Headshots by Jean Schwarzwalder
Hey, I'm Jo, a graphic and web designer, all-around creative, and roller derby athlete who somehow makes all three work together.
Funny enough, roller derby is actually what got me into design. My first league needed someone to handle graphics, and I volunteered because when you've always been a creative, you figure it out. I took classes, earned my graphic design certificate, and never looked back. Over 14 years later, I'm mostly self-taught and still learning, which I think keeps the work fresh and the curiosity alive.
My design experience spans digital, social, and print, from branding and digital advertising to custom Showit websites. My toolkit includes Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and I geek out over color theory, typography, and layouts that actually make people stop scrolling.
But design doesn't stop at the screen for me. I hand letter, paint murals, and create artwork that lives in the real world, including pieces currently displayed in Trader Joe's stores in the Lower East Side, Cobble Hill, and Williamsburg. That hands-on creative instinct is baked into everything I build digitally too.
Off the canvas, I'm Cherry Napalm, a blocker on Gotham Roller Derby's All-Star team. Derby has taught me that the best results come from strategy, teamwork, and showing up fully, and I bring that same energy to every client project.
When it comes to working together, I like to keep things collaborative and clear. I get to know your vision first, then walk you through every step for your approval before moving forward. You're never left guessing, and nothing moves without your sign-off.
It's a process that keeps projects on track and makes sure the final result actually feels like you.
Originally from California, I've called New York City home since 2012. I love the vibrant energy of the city, but I need to escape to nature now and then to recharge. I think my design style reflects that balance perfectly: bold and sleek, with a little grunge and a touch of retro flair. I call it Zen Punk.
When I'm not designing, you'll find me hand lettering, painting, drawing, or deep in a craft project. I love to explore new places, chase outdoor adventures, and sneak in a beach day with my dog Rex whenever I can.
Roller skating is a huge part of my life too, way beyond a hobby. As a skater with Gotham Roller Derby, I coach, co-captain a home team, and skate on the All-Star team. It keeps me grounded, competitive, and endlessly inspired.
All of it, the creativity, the adventure, the teamwork, feeds directly into how I design and how I show up for my clients.
Favorite part was Cherry N Design listening and building on our vague ideas to create concrete prototypes — exactly what we needed since we're not the creative types. We appreciated feeling like we were working together, and the final product exceeded expectations and perfectly captured what we wanted. — Steph C.
Jo did an amazing job listening to my wants and needs and translating them into a beautiful, functional website complete with an original logo! Her enthusiasm about your project is pure alchemy. Jo is an absolute pleasure to work with and will make sure that you are happy with every detail. — Erin M., Red Clover Art Therapy
From our very first conversation, she asked thoughtful questions that went beyond colors and aesthetics — she wanted to understand the heart of my brand... The process felt effortless... and [she] translated our conversations into a logo that feels completely authentic to my brand. Every time I see the logo I feel excited, grateful, and proud. It is absolute perfection. — Pamela K., Uplift Festival & Retreat