Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Companies that are driven by a passion to serve have a high success rate, and Luna Creative is a perfect example.

Cordelia Norris founded the design studio 13 years ago in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was a way to help mission-driven organizations create beneficial environmental and cultural shifts.

“I just wanted to help with that sort of messaging and work with environmental nonprofits to get their word out in a creative way.” Norris said.

Norris, who has always been a creative, earned a degree in illustration from the Savannah School of Art and Design (SCAD). She used that degree to propel her career as a designer. Over the years, she has worked for small businesses and well-known design agencies drawing, painting, illustrating, designing and creating company messaging strategies. However, as her career progressed, Norris felt a calling for entrepreneurship.

“I wanted to work more directly with the clients I serve,” she said. “My passion is with translating complex subject matter into digestible marketing materials. Also, when running my own studio, I get to be more selective about the clients and missions we choose to align with.”

Norris said Luna Creative primarily works with companies in the conservation, clean tech, and renewable energy sectors, aligning closely with her goal of promoting environmental awareness.

Norris grew up in a house on stilts at one of the beaches in Panama City. She said she was outside all the time, and appreciated the beauty of nature at a young age. She is committed to conserving the natural wonders of our wildlife, ocean and habitats for generations to come.

Outside of working with clients, Norris also collaborates with illustrators and artists across the country to produce educational coloring books for all ages. The books contain a picture along with a full page of educational material. She contributes a portion of the proceeds from the book sales to non-profits.

She has one book about the Atlantic Ocean, another about pollinators, and Norris revealed the next book will be about the butterflies and moths of the Smokies.

“All Along the Atlantic is a fundraiser for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, 25 percent of the proceeds go to support their mission,” she said.

Involvement in the Maker City

While running a studio takes up the majority of her time, Norris also finds value in contributing to the success of the city of Knoxville through the Maker City. She has been an active member of the Maker City since the pandemic.

“I think the Maker City is very inspiring, because they’re so entrepreneurial,” she said. “The people who are involved have some serious business chops, and know how to help you grow and scale. There is always a lot to there’s a lot to learn, and I’m grateful that it’s a rooted community.”

If you want to browse Cordelia’s prints or coloring books for purchase, check out the Luna Creative Market on Etsy, Instagram, or her website.

Also, make sure to check out the Maker City Holiday Gift Guide, to find special, local gifts for your loved ones.

 

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