Working with content both complex and difficult, Karen created graphic treatments that offered clarity and a sense of safety to our visitors. She brought wisdom and warmth to our collaboration which made it a pleasure.
Amy Weisser | former Senior Vice President, Exhibitions
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
I had the pleasure of working with Karen as she oversaw the graphic design and production for the core historical exhibition at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. Around three million people per year from around the world now experience her designs as they journey through the Museum. Not only did Karen’s designs fit seamlessly into the surrounding aesthetics of the space and allow for the visitor to readily access the content, but her collaborative, creative, responsive, and unflappable approach made her easy and fun to work with.
Ian Kerrigan | Senior Vice President, Exhibitions
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Karen's creativity is equally matched by her passion for thoughtful design. From the creation of our logo, to our menu, to our product labels, Karen has created a brand with eye-catching design and a clear message that resonates with our guests.
Eric Young | Owner/Chef
La Principal restaurant
Karen Backe is any client's or consultant’s dream designer: smart, creative, great to work with, and an excellent designer. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Karen as both client and consultant and am always looking out for more reasons to work with her again.
Bethany Fleming | Content Developer
Fleming Museum Consulting
Karen was the perfect designer for our office remodel – creative, smart, persistent, patient, and above all, a lot of fun! Many people and opinions were involved in the project, and Karen gracefully navigated everyone and everything. She was the creative glue that provided sanity during times when furniture and cabinets weren’t delivered and vendors didn’t respond to numerous emails. Our project turned out beautifully – a legacy to the history of our organization and a modern and comfortable office “home.”
Patty Keegan | Associate Dean, Executive MBA Program, University of Chicago Booth School of Business
We have been working with Karen for the past year and have been incredibly impressed with her ability to quickly grasp the complexity of our business and turn that learning into creative executions that are “spot on” both strategically and creatively. Karen is a pleasure to work with and always provides us with a range of options that are all completely on brief, yet provide a range of choices for our teams. She has developed creative concepts, logos and thought leadership pieces for our B2B business. We will continue to work with her in the future.
Mickie French | Vice President, Global Marketing
Tate&Lyle
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Karen many times on graphics for my client’s events. When I give her a new project, I can’t wait to see what she comes back with as it’s always unexpected. Karen ensures the graphics accurately reflect the theme or tone of the event. She is receptive to tweaks and can effectively communicate why something may not work, which is helpful when you have other stakeholders making suggestions. She’s creative, professional, and a lot of fun to work with too!
Samantha Bowerman | President
Strategic Meetings Group