Local Business: Kohanek Graphic Design

Though DC is no stranger to current and former expats, when Jean Kohanek and her husband, Cody Rice, returned from Montreal in late 2008, it was like a double homecoming.  Not only were they back in the U.S. after her husband’s two year assignment abroad, but they were also coming back to Capitol Hill.  Interestingly, the time away is what prompted her to start her firm, Kohanek Graphic Design .

Working primarily with small businesses, Kohanek designs logos, publications, marketing materials and websites, creating a look and feel that is consistent across an organization.  It is Kohanek’s philosophy to offer something to her clients that matches the commitment they have put into building their company.  Her approach is to learn about the business and reflect that with graphic design.  She says it this way: “Small business owners have invested so much to get their company off the ground.  Its rewarding to put together an identity that symbolizes that work.”  In addition to her work with small businesses, Kohanek also designs custom invitations, announcements, and even games for special occasions.

Using a small press set up in her dining room, she hand-prints these projects whenever possible: “the textures and imperfections in printing by hand are a nice antidote to the clean precision we have with computers. Plus, there’s an immediate reward—handling the paper, pushing down on the press, watching the ink bloom—you just made something!”

Her philosophy for working with small businesses is paralleled with her own experience defining her focus and style.  When she first began, Kohanek was working at the Academy for Educational Development.  There she was responsible for editing organizational newsletters.  She realized that the layout and design was what really caught her interest.  AED fostered that interest, moving her into more creative roles and supporting her decision to study graphic and digital design at the Maryland Institute College of Art, a well-known and respected institution in Baltimore.  Eventually, Kohanek became interested in the arts and moved to the Phillips Collection, where she designed marketing and promotional materials for the gallery’s events and exhibits.

It was while there that she and Rice were presented with the opportunity to relocate to Montreal.  Getting a work visa proved difficult and, even after a year of French, it was clear working in an office environment would be a challenge.  Kohanek had already been doing freelance work, via word of mouth, before leaving DC so she decided to focus on that and build her own firm.  Using her contacts and referrals, she was able to continue working with U.S. clients remotely.

When she returned to Capitol Hill in the fall of 2008, Kohanek thought briefly about moving back into a role with another arts organization, but decided the benefits of having her own firm are more rewarding, especially given the opportunity to work with and promote businesses and activities in the neighborhood.  Also, she happily picked back up where she left off as someone involved in the community by serving on an ANC committee and with other local organizations.