The One-Stop Shop for Creative Branding: CTS Creative

In a four-hour car drive to a vacation destination, Tina Saland whipped out her laptop and drew a beautiful peacock with flowing rainbow feathers. The image would later become the logo for her brand-new business, CTS Creative, in Brooklyn, Iowa.

“Many businesses that perform design work have colorful logos,” says Saland, whose company brings designs to life on windows, apparel, and a wide variety of other products. “In my normal life, I usually hate multicolored anything, even lights, but my husband and I love peacocks!” (Plus, the pair have a pet peacock at home.)

Although Saland never formally learned design in school, she has been self-taught for over 15 years, gaining expertise in Adobe products such as Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. “I even took online classes — when I want to learn something, I commit to it. My kids joke that it is my downfall,” smiles Saland. 

Then, Saland landed design work for a client while she had some free time. After a few months, she was seriously considering a future in design. “So far, the funnest part for me is watching ideas for designs transform into a business promotional product."

At her Brooklyn storefront (which she shares with her other business, Tina Marie Photography), CTS Creative can do anything — from printing logos on sweatshirts, creating vinyl designs for business windows or cars, designing business cards, or even creating specialized shirts for bachelorette parties (true story!). Saland has also designed stickers for fire departments, as well as apparel highlighting the Brooklyn community.

Before a project gets started, Saland likes to sit down with clients and review ideas of what a logo, design, or product should look like. “I usually do a proof for them so they can adjust it and tell me their vision. For logos, I create about 4-8 variations and the client picks their favorite.” When it comes to apparel, she might have a few questions for you: do you prioritize sizing, comfort, or durability? 

Lead time for products is usually between 1-2 weeks (depending on the complexity of the design), and there is no order minimums or maximums required. Plus, no shipping costs on top of reasonable base prices. With the help of her husband, the turnaround time is quick.

“We have partners who help us do embroidery,” explains Saland. “For transfers, my husband basically prints ink onto film and then heat presses it onto a shirt.”

To look at CTS Creative’s full list of products — from leather notebooks to mugs to water tumblers — visit their website or call 641-522-7184 if you are ready to bring your brand to life! You can also view Saland’s work on her Facebook page, CTS Creative, for inspiration on how your business could liven up its design work. And if you’re looking for professional photography, Saland has her own business for that, too, Tina Marie Photography. 

Chamber Ambassadors

Chamber ambassadors who attended this ribbon-cutting include the following individuals, from left to right:

• Dorothy Spriggs
  Carriage House Bed and Breakfast
• Fran Conn
• Donna Fischer
  UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation
• Ashley Sorensen
  Volunteer Iowa
• Nicolle Donnelly
  Poweshiek Insurance Agency
• Joni Schmidt
  The Mayflower Community
• Dan McCue
  McCue & Associates, American Family Insurance
• Lisa Cirks
  Cirks Financial Services
• Trent Arment
  MCG - Mahaska Communication Group
• Monica St. Angelo
  Grinnell Area Arts Council
• Jennifer McAlexander
  JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security
• Tina Saland
  CTS Creative and Tina Marie Photography
• Brandy Virchow
  B Nicole Salon
• Blake Pearson
  Converge Chiropractic
• Desi German
  German Plumbing & Heating
• Jess Dawson
  RE/MAX Partners Realty
• Nikki Armstead
  Grinnell Chamber
• Yesenia Mozo
  Grinnell Chamber
• Donnette Ellis
  Grinnell College
• Claire Burch
  Temp Associates Grinnell
• Sarah Smith
  Grinnell College