Available to hire
Hi, I’m Candace Cato, a graphic designer and art director based in Louisville, Kentucky. I blend graphic design with interior environments and research-driven visuals to translate complex ideas into polished layouts, cohesive design systems, and compelling presentation materials for nonprofits, education, wellness, and small businesses.
I’m known for a refined aesthetic and strong command of typography, color, and composition across print and digital platforms. I collaborate with artists, writers, scholars, and clients to deliver print-ready production files and on-brand experiences, from brand identities to event design and environmental graphics.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Italian
Intermediate
Work Experience
Art Director| Graphic Designer | Event Designer | Set Designer at Center for Interfaith Relations
January 1, 2021 - June 10, 2025Directed art, design, and branding for the annual Festival of Faiths, producing catalogues, marketing materials, event layouts, and digital assets. Collaborated with painters, sculptors, authors, poets, and photographers to curate editorial content. Designed event signage, floral displays, and custom props to ensure aesthetic cohesion and brand alignment. Managed set design, venue décor, and vendor logistics within budget and timelines, resulting in seamless event execution. Built long-term client relationships through creativity and dependable service.
Owner | Designer at Cato Design Studio
January 1, 2021 - June 10, 2025Provided full-service creative solutions including branding, logo design, art direction, and print collateral for clients in wellness, IT, non-profit, and education sectors. Developed strategic branding packages tailored to client goals, timelines, and budgets ensuring client satisfaction. Managed projects delivering high-quality digital and print design solutions for clients in the U.S. and abroad. Assisted clients with creative solutions for brands including logo design, print collateral, and digital assets.
Art Book Printing Specialist at Four Colour Print Group
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021Consulted with authors to create custom book designs specializing in cover artwork, typography, and binding. Provided creative and technical solutions for offset and digital printing to ensure high-quality results. Successfully marketed publication services resulting in new client acquisitions and repeat business.
Art Director, Graphic Designer, Event Designer, Set Designer at Center for Interfaith Relations
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025Directed art, design, and branding for the annual Festival of Faiths, producing all catalogs, marketing materials, event layouts, and digital assets for themes including Sacred Change, Sacred Stories, Sacred Hearts Sacred Minds and Sacred Imagining. Collaborated with painters, sculptors, authors, poets, and photographers to curate editorial content. Designed event signage, floral displays, and custom props, ensuring aesthetic cohesion and brand alignment. Managed set design, venue décor, and vendor logistics within budget and timelines, resulting in seamless event execution. Built long-term client relationships through exceptional creativity and dependable service.
Owner and Designer at Cato Design Studio
January 1, 2021 - November 21, 2025Provides full-service creative solutions, including branding, logo design, art direction, and print collateral for clients in diverse sectors such as wellness, IT, non-profit, and education. Develops strategic branding packages tailored to client goals, timelines, and budgets, ensuring client satisfaction throughout the design process. Manages projects, delivering high-quality digital and print design solutions for clients in the U.S. and abroad. Assists clients in need of creative solutions for brands, including logo design, print collateral, and digital assets.
Art Book Printing Specialist at Four Colour Print Group
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021Consulted with authors to create custom book designs, specializing in cover artwork, typography, and binding specifications. Provided creative and technical solutions for offset and digital printing, ensuring high-quality results. Successfully marketed publication services, leading to new client acquisitions and repeat business.
Interior Design Consultant at Ethan Allen
July 1, 2025 - PresentCreate furniture layouts and room plans based on client measurements, architecture, and lifestyle needs. Guide clients through furnishings and textile selections to support cohesive, livable interiors. Prepare client-facing visuals and presentations to communicate layouts, scale, and overall design direction. Coordinate product details, order information, and scheduling support to assist smooth project completion.
Owner at Cato Design Studio
December 1, 2020 - PresentProvide graphic design and visual communication for clients in nonprofit, education, wellness, and small business sectors. Create logos, print collateral, and digital assets aligned with client goals, timelines, and budgets. Produce polished, print-ready files and presentation materials for client use. Manage multiple projects while maintaining consistent quality, revisions, and deadlines.
Art Director | Graphic Designer | Event Design at Center for Interfaith Relations
February 1, 2020 - December 1, 2024Designed and produced the Festival of Faiths annual publication, serving as the primary printed piece for the event, managing design from concept through final print production (four consecutive years). Developed the visual system each year across program materials, signage, event collateral, digital assets, and onsite environmental design. Designed event signage, set elements, floral styling direction, and decor to support a cohesive attendee experience. Collaborated with artists, writers, scholars, and speakers to curate content and maintain visual consistency. Coordinated vendors, production timelines, and deliverables to ensure smooth execution.
Art Book Printing Specialist at Four Colour Print Group
December 1, 2018 - December 1, 2020Consulted with authors on cover design, typography, and binding specifications for art-focused publications. Supported offset and digital print production decisions with strong attention to detail and visual integrity. Managed client communication and project coordination through production and delivery.
Owner & Designer at Cato Design Studio
January 1, 2021 - PresentLead graphic design and visual communication engagements for nonprofit, education, wellness, and small business clients. Develop brand identities, print collateral, and digital assets aligned with client goals, timelines, and budgets. Deliver print-ready files and presentation materials that meet professional production standards. Manage multiple projects with attention to quality, timely revisions, and on-schedule delivery.
Art Director & Graphic Designer, Event Design at Center for Interfaith Relations
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025Designed and produced the Festival of Faiths annual publication for four consecutive years, serving as the event's signature printed piece from concept through final press-ready production. Established a new visual system each year across program materials, wayfinding signage, event collateral, digital assets, and onsite environmental design. Directed event signage, stage set elements, floral styling, and décor to create a seamless attendee experience. Collaborated with artists, writers, scholars, and speakers to curate content and uphold visual and editorial consistency. Coordinated vendors, production timelines, and deliverables to ensure flawless execution across every touchpoint.
Education
Bachelor of Arts at University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2019Certificate Interior Design at KLC School of Design – Chelsea Harbor, London UK
January 11, 2030 - November 21, 2025Italian Renaissance Art History/Metal-smithing at Institute for European Studies – Florence, Italy
January 11, 2030 - November 21, 2025Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and Graphic Design at University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky
January 11, 2030 - November 21, 2025KLC Certification in Residential Interior Design at KLC School of Design
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026B.A., Fine Art and Graphic Design at University of Kentucky
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026Italian Renaissance Art History and Metalsmithing at KIIS Institute for International Studies, Florence, Italy
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026Life Drawing and Painting at Royal Academy of Arts
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026Design and Decorative Arts Studies at Victoria and Albert Museum
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026ISA Certified Personal Property Appraiser at International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026Professional Certificate, Interior Design at KLC School of Design
January 11, 2030 - March 9, 2026B.A., Fine Art and Graphic Design at University of Kentucky
January 11, 2030 - March 9, 2026Italian Renaissance Art History and Metalsmithing at Institute for European Studies — Florence, Italy
January 11, 2030 - March 9, 2026Qualifications
Certified Personal Property Appraiser
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Certified Personal Property Appraiser
January 11, 2030 - November 21, 2025Life Drawing and Painting
January 11, 2030 - November 21, 2025Design and Decorative Arts studies
January 11, 2030 - November 21, 2025KLC Certification in Residential Interior Design
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026Victoria and Albert Museum Training – Design and Decorative Arts Studies
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026Royal Academy of Arts – Life Drawing and Painting
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026International Society of Appraisers (ISA) – Certified Personal Property Appraiser
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026B.A., Fine Art and Graphic Design
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026KIIS Institute for International Studies program – Florence, Italy
January 11, 2030 - February 15, 2026Certified Personal Property Appraiser
January 11, 2030 - March 9, 2026Design and Decorative Arts Studies
January 11, 2030 - March 9, 2026Life Drawing and Painting
January 11, 2030 - March 9, 2026Industry Experience
Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Education, Media & Entertainment, Other, Healthcare
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
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