1998 - Seattle Beginnings

Design Hovie Studios began as Hovie Hawk Design in 1998. Opened as a print design firm, within a few months Hovie began to see a tremendous increase in web design work and by the end of the year his web and print projects were demanding equal time. In early 1999, Hovie Hawk Design became Design > Hovie, and at the end of 1999, Design > Hovie officially became Design Hovie Studios, Inc.

2000 - Milan Italy

In September of 2000, Hovie and European digital agency Winsome Italia began talks about forming a partnership. In January of 2001, Design Hovie Studios and Winsome Italia formally agreed on a partnership and the studio opened its Milan, Italy office while maintaining a scaled down presence in Seattle. From 2001-2002, Hovie created primarily interactive media for European clients. Late in 2002, the decision was made to create a greater balance between its printed and digital work, and between its European and American clients. To facilitate this, Hovie returned to Seattle and entered into a new partnership with Qwentes Italia of Milan.

2003 - Chelan Washington

In April of 2003, Hovie opened the Chelan satellite studio on the South Shore of Lake Chelan. View Chelan Work.

2006 - Focus on Branding and Print

In 2006, Hovie began to see a shift toward more traditional print based graphic design. There was a large increase in brand identity projects and print collateral. Hovie continued the relationship with Qwentes Italia and added Bear Group as a strategic partner. The Studios begin to focus exclusively on design and use partners, Qwentes Italia and Bear Group, for the development of web sites. This refined direction allowed the firm to expand services and branch out in to label and package design, in addition to brand identity, print collateral and web site design.

2019 - Brand Consulting

In 2019, Hovie began offering brand consulting services for firms with an existing brand whose look may have strayed over the years of its life. With over 20 years experience in creating and managing brands, Hovie is able to provide in depth knowlege and expertise on how best to get the brand back on track, and keep it moving in the right direction.

2021 - Livingston Montana

In the summer of 2021, Hovie moved everyday operations to Livingston Montana. The studio is located in the heart of Livingston's historic downtown district. See Hovie designs for Livingston, Montana.

Hovie Today

Today Design Hovie Studios develops, manages, and refines brands and continues to create print and web designs for clients from all over the world. The studio works with companies of all sizes but specializes in creating brands and related material for entrepreneurs and small to medium sized companies. The firm's primary office is located in Livingston Montana and Hovie also maintains satellite studios in Seattle and Chelan Washington.