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.

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 creates clarity, builds trust, and helps organizations grow with consistency.

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.