Why Penn Creative?
Penn Creative isn’t your typical design firm.
We're not here just to make your project look pretty, earn a quick buck and move on. We’re here to make your project
effective
and help
grow your business
by immersing ourselves in your industry and building a long-term relationship!
Founded in 2004
Women-Owned
Philadelphia-Based
Creative, Reliable &
Value-Driven
EXPERTISE
We’ll use all the tools at our disposal—from graphic design and writing to marketing strategy—to help you reach your business goals.
PROFESSIONALISM
We'll make the process enjoyable by listening to you, giving you options, and responding promptly. Because people in the communications business should know how to communicate, right?
Right!
CREATIVITY
Whether you need a website, help with social media, a hand with writing, or something else, we are here for you and ready to get started!
“I’ve been working with Penn Creative for several years and cannot recommend them enough. They are my go-to designers whenever I need high-quality marketing materials made promptly.”
— Nick Maurer, Advertising & Promotions Specialist at Lippincott HCP Access, Wolters Kluwer
Our Team
Every member of Penn Creative is experienced, friendly, and dedicated to helping your business reach more people and succeed!
Jenny Strauss
Owner and Writer
Jenny holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She spent more than a decade as co-publisher and marketing and advertising director for two national magazines—overseeing staff, managing business operations and developing promotional initiatives. It was while running Style 1900 and Modernism magazines that Jenny developed her appreciation for good design—ranging from fine art, architecture and furniture to graphic design. She also honed her sales and marketing acumen, developing a special fondness for meeting up with her clients in person at trade shows around the world. Since joining Penn Creative in 2012, Jenny has focused on developing client relationships centered around respect and excellent communication. She ensures all business goals and objectives are reached—for both Penn Creative and its clients. Jenny's days also entail writing and editing, collaborating with clients and colleagues, and generating new business. When she’s not working, Jenny enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, reading nonfiction, and cooking elaborate meals at 2 a.m.
Sierra Skidmore
Owner and Creative Director
After earning a degree in graphic design from Drexel University, Sierra spent six years at a prominent Philadelphia creative agency before launching Penn Creative (formerly Skidmutro) back in 2004. In the early years of the business, she focused primarily on publication design and event graphics, building a strong foundation in layout, storytelling, and visual communication. As her client base grew, so did her focus—especially in the nonprofit sector, where she found a meaningful connection with mission-driven organizations, particularly those in the environmental space. Her work naturally expanded to include brand development and marketing strategy. At heart, Sierra is an artist who thrives on bringing big-picture ideas to life through thoughtful, beautifully executed design. She’s also a strategic thinker and problem solver, known for helping her clients clarify their goals and develop smart, effective ways to reach them. When she’s not working, Sierra loves being outdoors—whether she's walking around the neighborhood or hiking and camping with her husband, two kids, and their Cavapoo, Rosa.
Karyn Pless
Marketing Account Manager
Karyn holds a sociology degree from the University of Delaware and is a seasoned marketing and communications professional. Earlier in her career, Karyn held executive positions at major corporations, successfully leading their marketing strategy, client relations, and business development efforts. She then combined her love of fitness with her entrepreneurial spirit and branched out on her own to open
barre3 Rosemont,
a boutique fitness studio, which she led for over a decade! Karyn brings to Penn Creative a unique blend of marketing expertise and entrepreneurial drive, combined with reliability, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit. She excels at creating compelling content, building meaningful relationships, and managing complex projects with efficiency and creativity—working hand-in-hand with clients to implement effective marketing plans that deliver results. Karyn is also a passionate and knowledgeable Philly sports team fan (Go Birds!), has two adult children who inspire her, and lives with her English bulldog, Lulabelle, in a 100-year-old Philadelphia rowhome she renovated.
Sarah Keen
Lead Project Manager
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree in sculpture from Keystone College, a foundation that continues to influence her creative approach to project management. Her career at Penn Creative began over five years ago in an entry-level project management role, where her organizational strengths and attention to detail quickly set her apart. Since then, she has grown into the position of Lead Project Manager, overseeing complex projects with confidence, clarity, and care. Sarah’s early experience in childcare taught her the value of patience, planning, and clear communication—all of which she brings to her work today. She is also certified in web design and is recognized as both a Platform Professional and Specialist on the Duda platform, making her a go-to resource for website builds and problem-solving. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and tending to her thriving collection of houseplants. Along with her husband, she is a passionate supporter of the Philadelphia music scene. Sarah brings the same energy and appreciation for creativity to her personal life that she brings to every Penn Creative project she manages.
Professional Partners
Now Hiring!
ButtonFred Albert
Writer
Fred has more than 30 years of experience and is a nationally-recognized writer and editor.
Now Hiring!
ButtonAmy Scheidegger Ducos
Graphic Designer & Illustrator
Amy holds a Masters in Arts Administration from Drexel University and specializes in publication design, digital design and hand-drawn illustration.
Now Hiring!
ButtonStephanie McNabb
Graphic Designer
Stephanie is an expert in print and digital graphics including magazines, ads, brochures, and social media.
Now Hiring!
ButtonLaura Menza
Graphic Designer
Laura specializes in long-format print projects such as books, including high-end, custom print jobs.
Now Hiring!
ButtonAdeline Pumplun
Motion Graphics Designer & Illustrator
Adeline specializes in illustration and motion graphics.
Now Hiring!
ButtonJay Soda
Graphic Designer
Jay has decades of experience creating print materials, such as brochures and large-format event signage.
Now Hiring!
ButtonShawn St. John
Voice Artist
Shawn brings to the table 20 years of experience as a sound designer, audio engineer, and voice artist.
Penn Creative’s team is outstanding! Sierra and Jenny are fantastically responsive and adaptive. They’re patient, easy to work with and committed to perfection. I wish I’d connected with them sooner.
— Megan Bolin, Former Outreach & Communications Coordinator of Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania
Design That's Kind
We’re committed to doing what’s best for our clients, our staff, and the planet. You can feel good about doing business with us.
- Our workflow is entirely digital. We rarely hit the print button! (But if we do, it's on recycled paper.)
- We all work from home, reducing the environmental impact of transportation and encouraging a better work-life balance.
- We support using FSC-certified or recycled paper for printed projects, and we encourage digital marketing strategies when appropriate.
- We work with and support organizations that are committed to safeguarding the planet, such as the
Pennsylvania Environmental Council,
Delaware River Basin Commission, and
Wissahickon Trails.
- When we work with a vendor (such as a printer), we check out
their
commitment to sustainability—using our buying power to better our world.
- We seek out clients who share our commitment to sustainability.
- We continuously evaluate our business practices to see if there’s a more sustainable approach.
If you appreciate good, old-fashioned customer service and need smart marketing solutions, let’s talk!
Jenny Strauss, Owner
Interested in learning more about our services? Want to run an idea by us? Send a message! It will not go into the email abyss. We'll really receive it and respond promptly.
