brand & web design studio

Offering vintage & editorial inspired visual identities for creative small businesses

Fine July is a boutique design studio nestled in Southern Maryland – serving clients around the world. I blend the timeless allure of vintage ephemera with contemporary design sensibilities, creating visual narratives that resonate across eras. My approach goes beyond mere aesthetics; I delve deep into the soul of each brand, unearthing its unique story and character.

contact

Film photographer Melissa Suarez standing in her studio in Solomons, Maryland.

ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Melissa –

a brand designer with a curator’s spirit, rooted in Southern Maryland & serving creative souls everywhere.

I believe the most compelling brands feel like they’ve lived many lives. My work is driven by discovery—unearthing forgotten ephemera, vintage textures, and public domain treasures to craft identities that whisper rather than shout. Drawing inspiration from haute couture’s quiet drama and the patina of well-loved objects, I create brands for creatives who understand that thoughtful design speaks louder than trends.
When I’m not piecing together brand stories, you can find me photographing intimate portraits, hunting through estate sales, or catching live music across the East Coast.
If you’re looking for branding that’s more discovery than decoration, you’re in the right place.

contact

my offerings

Branding

Brand Discovery & Creative Direction
Moodboards
Brand identity
Packaging Design
Brand Collateral
Image Curation
Social Media Templates

INQUIRE NOW

Website Design

Squarespace, Showit, WordPress, or Shopify Platforms
Semi or Fully Custom Design
Site Development
Basic SEO
Mobile Optimization
CRM & Newsletter Integrations

INQUIRE NOW

QUESTIONS?

Simply put, no – not for custom work. I do offer some semi-custom logos in my etsy shop.

No — I believe your brand deserves to be approached as a complete, thoughtful system. I don’t work with pre-existing logos, templates, or partial brand kits. Every project is built from the ground up, blending strategy and design to create something cohesive, intentional, and unmistakably yours.

We collaborate on the overall vision, but every design decision is guided by brand strategy — not just preference. Beautiful brands are built with intention, not a la carte menus.

Yes! All projects are automatically divided into three payments over the course of our work together, giving you plenty of time to plan and budget. I also offer Afterpay if you’d prefer even smaller installments — making it easier to invest in your brand at a pace that feels good to you.

Absolutely. During our discovery call, we’ll talk through where you are in your business journey, your goals, and your timeline. Sometimes branding is the first step; sometimes you’re ready for the full story to unfold. Either way, you’ll get honest advice, not a sales pitch.

Of course. Choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming — but that’s exactly what I’m here for. During our project, I’ll recommend the best option based on your business needs, design goals, and growth plans, so you can feel confident in the foundation we’re building.

Yes — I offer Website Care Plans (hosting, backups, security, updates) for WordPress websites I’ve designed. Plans are available monthly, seasonally, or annually. No tech headaches — just a site that works beautifully behind the scenes.

Project pricing varies depending on the scope, but most branding and web design projects begin around $3500.
I’ll create a custom proposal after we discuss your specific needs.