About 💎

We don’t sell design. We sell clarity.

Welcome to Gem City Creative — a strategy-first branding and design studio dedicated to helping mission-driven businesses grow with clarity, confidence, and a visual presence that truly represents who they are. We partner with purpose-led brands across the U.S. to build identities that inspire loyalty, spark connection, and position them for long-term success. If you’re looking for a creative partner who brings both heart and strategy to the table, you’re in the right place.

Meet the Team

  • Chris Schroeder

    CEO / BRAND STRATEGIST

    Hey, I’m Chris Schroeder, Founder and Senior Designer at Gem City Creative. Before launching GCC in 2021, I spent over a decade as a full-time graphic designer and illustrator at Schroeder Creations, while also running a side caricature business, Save The Doodle. I’m passionate about serving our clients and watching their brands come to life through thoughtful strategy and meaningful design. When I’m not working, you’ll find me soaking up time with my kids, slapping bass chords, reading, or diving into a new LEGO build.

  • Trent Mason

    SR. STRATEGIST

    Hi, I’m Trent Mason, senior strategist at Gem City Creative. I’m passionate about helping organizations build clear, compelling brands—with a special focus on mission-driven work. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with clients across retail, food services, startups, higher ed, media, and manufacturing, and my work has even been recognized with a few national awards along the way. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me by the creek, fly fishing or enjoying a good book.

  • MIRANDA PETERSON

    DESIGN LEAD

    Hello, I am Miranda Peterson, Design Lead at Gem City Creative! I graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelor’s in Graphic & Interactive Design and a minor in Printmaking. Before joining GCC, I spent six years as a freelance designer, using design and illustration to bring quality and intention to every project. I enjoy giving back to the community through volunteer work, and outside of work you’ll often find me collaging, embroidering, book-binding, or staying active with pilates and weightlifting.

  • EMMA OAS

    OPERATIONS AND GROWTH STRATEGIST

    Hi, I’m Emma, Operations and Growth Strategist at Gem City Creative! After serving as Project Manager, I’ve transitioned into a role focused on helping our team grow and operate more efficiently. I work behind the scenes to improve our systems, streamline processes, support team training, and explore opportunities for business growth. My goal is to help GCC continue delivering an exceptional client experience while building a strong foundation for the future. Outside of work, you can find me running, practicing yoga, coaching basketball, or staying active in any way I can!

  • AIDAN DAUGHENBAUGH

    PROJECT MANAGER

    Hi, I’m Aidan, Project Manager at Gem City Creative! I help keep projects organized, communication flowing, and everything moving smoothly from start to finish. I bring a unique background to the team, having spent nine years living and working in the Czech Republic, gaining experience in everything from hospitality and events to international business and education. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Point Park University. I love working with people and bringing all the moving pieces together to create a great client experience. Outside of work, you’ll find me cooking, working on art projects, taking long walks, or traveling. I’m a huge foodie and love discovering new cultures through food, whether it’s a hidden local gem or a Michelin-starred restaurant!

  • Emily Malay

    DESIGNER

    Hi, I’m Emily, Junior Designer at Gem City Creative! I help bring brands to life through cohesive designs, presentations, templates, and visual materials that stay true to each brand’s identity. With four years of professional experience in graphic design and illustration, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients throughout western Pennsylvania. I especially enjoy publication design, branding, typography, and creating visual systems that are both functional and engaging. I’m always looking for ways to grow creatively and bring fresh ideas to every project. Outside of work, I have a love for history, antique design, and nostalgic aesthetics, which often inspire my creative approach and appreciation for timeless details!

Gem City Creative is a small but mighty design studio led by Founder and Senior Designer Chris Schroeder, alongside Design Lead Miranda Peterson and Junior Designer Emily Malay. Supporting the team are Senior Strategist Trent Mason and Project Manager Emma Oas, ensuring every project runs smoothly from concept through execution.

While you’ll work directly with our core team on most projects, we also collaborate with a trusted network of creative specialists for services like 3D animation, web development, and video production—allowing us to scale based on your needs.

As our capabilities continue to grow, we’ve expanded into media strategy with the addition of Target Media, our specialized media division. This allows us to not only create compelling creative, but also strategically plan and place it in front of the right audiences for maximum impact.

OUR EXPERTISE

15 Years in operation as a design agency

100+ Clients have worked with Gem City

Nationwide Presence of client work across the US

Human Centered approach that is against AI for creative use

RECENT PROJECTS

“We envision a world where the underdogs of business can stand toe-to-toe with corporate giants—armed with bold identities and compelling stories that inspire their audiences and spark real connections”

Industries We Serve

Our versatile background allows us to support a wide range of industries, helping each one elevate their brand through strong visuals and smart strategy. We’ve partnered with clients across:

  • Technology & SaaS

  • Nonprofits

  • Food & Hospitality

  • Healthcare & Wellness

  • Faith based organizations

  • Education & Training

  • Government & Public Sector

  • Retail & eCommerce

  • Real Estate & Home Services

  • Manufacturing & Industrial

Where Our Clients Are Located

Though based in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gem City Creative supports brands nationwide. We’ve helped businesses show up with confidence in:

New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, Texas, California, Nevada, and our home state of Pennsylvania

  • Chris and his team are absolutely excellent at what they do and they care about your business as much as you do.

    Larry Franco Jr.
    Franco’s Restaurant

  • Their attention to detail when revealing their brand strategy for our company was completely customized to our industry but more specifically, our team and our people.

    Kahla Maguire,
    Printing Concepts

  • They kept asking questions that I would never have thought to tell them in the first place to make sure everything we wanted on the website was included.

    Holly Bowers,
    ECBLA

  • The design process was smooth and collaborative, with the firm taking the time to understand our brand's essence and vision. They actively involved us in every step, carefully listening to our ideas and incorporating them into the final concept.

    Lesley Ridge Allen,
    Erie Regional Chamber of Commerce

ARE YOU READY
TO GET STARTED? 🚀

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