about the studio

Crafted by Carly is a full service design studio for passionate entrepreneurs building businesses they really believe in.

how it came to be...

1992-2010

I was born with seemingly little athletic genes but an obsession with arts & crafts. Throughout my childhood you could find me practicing pottery with my nana, going to art camp in the summer, and asking for all the arts supplies at Christmas time.

2021

After a little over a year of focusing all of my extra time, energy, and money into building my side hustle into a business that could support me, I quit my 9-5 and took Crafted by Carly full-time. Since then I’ve continued to learn, grow, and work with my absolute dream clients.

2006-2010

In high school, I was known as the girl who would carry a large pencil case filled with gel & glitter pens so that I could doodle my way through my classes, and my first foray into web design was playing around with the HTML to spruce up my MySpace page. 

2006-2010

In high school, I was known as the girl who would carry a large pencil case filled with gel & glitter pens so that I could doodle my way through my classes, and my first foray into web design was playing around with the HTML to spruce up my MySpace page.

1992-2006

From the time I was a toddler I was allll about the arts & crafts. I would do pottery with my nana, choose the leather making workshop at sleepaway camp (hard pass on capture the flag), and my favorite school subject was always art class.

2010-2014

I went to Fordham University in the Bronx (go Rams!), and while they didn’t have a traditional art program, my proximity to Manhattan allowed me to find graphic design internships at companies including Nautica and Harper’s Bazaar magazine.

2010-2014

I went to Fordham University in the Bronx (go Rams!), and while they didn’t have a traditional art program, my proximity to Manhattan allowed me to find graphic design internships at companies including Nautica and Harper’s Bazaar magazine.

2006-2010

In high school, I was known as the girl who would carry a large pencil case filled with gel & glitter pens so that I could doodle my way through my classes, and my first foray into web design was playing around with the HTML to spruce up my MySpace page.

2014

I got my first 9-5 job as a graphic designer at a company that published luxury lifestyle magazines. I was happy for the stability of a paycheck and the new coworkers-turned-friends, but I realized pretty quickly that corporate America felt suffocating.

2014

I got my first 9-5 job as a graphic designer at a company that published luxury lifestyle magazines. I was happy for the stability and the new coworkers-turned-friends, but I realized pretty quickly that I craved the freedom & variety of working for myself.

2010-2014

I went to Fordham University in the Bronx (go Rams!), and while they didn’t have a traditional art program, my proximity to Manhattan allowed me to find graphic design internships at companies including Nautica and Harper’s Bazaar magazine.

2016

After a couple of years working full-time, hand lettering (aka “modern calligraphy”) became a hobby and creative outlet, and a way to get off my computer screen. The Instagram account “Crafted by Carly” was born as a way to simply share my creations.

2016

After a couple of years working full-time, hand lettering (aka “modern calligraphy”) became a hobby and creative outlet, and a way to get off my computer screen. The Instagram account “Crafted by Carly” was born as a way to simply share my creations.

2014

I got my first 9-5 job as a graphic designer at a company that published luxury lifestyle magazines. I was happy for the stability of a paycheck and the new coworkers-turned-friends, but I realized pretty quickly that corporate America felt suffocating.

2020-2021

I would take on freelance projects here & there throughout my time working 9-5, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I started to niche down and focus on building a business. I adopted the name “Crafted by Carly” that so many already knew me by and got to work.

2020-2021

I would take on freelance projects here & there throughout my time working 9-5, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I started to niche down and focus on building a business. I adopted the name “Crafted by Carly” that so many already knew me by and got to work.

2016

After a couple of years working full-time, hand lettering (aka “modern calligraphy”) became a hobby and creative outlet, and a way to get off my computer screen. The Instagram account “Crafted by Carly” was born as a way to simply share my creations.

2021

After a little over a year of focusing all of my extra time, energy, and money into building my side hustle into a business that could support me, I quit my 9-5 and took Crafted by Carly full-time. Since then I’ve continued to learn, grow, and work with my absolute dream clients.

2021

After a little over a year of focusing all of my extra time, energy, and money into building my side hustle into a business that could support me, I quit my 9-5 and took Crafted by Carly full-time. Since then I’ve continued to learn, grow, and work with my absolute dream clients.

2020-2021

I would take on freelance projects here & there throughout my time working 9-5, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I started to niche down and focus on building a business. I adopted the name “Crafted by Carly” that so many already knew me by and got to work.

1992-2006

From the time I was a toddler I was allll about the arts & crafts. I would do pottery with my nana, choose the leather making workshop at sleepaway camp (hard pass on capture the flag), and my favorite school subject was always art class.

Throughout my years working 9-5 and freelancing on the side, I learned what I really loved was helping passionate entrepreneurs build brand they loved... brands their clients loved... and brands that gave them the freedom to live life on their terms.

Nowadays, the CbyC studio is able to help startups + small businesses tell their story and grow their brand through strategic + meaningful design.

My proven recipe for a standout brand identity

Let’s get you feeling fully confident in your branding so you can continue building a business you really believe in.

An intimate 1:1 experience that’s both rewarding and enjoyable

A story-driven design philosophy that evokes emotion and brand loyalty 

Intentionally crafted, hand-drawn, one-of-a-kind design

Ongoing design support to save precious time & build brand recognition

these are a few of my favorite things

The NYC of LatAm. I ask my husband every day if we can move there :)

mexico city

We went dune buggying & sand boarding here last summer & it was so. much. fun. 

Huacachina, Peru 

Any city that has a beach is top of my list. Also, tapas & wine.

Barcelona, Spain

Travel

Pizza

Books

Interview-style novel about a fictional band. One of my very favs. 

Daisy Jones & The Six

I’ve read a lot of WWII historical fiction and this one is top of my list. 

The Nightingale 

Couldn't put it down. Twisted, weird, and unpredictable, just how I like ‘em.

Verity

Books

Travel

Pizza

Our go-to spot near our apartment for a casual slice.

Made in New York

My favorite no-frills slice in NYC. There’s something about that sauce… 

Joe’s Pizza

A nicer sit-down in Soho NYC for delicious brick oven pizzas. Try the clam pie!

Pasquale Jones

Books

Travel

Pizza

When I came to Carly, I felt like our old logo didn’t grab our customer’s attention and there was no clarity or cohesion around the rest of our branding. Carly took the time to listen to my goals and vision and I love the overall outcome. Not only do I have more confidence running ads on social media, but we’ve noticed an increase in sales thanks to that marketing and our beautiful new branding and website. I absolutely recommended working with Carly—I felt really heard about what I wanted and everything turned out amazing.

– Danielle d., doodle & jack

“We’ve noticed an increase in sales.”

Carly produced exceptional work while leading Ritual’s revamp of our brand visual and aesthetics. She ran a strong process, gathered the right input from all of our stakeholders to guide her designs, and built a tremendous foundation for our brand. 

— Connor t., co-founder & ceo of ritual

“I would recommend Carly to any early-stage startup team.”

When I came to Carly, my business was steady but in a growing phase. I knew my branding wasn’t totally cohesive and I didn’t always feel confident using it. Carly really understood what I wanted to convey to my potential customers and was able to bring my vision to life. Now I’m more confident and feel way less stressed around putting my business & brand out there, and have seen an increase in brand awareness. 

— Stephanie T., Chicke 

“Your branding is worth investing in.”

Hire her as your brand champion, to build your business, as a partner in crime. She’s an all around amazing designer, fabulous person, and just straight TALENTED. I’m so lucky I got to work and partner with her in so many pivotal Stash projects.

– Erica b., former stash coworker

“Hire Carly.”

When I came to Carly, I knew I wasn’t fully portraying the professionalism or style of my business. The whole branding process was just so easy, and now I can be confident that my entire online presence looks professional, reflects my personality, and feels cohesive.

— rebecca, here with you photography

"Now I can be confident that my entire online presence looks professional."

Before I hired Carly, my business had been steadily growing but I didn’t feel confident sending people to my website. I knew it was time to upgrade it so that it represented how I wanted my business to be viewed. Carly not only saw my vision, but elevated it. I now have added confidence to send potential clients to my website. Honestly the whole experience was wonderful!

– Sarah M., Sarah D. Miller Custom Jewelry

“Carly not only saw my vision, but elevated it.”

When working with Carly, she truly made this experience so seamless and fun. Our favorite part of the process was seeing all ideas come to life. We are currently working on updating our website with new graphics. It has definitely increased our excitement for our new branding!

– Marleen & bo, mva home

"Seamless and fun."

…So that I can focus more in my zone of magic. She’s prompt with deadlines, very flexible, and her dedication to excellence & the branding magic she brings to our design requests have made for a seamless experience all around.

— Lexi D., Tabwoo Institute 

"It’s been such a sigh of relief to have Carly on the Tabwoo™ team”

not to name drop but... crafted by carly has worked with some pretty cool brands

Whether you’re looking for a starter or the full spread— there’s something on the CbyC menu for you.

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