About
We started BKGD because we saw a gap: established brands needed strategic, sophisticated creative work without the overhead and inefficiency of large agency structures. We bring enterprise-level thinking with boutique-level execution.
Based in the Pacific Northwest, we work with companies across North America navigating brand evolution, market expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and competitive repositioning.
We work collaboratively, utilizing the latest software, AI and systems to provide creative solutions for your teams.
Our team
Cody Thomas
Art Director & Designer
Cody is a graphic designer, artist, and photographer from Oregon. His aesthetic is heavily influenced by his antique store upbringing, which has led him to embrace a retro style in his work. Cody is a collector (which may or may not be genetic), amassing vintage toys, tchotchkes, and paper ephemeral that inspire the work he produces. Recently, Cody created the event branding for the “Terrain 14” event and the cover and illustration work for the 2024 Inlander “Best Of”. At BKGD Creative, Cody lends his skills to everything from packaging to web design. You can usually find him thrifting for inspiration with his wife in his free time.
Kelly Baker
Project Manager
Kelly Baker is a Spokane native with over 25 years experience as an arts professional on both coasts. She has worked in NYC, Washington DC and the CA Bay Area in image licensing, artist representation and client management for the photography industry, publishing, advertising and the art museum world. She ran her own portrait photography business and worked on commercial photography sets as part of the creative production teams. Returning to the Pacific Northwest, she helped Terrain Arts launch their successful retail shop in Spokane and worked as brand manager for Kaspien’s e-commerce private label division. She enjoys working as project manager with BKGD’s team of creative professionals and array of clients. Kelly keeps busy as a SPKNARTS Commissioner and is engaged in the region’s arts and culture, travel and watching her two sons practice leaving the nest.
Corey Harter
Art Director & Designer
Corey grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. Every summer, his mother would unplug cable from the television, forcing him to get creative with his free time. Constantly engaging his imagination from a young age fostered a perpetual sense of creativity. After moving to Spokane in 2006, Corey earned his bachelor's degree from EWU in 2010 and spent the next eight years exploring his love for music and art. Eventually, he honed his design skills at SFCC, and his career in design quickly gained momentum. Today, his passion for branding and logo design continues to drive his work. Outside of his role at BKGD, Corey enjoys snowboarding, ceramics, music.
Jared Darr
Web Developer
Jared Darr builds digital experiences that work beautifully and leave a lasting impression. As a key member of BKGD Creative, he designs and develops everything from websites and banner ads to mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, and web applications. He approaches every project with thoughtful intention, transforming ideas into thoughtfully executed digital products.
Jesse Pierpoint
Creative Director
Jesse Pierpoint is an accomplished artist and creative who relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 2001. With a diverse portfolio, he has collaborated with renowned brands such as AT&T, Amazon, NFL, NCAA, GoDaddy, Pokemon, Expedia, Disney, and Nickelodeon. Notably, he spearheaded a team of fifty at Seven2 for nearly ten years before founding BKGD Creative, where he specializes in branding, strategy, and creative endeavors. Jesse also shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at Gonzaga University, Whitworth, and Spokane Falls Community College. Outside of his professional pursuits, Jesse finds joy in painting, enjoying the outdoors, and following his five children on their adventures.