Dog Ear Marketing

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dog Ear Marketing works with startups and small businesses across Michigan, including hospitality and food and beverage companies, breweries, and at least one state government client (Michigan Department of State). The agency was founded by designer Katelyn Berkshire, who previously worked at an agency before moving into freelance and studio work focused on logos, visual identity, and websites. Her background in behavioral psychology informs the design process, with each project approached around how real people will perceive the resulting brand. Team size is small, in the one-to-ten range, and the agency positions itself as a hands-on, human-built alternative to larger firms. Services include logo design, branding, website design and hosting, and broader digital marketing support such as SEO, content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, and conversion and digital strategy work. Logo projects follow a defined three-step process: moodboard, sketches, and final logo. Past work described includes brand identity and rebranding projects (such as Fern & Flagstone and Black Calder Brewing Co.), retro-inspired branding with supporting graphics and merchandise (City Slopes Indoor Ski and Ride), packaging and site development from concept to launch (Atomic Nuts), website redesigns for hospitality clients on Mackinac Island (Lilac Tree Suites and Chippewa Hotel Waterfront), and a brand style guide covering typography, color systems, and logo usage standards for the Michigan Department of State. Pricing is presented as transparent, with quotes and action plans provided after initial contact.