others, especially ours here in the States."

As one of thirteen participants, D'Amato was selected from hundreds of applications. "I had no idea that they would choose a designer from a Midwest boutique-type firm in the United States, but my essay must have won them over!" exclaimed Charity. "As a designer who works on everything from brand development to packaging and signage, my experience brought a well-rounded approach from the U.S. to the global group that was assembled." In addition to the United States, program participants came from Finland, Lebanon, South Korea, Poland, Germany, Denmark and Belgium.

"Through the programming and hands-on activities, each participant learned new ways of thinking about print design. The beautiful countryside setting and highly-styled Swedish accommodations provided over the top inspiration complete with food fit for a king. The abundance of various types of fresh fish, chantrel mushrooms and everything lingonberry was beyond delicious" said a satisfied D'Amato.

D'Amato owns Chartreuse, a design and marketing firm located at the west end of Lakewood on Madison Avenue. Some of the firm's clients include Moen, Hinkley Lighting, Team NEO and the YWCA of Greater Cleveland. This upcoming year the firm will be celebrating its tenth year in business.

"Many lessons were learned through this opportunity. First, always apply for anything that interests you because you might just be the right candidate. Second, never stop learning! There is a ton of information out there. Third, the global design community is very small, friendly and filled with people who share the same creative passion and way of thinking. We are all influenced by our own surroundings, but it's a true gift to be inspired by new settings and experiences." 

For further information and additional photos from the global design experience visit http://www.iggesund.com/en/Global/Press-Startpage/Press-Releases/Design-Experience/Iggesund-Design-Experience/