(Our original logo, made in 2016.)
The Swell Design Story
Swell Design began when our founder, Sarah Wells, moved to Charlotte, North Carolina from Southern Indiana in 2016. She began joining networking groups and doing design work on the side of her full-time contracted position as a designer for a corporate company. Shortly thereafter, she left her corporate role and was fully committed to growing Swell Design.
Now, Swell Design works with 150+ clients per year and has grown into a small team that caters specifically to entrepreneurs, solo business owners, and small businesses around the U.S.
Design Style
At Swell Design, our design style is minimalist, modern, and clean, with negative space playing a large role in the overall look of a logo or design - we believe that less is more.
We don't want to design something for the now, our goal is to design a brand and/or website that will stand the test of time for every business.
We strive to make each client feel genuinely cared for and enjoy every step of the design process as we work together to create the brand/website of your dreams.
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The Swell Design Values
INCLUSIVITY & RESPECT
We welcome clients of all backgrounds, fostering a safe, non-discriminatory environment for everyone we work with.
EMPOWERING DESIGN ACCESS
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to work with a professional designer who supports their unique journey.
EXCELLENCE, CARE, & KINDNESS
We are committed to providing an exceptional experience, blending strategic design with genuine kindness and care for each client’s success.
SUPPORTIVE COLLABORATION
We approach each project with kindness, respect, and a dedication to fostering meaningful client relationships.
WOMAN-OWNED & OPERATED
As a woman-led studio, we proudly stand for equality, diversity, and the empowerment of our team and clients.
Hi, I'm Sarah.
MEET THE OWNER
I started Swell Design in 2016 at a pivotal moment in my life. I relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina after living my entire life in southern, rural Indiana. I had to say goodbye to my corporate design job that I thought was exactly what I always wanted. I started applying for other corporate design jobs in Charlotte, and nothing was working. I took this as a sign to try to build my own business. I went ALL IN. I worked on my brand, I started networking in a city where I knew no one, and I started to get clients.
Working with entrepreneurs and small business owners became the perfect clientele for me. I love hearing people talk about following their passion and building a business, just like I did. And being the first visual element to their brand is such a special feeling. I love seeing a client connect with a design I create for them and know that it will represent everything they do for years to come.
Sarah's Education
INDIANA UNIVERSITY | BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA
Bachelor of Arts: Studio Art [Focus: Graphic Design]
Bachelor of Arts: Telecommunications [Focus: Marketing]
Minor: Art History
MY FAMILY
I love spending time with my husband Derek & our two sons Otto and Arie, whether we are in the backyard or heading to the zoo - they're the best!
OUR DOG, COPPER
I always wanted a dog growing up, but never had one. One month after I got married in 2015, we got Copper! He is the sweetest pup around!
INDOOR PLANTS
Over the last few years, I have loved learning about indoor plants and watching them thrive, it brings the perfect pop of nature into our home.
The Things I Love
KNOW Women
Elite Member
Sarah was featured in the Charlotte, NC KNOW Women publication in the inaugural edition in 2018 and again in 2022, featuring 100 women to do business with in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"KNOW Charlotte is an annual publication that features dynamic women through the city in virtually every industry. Every woman featured in KNOW Charlotte has been vetted through peer-review. The women featured are a compilation of proven leaders, high producers, and rising stars. Those published in KNOW Charlotte are also considered trendsetters, influencers, and women to watch."
