A Philadelphia branding studio where the founder is the designer – and the point of contact.
452 Design has been building brand identities, logo systems, packaging and websites out of Philadelphia since 2003 — on one simple conviction: great design happens when the designer working with the client is the person actually designing the work.
A NO AI STUDIOI started designing without computers. I’m continuing designing without AI. Computers didn’t help my creativity, and neither would AI. It’s just you, me, and the work.
Just a few of the brands I created and designed,
A more personal way to work.
Every client works directly with me, Jen Stern, founder and creative director of 452 — their designer from start to finish. No account managers, no handoffs. Just clarity, continuity, and a level of commitment only a founder-led studio can offer.
When a project calls for additional expertise, trusted collaborators come in under my direction.
Personal, high-end, intelligent creative.
Twenty-plus years of brand identity work in Philadelphia — and I still get excited every single time.
Contact me >>Branding & LogosBrand Refresh & RebrandingWebsitesSocial Media Print CollateralMerchandise + PackagingOne-Off Design ProjectsConsultingAPPAREL DESIGNmore about our services →my life: Chapter 1, Part 2I don't view design as a job. It's a true joy — a constant, mind-expanding challenge. A hobby. A passion.
So much so that I started two apparel brands of my own.
452 × 215 × 814
After all these years of running the studio, I kept noticing that people couldn't find Philly sports clothing that actually made them look good and feel good — something you'd wear to the office, to cocktails, to dinner. So I couldn't help myself.
You couldn't find it, so I designed it. That's how Fly Society 215 was born.
Philly sports style.
Not merch.
Finally.
As seen in Philadelphia magazine, September 2026.
fly society 215 >> And then there was the other pull — the one I could never quite shake. Four of the best years of my life. A happy place no one can explain in words, but hundreds of thousands of people feel it. They ARE it.
WE ARE The 814.
Anyone can buy Penn State merch. Nobody was making apparel for the bond. So I made that too — Club 814.
And I didn't do it alone. Sophia Katz came in as an intern — another Penn Stater, a Smeal junior, same design aesthetic, same 814 passion, but with a Gen Z point of view. She started on FS215, and next thing I knew she was my collaborator, my direct line to the 814, and President of the Club.
And the coolest part? We are the fourth generation of business and friendship in our families.
club 814 >>two local apparel brands created by an actual design studio run by a creative director with a deep connection to each.So deep that both started as just a fun activity for two places near and dear to my heart.
You couldn’t find it. So I designed it."I have worked with Jen Stern over a period of 16 years. The reasons for this lengthy collaboration, apart from her obvious talent, are that Jen listens to her clients, establishes a clear idea of what they want and are trying to accomplish and integrates the clients’ vision into a finished and polished product or material."
CENDRINE GEMBERLING
TEN PENN CENTER PARTNERS“You have always had the best designs/branding. As Steve [from Tierney] always said, “Tiffany of designers.”
— liz shapiro
liz shapiro legal searchWe loved working with 452. Jen is so creative and sophisticated, but always took my ideas and inspiration into the equation. She's communicative, works fast, and is extremely receptive to any concerns or questions. We've worked with lots of designers and Jen is among the very best.
– ALISON KESSLER
BREAD & BUTTER COMMUNICATIONS"The whole thing just looks so much more impressive and cohesive and stylish! Working with you is like working with a therapist—I just feel seen!!"
— elisa ludwig
care package bakes