Areas of Expertise
Brand Systems & Strategy
Builds cohesive visual systems that scale across digital, print, and environmental applications.
Leadership & Creative Direction
Cultivates collaboration, clarity, and creative confidence among team members and clients.
Digital & Experiential Design
Bridges online and physical experiences to create cohesive, memorable brand touchpoints.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Manages client relationships, budgets, proposals, and end-to-end creative delivery.
About Melanie
Melanie Layer-Gaskell is a multidisciplinary creative director and designer based in St. Louis, MO. She works across brand identity, environmental design, and digital experiences—blending strategy, storytelling, and visual craft.
A graduate of Maryville University with a BFA in Graphic Design, Melanie began her career in full-service agencies, where she honed her skills in branding, campaign development, and design systems for national and global clients.
From 2014 to 2024, Melanie operated under the studio name Melanie Layer Creative, an independent design practice that evolved and rebranded as Larkspur Studio in 2025. Over that decade, her studio grew into a thriving business serving clients across hospitality, corporate, nonprofit, and lifestyle sectors. Melanie brings an entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative leadership style that empowers teams to create with clarity and purpose.
Rooted in a deep appreciation for design history and the pioneers who shaped it, she approaches every project with curiosity, precision, and a passion for timeless visual storytelling—building brands that are as strategic as they are enduring.
Melanie Layer-Gaskell
Creative Director & Multidisciplinary Designer
Hi there! I’m Melanie Layer-Gaskell, a senior creative director and designer based in St. Louis, MO, specializing in art direction, brand development, and creative leadership.
For over a decade, I’ve built brands and led design teams through my independent practice — Melanie Layer Creative, LLC (est. 2014), now evolving into Larkspur Studio — collaborating with clients to craft clear, strategic, and visually compelling solutions.
I’m currently open to senior design leadership roles and select freelance collaborations.
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