Industry Innovators 2022: Christine Traulich & Dori McDonald

Dori McDonald (left) and Christine TraulichPhoto: Courtesy of RedBliss DesignChristine Traulich and Dori McDonald are the founders and creative officers of RedBliss Design, a branding, invitation, and graphic design company. They're based in New York and New Hampshire, respectively. 

How they got their start: Traulich and McDonald—who are sisters in addition to being business partners—both have backgrounds in marketing, including in the high-tech and architectural design industries. "A move to the countryside opened up the opportunity to start anew," they explain. "One wedding invitation later, a business was born. Twenty years later, the passion persists."

What sets their work apart: The duo describes themselves as "excitement makers and rule breakers." "The guest experience plays a central role in how we approach and deliver on design," they say. "Active participation in an invitation—big or small—is paramount to its memorability and the enthusiasm it elicits." The duo describes designing the invitation and video packaging for the launch of Hudson Yards, one of the biggest real estate developments in New York, as a career highlight.Photo: Courtesy of RedBliss Design

"Our work delivers a jaw drop," say the sisters and business partners.Photo: Courtesy of RedBliss DesignWhat innovation means to them: "Innovation is the lifeblood of doing our best work," they say, noting that they try to challenge traditional thinking on every project. "From the materials to the medium, we push beyond our comfort zone. If you are not innovating, you are imitating."

Their favorite thing about working in events: "Every single event is an opportunity to do something entirely new," the pair explains. "There are unlimited possibilities for creative expression. And when you find a client who wants to go on that ride with you, that design journey is incredibly rewarding."

Back to the full list: Industry Innovators 2022: 13 Standout Event Vendors to Know About