While in grade school, the kids knew her mom as the “picture lady.” Perhaps that’s where Ellie Kort’s innate passion for art and design started.

Inspired by so many teachers and artists, Ellie continued to nurture and develop her passion through high school and college, first studying interior design, and then earning her B.F.A. in graphic design from the University of Kansas.  

Ellie soon found herself as a typography designer in Hallmark’s lettering studio. Over the next 7 years, Ellie developed a mastery of lettering design, mentored by some of the most proficient and respected lettering artists in the world. 

Eager to seek out new experiences, Ellie accepted a transfer to the Hallmark Business Expressions studio, where she designed custom-made greeting products for clients in an agency-like environment.

After a 9-year career with Hallmark, a rare and fantastic opportunity presented itself to Ellie. One of Hallmark’s international subsidiary brands was in need of her talents. Not afraid of change and conjuring her spirit of adventure, Ellie soon found herself in the role of senior designer in the United Kingdom.

In addition to embracing her new home, Ellie embraced her new managerial role, leading projects, trends, and the typography team. During her 3 years in the U.K., Ellie garnered remarkable experience as a creative manager, a collaborator, and strategic liaison with a stateside parent company. 

Ellie returned to the U.S. to work for party-ware manufacturer, Creative Converting in Indianapolis. Where she led the Specialty team as design manager in the studio for 7 years. Ellie is currently working at VML in Kansas City as a strategist. She enjoys painting abstracts in her spare time. Returning her to her roots of being a “picture lady” like her mum.