On any given day, you’ve probably seen a logo, menu, or label designed by Stitch Design Co. Founded in 2009 by Courtney Rowson and Amy Pastre, SDCO Partners is a multi-disciplinary studio of designers, developers and creative thinkers headquartered in historic Charleston.
Over the past decade, Courtney, Amy and their talented team have crafted collateral for the likes of Le Creuset, FIG, Rewined Candles, and hundreds of clients around the world. Their work has received numerous awards and been featured in Domino, Monocle Magazine, and Communication Arts, to name a few.
On February 22nd, this dynamic duo will dive into the topic of Symmetry, sharing more about their work as creative entrepreneurs. As a special sneak peek, we caught up with Courtney and Amy to learn more about their passion for design, their morning routines, and what brings them creative inspiration each day. Read the full Q&A below and mark your calendars for February 22nd!
What do you love most about what you do?
Courtney Rowson (CR): We love the challenge and process of finding solutions for each of our clients and projects. No two projects are the same at SDCO so it is very satisfying to help find solutions and be a part of their success.
How did you get into your field of work? Did you always know you would become designers (and entrepreneurs!)?
Amy Pastre (AP): I knew on some level at an early age that I wanted to have a career in the arts. This ultimately lead me to pick graphic design as my major in college. Being an entrepreneur, however, started as a necessity and has been something I have thoroughly enjoyed.
How do you start your day?
CR: We both start the day early, typically around 5:30 with a morning workout in order to be back home in time to get our kids ready for school. It’s important to us both to protect that time with our family, as well as making times for ourselves before we start the workday.
Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment.
AP: In May, SDCO will turn 10. We are extremely proud of the work we’ve created over the past 10 years and the team we have in place. We’ve been able to grow in a way that has allowed us to evolve while still remaining true to our core company and personal values.
Do you have a hidden talent?
CR: Part-time therapist, mind reader, negotiator and hand model.
Who or what gives you creative inspiration?
AP: Inspiration is everywhere. We are both always looking, researching and noticing the nuances everywhere.
CreativeMornings events are fueled by coffee. If you’re a coffee drinker, what’s your go-to order?
CR: We are both trying to avoid caffeine these days. So our go-to is a tea or Chai Latte to warm us up in the morning.
What is your favorite place in Charleston?
CR: Being on the water.
How do you unwind or de-stress?
AP: Staying active and making time to get outside and away from the computer.
Rapid fire:
- morning person or night owl? AP: Morning CR: Morning
- summer or winter? AP: Summer CR: Summer
- mountains or beach? AP: Beach CR: Mountains
- pancakes or waffles? AP: Pancakes CR: Waffles
- fiction or non-fiction? AP: Non-Fiction CR: Fiction
