I help brands stand out with design that sparks joy, gets noticed, and actually works.
YOUR RELIABLE DESIGN PARTNER
graphic design & surface pattern studio
Whether you need brand visuals, licensing artwork for seasonal goods, surface pattern design or just someone who knows their way around Illustrator—you're in the right place. I’ve worked with creative teams across retail, licensing, and product design to take rough ideas from sketchpad to shelf.
Sick of scrolling portfolios that almost get your brand?
Have a product idea or half-formed sketch, but no time to bring it to life?
Wish you had someone who could just jump in, follow your guidelines, and make the end result even better?
You’re in the right place, I’m here to help:
Do you need a second brain in early concepting?
Do you need a skilled hand to execute your vision?
Or do you need a design partner who can jump into a moving project without slowing it down?
Why work with me?
I’m an extension of your design team—without the onboarding, training, or hand-holding.
I know how to design within brand guidelines and push them when needed.
I bring 20+ years of experience across product design, seasonal goods, surface pattern, and more.
I’ve led teams, pitched concepts, and built collections. I solve creative problems.
I work fast, think big, and handle feedback like a pro.
I can pull in the right collaborators (illustrators, letterers, etc.) when the project calls for it.
Whether you’re looking to hand something off or problem solve ideas together, I’m here to fill in the gaps.
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1 on 1 consulting
Let’s talk shop. Let’s figure out what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.
I’ll help you see what’s possible and how to get there.
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Design Collaboration
Already have a vision? Great. Send me your sketches, mood boards, or scribbled notes—and I’ll bring them to life with a designer’s eye and a strategist’s brain. The result? Work people want to pick up, share, and buy.
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Creative Team Support
Need a fresh set of eyes or a quick-turn design lead? I can step in seamlessly—boosting your team’s bandwidth without slowing things down.
Client Testimonials
If I were to choose a designer to create a project for me, I would choose Hillary Barney without hesitation. Truthfully, I did choose Hillary! Despite my having a Master's Degree in Graphic Design and a successful design career, Hillary possesses a unique talent for design creation that consistently exceeds my expectations.
I met Hillary while working for Making Memories, a scrapbook and crafts company. We had a strong design team, including Hillary, who was a talented designer and a fun person to work with.
Anyone needing brilliant design work will love working with Hillary Barney.
Gigi Merrill - owner, Oh, for the love of dogs.
Working with Hillary at Creative in Progress has been an absolute pleasure. Her visionary approach and meticulous attention to detail not only inspire innovation but also ensure every project is executed flawlessly. I appreciate Hillary’s ability to blend creative artistry with strategic thinking, making each collaboration a rewarding learning experience. Thank you for all your work—our collaboration is not only productive but also inspiring, and I’m looking forward to many more creative ventures together!
Shazam Naseer - Dats Entry Specialist
Got questions? I’ve got answers.
Here’s what people usually ask before working with me.
What kind of design do you do?
I specialize in graphic design, surface pattern design, illustration, and creative strategy—especially for home, gift, stationery, and kid-focused brands.
Do you take on freelance projects or collaborations?
Yes! I love teaming up with good people on projects that need a smart visual touch.
What types of clients do you work with?
I’ve designed for brands like Shutterfly, Camelbak, and small creative businesses. I’m especially great at working with teams who have strong design direction,
Can I hire you to design a pattern or collection?
Absolutely. I create repeat patterns and illustrations for licensing, packaging, textiles, and more.