Rooted in experience. Growing with purpose.
I'm Melanie—Founder and Creative Director of Larkspur Studio, an independent design practice based in St. Louis. I blend classical design principles with modern storytelling to create work that is intentional and built to last.
Over the past 14 years, I’ve led projects across brand identity, digital experience, and environmental design—guiding teams and clients from idea to execution. Since founding my studio in 2014 as Melanie Layer Creative, I’ve built long-term partnerships rooted in trust, results, and collaboration.
My work spans global brands including McDonald’s, Lexus, Mastercard, and Bayer, as well as emerging organizations shaping what’s next. Across every project, the focus is the same: creating cohesive systems that work in the real world and support growth.
At the core of my practice is a simple belief—good design builds trust. It connects people, communicates clearly, and makes ideas tangible. At Larkspur, that belief guides everything we create.
Clear brands grow faster. That’s the work.
At Larkspur, we focus on building cohesive brand systems across identity, digital, and real-world environments — designed to support growth and real-world use.
TIMELINE
From mentorship to studio leadership
Roots & Mentorship
(2009-2012)
My creative journey began under the guidance of Bill Vann, whom I first met as a professor at St. Louis Community College at Meramec. He taught me that design is storytelling through structure—every line, shape, and type choice has a role. He also showed me how to build a creative business with integrity and discipline. Bill wrote my first freelance check—a moment that launched my career and set the standard for the kind of work I wanted to do. After earning my associate degree, I continued at Maryville University, where I completed my degree in graphic design and strengthened both my technical and strategic foundation. Those early experiences continue to shape how I lead, collaborate, and build Larkspur Studio today.
Melanie Layer Creative, LLC
(2014–2025)
In 2014, I founded Melanie Layer Creative (MLC) to help St. Louis–area small businesses define who they are and how they show up in the world. From local shops and nonprofits to growing startups, I partnered closely with founders and teams to build brands rooted in strategy, clarity, and heart. Working side by side with business owners taught me how deeply design impacts growth, culture, and customer connection. That experience reinforced a core truth I still carry today: great design doesn’t just look good—it helps businesses grow
Larkspur Creative Studio
(2025-Today)
Larkspur Studio represents the evolution of more than a decade of hands-on studio leadership, client partnership, and system-driven design. Built on a foundation of mentorship, education, and long-term practice, the studio brings together strategic thinking, creative direction, and trusted collaborators to support organizations at scale. Today, Larkspur delivers cohesive brand systems across digital, print, and physical environments—helping organizations launch, grow, and adapt with clarity and confidence. It is the natural result of years spent learning, building, and leading with intention.
What This Means
for You
+ Clear positioning
+ Cohesive brand systems
+ Work that holds up in the real world
+ A partner who understands both strategy and execution
HOW WE WORK
Behind the work
We stay involved from idea to execution — working alongside your team to turn strategy into real-world results.
Hands-on. Collaborative. Accountable.
In the Real World
This is what design looks like in practice—working with clients, refining ideas, and bringing them into the real world.
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TESTIMONIALS
What Clients Say
Long-term partnerships are at the heart of Larkspur Studio. These words reflect the trust, collaboration, and results we work to earn every day.
“Everything turned out beautifully, and our members were thrilled with the outcome. The new AoH site truly wouldn’t have come together without Melanie’s guidance. Her vision, patience, and leadership made the entire process seamless.”
Michael Martinez
VP of Marketing at Ambassadors of Harmony
“Working with Melanie changed how I see myself as a designer and as a professional. She encouraged me to try new things, use my full skill set, and believe in what I’m capable of. I’ve grown more in the past few months under her mentorship than I had in years. I’m so grateful for her support and guidance.”
Former Team Member
Senior Graphic Designer
At Larkspur Studio, we believe great design is essential to building lasting brand equity.