I love clarity almost as much as I love dogs.

Tara Hoover and therapy dog Juno

I often get common questions about working together such as:

why aren't you around on fridays?

Because I’m with Ollie, training her to follow in Juno's paw prints for the pet therapy programs at UPMC Passavant Hospital and Pittsburgh International Airport. It’s ultra-rewarding (for both of us)! Check out the canine-compassion on my Instagram.

what are your office hours?

I work Monday through Thursday, 10am to 4pm. I'm located in Pittsburgh, PA, so that's Eastern Standard Time.

what services do you offer?

I can handle all the graphic design and web design needs of an academic, non-profit or corporate marketer.

i'm in a hurry. can you help?

I typically book projects 6-8 weeks in advance. So while it's unlikely I can help immediately, give me a shout and I’ll check my schedule and give you a clear timeline.

can Ollie come visit my office?

Perhaps. She has some availability on Fridays, yet she books-up early and requires abundant payment in treats, hugs and pets.

how long will my project take?

Every project is different depending on the size and scope of the deliverable. The easiest way to give you an accurate quote is by having a (complimentary) conversation.

do you handle printing too?

I do not provide in-house printing, but I can liaise between you and the printer to ensure good communication for a job-done-properly. I can also recommend printers who I like to work with, but you will always have a separate printing contract independent of me.

do you take on small projects?

I guess that depends on what you consider small. My projects start with a $3,000 minimum and vary in scope and complexity.

do you design logos?

I prefer to work with established brands, so designing logos isn't my thing. I'll gladly refer you to my network of designer friends who would be a great fit though!

what's it like to work with you?

I believe that smiles and pleasantries are not optional. So we're going to get to know each other and have some fun. And you'll always know where things stand, because I'm super-organized. Like this.

What do you charge?

Every client and project is different; the easiest way to give you an accurate quote is by having a (complimentary) conversation.

How do I get started?

Easy-peasy! Just schedule a complimentary, 30-minute conversation.

A job-well-done is just as important and rewarding as a great client relationship.

I love my clients.

And I like the variety of working with different people, and the learning that comes from supporting organizations in different sectors—from higher education to non-profits and corporations.

Want to see the results of a successful collaboration? Check out my portfolio.

Having Tara as an extension of our team has been a gift. She is everything you want out of a creative partner. Someone who can help you not only execute at the highest quality, and on time, but also assist with expanding your vision and helping you to think beyond what you believe you may need in the moment.

Diana Toole

Chief Marketing Officer
Shady Side Academy

Tara is an excellent partner and executes every deliverable seamlessly from beginning to end. She offers thoughtful suggestions throughout the process, making the prjoject even better in the end.

Maggie Woodward

Communications Manager
Just A Start

The Notre Dame brand is among the most recognizable and powerful in all of higher education, and Tara has only added to that reputation. She has played a key role in upgrading and enhancing the brand and design for our Institute. Tara is a consummate professional—always working on or ahead of deadline and delivering top quality work every time.

Brett Robinson, Ph.D.

Director of Communications
McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame

Tara's ability to understand and respect a brand and its core values make her a fantastic collaborator, and her can-do attitude and willingness to consider unique solutions put her in a class above. She is not only an expert in her field, but she is a delight to work with!

Christina Gorski

Director of Communications
Fred Rogers Productions

Tara is a standout in her field. She is a gifted designer who really understands how to match design with your brand. She's easy to work with and goes above and beyond to get the job done right.

Julie Keck

Manager of Marketing & Strategic Communications
Belmont College

Tara helped us to meet the moment by redesigning our annual Kiski Bulletin. The new look was well-received and praised by our constituents. She has exceptional vision and brought a fresh perspective to our magazine, all while helping us stay within our budget.

Mark Rhodehamel

Director of Strategic Initiatives and Associate Director of Development
The Kiski School

Tara is not only an amazing designer, but a true partner as well. She’s immensely collaborative and efficient. She listens, and provides the creative insight and guidance needed to turn even a vague idea into a knockout design concept. It is a pleasure to work with her.

Amanda Powers-Snowden

Director, Communications & Operations
DePaul University Career Center
ArrowArrow

I shine brightest when creatively supporting corporate and academic marketers who share my values and seek my capabilities. Is that you?

Contact me to set up a 30-minute, complimentary video call to candidly discuss your needs, and see if our personalities, aesthetics and working-styles align.

let's talk