ABOUT US
Together with our clients, we boldly explore and push the boundaries of brand and graphic design for hotels, restaurants, and lifestyle-driven businesses. We passionately pursue truth and inspiration—wherever they may lead us to wander. Because we know that only through courage can you truly build a beloved brand.
Outerlands is a boutique brand and graphic design agency based in the high desert of Bend, Oregon. Led by designer James van Kriedt, we craft striking, memorable brands for businesses of every scale and sector. Each project begins with a curated team of specialists assembled for the client’s unique goals—ensuring seamless collaboration, creative alignment, and exceptional results.
From logo and brand design to website design and packaging, we help new and evolving brands find their voice and bring it to life across every touchpoint. We believe the most powerful brands evoke emotion and create lasting connection—whether through a grand architectural sign or a simple piece of printed ephemera.
Our process is highly collaborative and intentionally small-scale, allowing for direct creative-client interaction, nimble turnaround, and a level of refinement rarely found in larger agencies. At Outerlands, every engagement is an exploration—a partnership built on curiosity, craft, and the courage to create something timeless.
The Team
James van Kriedt
PRINCIPAL/LEAD BRAND DESIGNER
A natural-born visual storyteller with an early knack for art and design, James van Kriedt embarked on the path to Outerlands more than a decade ago, soon after the birth of his son. His education straddles design training and real world experience. Outerlands continues to evolve, delivering meaning-making visual design and marketable brands to design-driven clientele. When not immersed in the creative process or collaborating with clients, James is on single-track, slopes, or hiking trails with family and friends or finding enjoyment in the wide world of cinema.
Emilio Domingo
SENIOR DESIGNER
Emilio Domingo is a senior designer based in San Francisco. His talents were honed with the design of striking and high-end wine and drink labels. He now stretches that skillset into food, beverage and hospitality projects, developing eye-catching concepts. When not delving into the world of design, Emilio can be found hiking the East Bay Hills with his dog Otis, or traveling to many different exciting locations around the world.
Lauren Shortliffe
BRAND/MARKETING STRATEGIST
A seasoned strategist with over a decade of in-house management, agency leadership, and independent consulting experience, Lauren is passionate about leading with empathy, building human brands, and cultivating community. Her extensive background in marketing and concept development inspired her to hone her creative skillset through formal design training and double down on her fascination with branding. She finds inspiration in travel, restaurants, museums, yoga, morning matcha, rich conversation and leisurely walks around her Brooklyn neighborhood.
Process
Brand Strategy
Great brands are built on rock-solid strategy. This is where we get our hands dirty, digging deep into your business strategy, your passions and your values. Let’s get clear on the big picture of your business and uncover the true soul of your brand.
Visual Identity
Anchored by our strategic foundation, it’s time to get creative. But we’re talking so much more than just a logo. Our goal? A powerful visual identity that transcends beyond taste and attracts beyond target market.
Brand Activation
Time to take your brand’s new visual identity from the screen to the streets. This is where we’ll organize, design and execute the production of all your new brand assets, from business cards to apparel to a whole new website.
