Dark Horse Design is the vision of two creatives who wanted to break free from the confines of 'traditional' advertising. Since opening our doors in 2008, Dark Horse Design has been providing our clients exceptional ROI with creative advertising while working within the client's budget. We act as if we're part of YOUR team, making your goals a priority.
At DHD, we approach every project in such a way that our client's visions are realized and they're involved in every stage of the design process. And, because we’re passionate about what we do, we make our clients happy. Specializing in print projects and package design, we have a talented staff that can cover all of the bases when it comes to promoting your project. We pride ourselves on offering top shelf service with quick turnaround. We also know how the unexpected can play a role in getting things done; Fear not, we'll always have your back.
When you live and breathe it, the rest falls into place. Be creative, be positive, embrace growth, change and never stop learning, build honest and long-lasting relationships, be kind, dream big & do good work. That’s our brand culture.
Are you looking for a quote on an upcoming project or interested in scheduling a free consultation? Give us a shout...
Meet the Team
Christine, Co-Founder
Chris has always been drawn to art and design. At a young age she could be found experimenting with different mediums and learning new crafts. She followed this passion through her education and graduated from Monmouth University with a BFA and Specialization in Graphic Design. Years of experience at other agencies have given Chris a sharp eye for aesthetic design. She is able to look at each project from the unique perspective of both the client and consumer, providing the most effective results for your company. In 2017, she was honored as one of "Jersey's Best 40 under 40" for Advertising and Marketing professionals by the NJADC.
When she's not behind the computer, you’ll likely find Chris in the kitchen (since baking is her yoga). She also loves to travel, knit, and spend time with her family and friends.
Ron, Co-Founder
Advertising is part of Ron's genetic make-up — he was typesetting and doing paste-up before he learned to ride a bike. He is also near surgical with an X-acto knife. Majoring in Computer Science and Engineering at West Point, Ron brings some serious precision when it comes to executing good design and unique production techniques. His experience working in various aspects of the advertising and printing industries, before co-founding DHD, gives this team an edge.
When he's not rendering a package layout, Ron can be found on the ski slopes or relaxing at the beach with his wife and son.
Christopher, Photography/Cinematography
Christopher John Sztybel is a photographer and cinematographer who is excited to forge new ideas, both simple and complex, together with clients in a creative environment. He specializes in documenting people, places and things. That's a broad brush, but clients expect it. From photographing professional dancers to healthcare products, he has a great time working with wonderfully diverse companies. In 2016 he became an FAA-certified Drone Pilot (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) and enjoys incorporating aerial imagery into his body of work. Since graduating from Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts (York, PA) in 2001, he has worked with clients such as Alchemy Mind & Body, Ansell, Cleri Models, Capezio, Certara, Downtown Somerville Alliance, ChocoVision, Flemington Community Partnership, Healthcare Fraud Shield, Hunterdon Healthcare, Oticon, Prudential, Somerset County Tourism, Tessuto, UL and XM/Sirius Satellite Radio and Westhaven Management.
When he’s not behind the camera you can find Chris renovating his house, driving his DeLorean and cuddling/napping with his wife Lindsay and his goldendoodle Indiana.
Megan, Graphic Design/Copywriting/Social Media
Meet Megan, the creative maestro at our bustling advertising agency! Armed with a palette of pixels, a keyboard that doubles as a magic wand, and a cup of coffee that's basically her elixir of inspiration, Megan is not your average graphic designer, copywriter, and social media sorceress—she's the trifecta of awesomeness.
With a smile that can light up a room and a sense of humor sharper than a well-crafted tagline, Megan is the secret sauce behind our projects. She's the one who turns mundane ideas into visual feasts, transforming concepts into captivating designs. But wait, there's more! Megan doesn't just stop at crafting eye-catching designs and witty copy—she's also the puppet master behind our social media presence. Her strategic approach to navigating the ever-changing landscape of hashtags and trending topics ensures our brand stays not only relevant but downright cool - and she does the same for our clients too!
Courtney, Proofreading/Production
In the world of advertising, where every detail matters, Courtney is the gatekeeper of perfection. With her on the production team, you can rest assured that your projects will not only be error-free but also meticulously tailored, infused with a touch of editorial magic that only someone with her attention to detail can provide.
So, if you're on a quest for flawless content and a production process smoother than a freshly paved road, Courtney is your go-to grammar guru. Join her on a journey where every page is a battleground, and every edit is a testament to the triumph of meticulous brilliance!