BRANDING PROJECTS

Cortney Designs — I’m a local graphic designer based in Kansas City, MO, turning original art into wearable statements. I design bold, eye-catching graphics and bring them to life on my own merch—tees, hoodies, stickers, and more. Every piece blends playful creativity with a little KC spirit, whether you’re shopping for something unique or looking for custom work.

Shop my merch or hit me up for commissions — let’s make something you’ll actually want to wear.

This design was created as a heartfelt tribute to my dad for his birthday. For as long as I can remember, he’s talked about his dream of opening his own restaurant—a vision filled with the warmth of good food, laughter, and community. While life took him down different paths, that dream has always remained a part of him.

I wanted to bring that dream to life in my own way by creating a custom restaurant logo just for him. The design captures the personality, charm, and nostalgia of what his place might have been—something he could proudly call his own. By putting it on a tee shirt, I hope he can wear it not just as a gift, but as a symbol of the dream that’s always been in his heart.

I whipped up this design as a birthday surprise for my significant other’s dad. He’s all about two things—homemade pizza and spinning vinyl—so I mashed them together into one fun little illustration.

I wanted to challenge myself by designing a political poster based on America’s current political condition.

I wanted to showcase Lady Liberty crying with her hands covering her face to show America is not happy. Covering her face was deliberate because it shouldn’t matter what you look like, what you identify as, or how much income you have-POC, women, and trans-gender lives deserve the same rights as anyone else in America.

Making tip jar art for a dispensary was all about blending creativity with everyday interaction. Each jar became a chance to catch someone’s eye, spark a smile, and bring a little personality to the counter. I approached each design individually, giving them their own look and feel, while weaving in bits of humor and playfulness wherever possible. These graphics weren’t just signs—they were moments of connection, made to reflect the laid-back, welcoming vibe of the dispensary while showing off the lighter side of cannabis culture. Whether clever, quirky, or bold, each one was made to turn a simple gesture—tipping—into a more memorable and engaging experience.

I took on a project to make tip jar art for a dispensary in Kansas City. I wanted to create various designs with some added humor.