Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Oneal Brenner
Hi Carrie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been a creative soul since birth, so in many ways, that’s where my story begins. I studied Visual Communications Design at The Ohio State University and spent several years working at design firms before taking the leap to start my own graphic design studio in 2001—right after the birth of my first child.
In 2019, as that little one was preparing to leave for college, I embraced a new chapter and opened Scripted Studio, a stationery and gift shop in Hamilton, Ohio. Today, I work primarily from my home attic studio in a century-old house in Cincinnati, where I focus on art direction, surface design licensing, and branding. And to keep my creative spark thriving, I treat myself to one day a week working from Scripted.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m a perpetual optimist, so this is a tricky question for me—when I look back, the road feels pretty amazing! But if I’m being honest, there have been plenty of bumps along the way. One of the biggest? Opening a retail shop just six months before the world shut down due to a global pandemic. Navigating THAT while building a brand was a challenge, but it also reinforced my creativity and the deep connection I have with my work. Every hurdle has shaped my journey in unexpected and, ultimately, rewarding ways.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for bringing positivity, authenticity, and a distinct creative vision to every project I take on. My work has been featured on The Today Show and Good Morning America, as well as in publications like Martha Stewart, Real Simple, and The Knot.
Beyond print and media, my larger-than-life installations can be found in iconic spaces like Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, the Prudential Center Observatory, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. My designs have also come to life through collaborations with beloved brands like Target, The Met, West Elm, Disney, and Minted.
What sets me apart? At the heart of everything I create is JOY—a sense of wonder, warmth, and connection that I strive to infuse into every design, space, and experience. I guess that’s what I’m most proud of!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Gosh… I’m kind of an open book! But I think people might be surprised to learn that, despite how accomplished I may seem from the outside, I still wrestle with self-doubt. I worry that I’m not creative enough or that my ideas won’t measure up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopscriptedstudio.com
- Instagram: @shopscriptedstudio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieonealbrenner/
- Other: https://www.onealdesigns.com
