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About Us
Meet the Team
Sebastian Ibel
Founder & President
Known to finish the food off of his friends’ plates. #hangry
Sebastian Ibel
Alyssa DeGeorge
Art Director
Made a spreadsheet and diagrams to plan her garden. (Let her know if you want the Google Doc.)
Alyssa DeGeorge
Arlene Murrin
Development Director
Always has Band-Aids and candy. #momlife
Arlene Murrin
Amanda Mazzola
Junior Art Director
Taught herself to write with her left hand in middle school so she could be known as “Amanda-bidextrous.”
Amanda Mazzola
Danielle Weigand
Graphic Designer
Can deadlift a bison. Probably. #crossfitqueen
Danielle Weigand
Carly Brosius
Graphic Designer
Your average artsy, optimistic, eerie, urban, farm girl. #what
Carly Brosius
Anthony Damico
Graphic Designer
Wanted to be a professional bagger at Kroger when he grew up. Settled for graphic design. #yikes
Anthony Damico
Leigh Pittner
Development Intern
Likes coding because it's like playing with Legos.
Leigh Pittner
Amy Barnhart
Office Administrator
Has been drinking out of the same Jim Thome Indians cup every day for the past 20 years. #goTribe
Amy Barnhart
Emma Tappel
Office Administrative Assistant
Once made out with a Blue Jackets player in the middle of Nationwide arena after they won the Stanley Cup... in her dreams.
Emma Tappel
Sebastian Ibel
Founder & President
Education
Ecole Des Arts Decoratifs. Paris, France
Diplome (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Visual Communication
Q&A
Tell us about a favorite project you’ve worked on.
Our next.
What skills do you bring to the team?
Leadership, Creative Direction, Client Relationships, Management, Problem Solving and Strategic Direction.
What interests you about working in a small agency environment?
Versatility and Flexibility.
Who is your favorite designer or idol?
David Ogilvy. He was one of the most influential characters in modern advertising. He was smart, witty and complex, understanding all aspects of marketing, consumer behavior, and very intelligent in translating all this in smart and unique campaigns.
Why do you love what you do?
I have a passion for people, psychology, and design.
Where are you from?
Hamburg, Germany. One of my most unique experiences from there is hitchhiking across Europe when I was 17.
Alyssa DeGeorge
Art Director
Education
Kent State University
Graduated: May 2013
Degree
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design, Bachelor of Science in Magazine Journalism
Q&A
Tell us about a favorite project you’ve worked on.
I especially enjoyed working on the Mid-Ohio Foodbank Community Report. The theme of “Get Fresh” gave me the opportunity to have a lot of fun with color and images of fresh food. The piece was printed on a nice, textured paper with interesting folds. It was also nice knowing the work I was doing was for a good cause.
What interests you about working in a small agency environment?
I love the atmosphere and community. It’s nice to work in close proximity with the rest of the team and feel like we’re all in it together. I think it’s really great to have the opportunity to give feedback on each other’s work, the company’s processes and what we want our office to be.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
My favorite part is the beginning. Hearing a client explain what their company is all about and asking questions to delve deeper into what they’re looking for in the design is really what sparks ideas for me. It’s always exciting to know there are so many possibilities to explore.
Why do you love what you do?
I love that it's different every day, that I get to be creative at my job and that I learn about so many different things by working on a variety of projects for different clients.
What is your favorite place in the world?
On a beach while traveling in a foreign country. I can’t pick just one specific place because I love the adventure of traveling to new places and learning about different cultures. But there’s nothing like feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and smelling the salt of the ocean.
What is your favorite way to exercise?
Kickboxing, running, swimming or playing soccer. They’re all good stress relievers that help with mental health just as much as physical!
Do you have any pets?
I have a midget cat named Harvey. We found him outside my parents’ house and thought he was an infant kitten at first, when really he was a few months old. He’s named after Harvey Dent because his markings make him look like Two Face.
What’s your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is by Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
What’s your favorite app on your phone?
Happier – It’s based on the idea that if you write down three things you’re grateful for each day, you will be happier overall! The app encourages you to pause during your day to post moments that make you happy. Whenever you post, confetti rains down the screen – which always makes me happy.
Arlene Murrin
Development Director
Education
Ohio State University
Graduated: 1996
Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor in History
Q&A
Tell us about a favorite project you’ve worked on.
My favorite project was a website I did for a friend's band. It was a great project for expanding and practicing my skills and he was happy with the result.
What area of your job are you most passionate about?
The best part of my job is taking a website from the idea and design and giving it life. I love the challenge the clients and designers give us to see if we can make their vision reality.
What interests you about working in a small agency environment?
I love that our agency is small enough to fit into one work space. We have the ability to work very closely with each other and get to know each other very well.
Why did you get into development?
I've been programming throughout my life. When I needed a website for myself, I learned enough to make one, and fell in love with the process and the code.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Under the shade of a tree with a good book!
What is your favorite way to exercise?
I like to swim because it is peaceful and meditative.
What’s your favorite book?
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
What’s your favorite quote?
"To love another person is to see the face of God." -Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
Where can we find you on the weekends?
I am usually on the sidelines of one of my kids games, matches, tournaments, or competitions cheering them on a little too enthusiastically!
Amanda Mazzola
Junior Art Director
Education
Cedarville University
Graduated: December 2011
Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Minor in Creative Web Design
Q&A
Tell us about a favorite project you’ve worked on.
One of my favorite freelance projects was branding JONESY, an underwear line designed and manufactured in NYC. I loved working on the hand-lettered logo, fun and playful stickers, postcards, etc.
What interests you about working in a small agency environment?
I’m drawn to the flexibility and team collaboration. Small agencies tend to value communication and team spirit very highly.
Why did you get into design?
I grew up doodling on every scrap of paper I could find, and eventually I graduated to doodling on the computer. I find a lot of joy in creating new and beautiful things.
Why do you love what you do?
I love that graphic design is all about problem-solving, and each project presents a fresh challenge. It's a blend of creativity and technique, and there's always something new to learn!
What is the most thrilling thing you’ve ever done?
Skydiving! It was 100% terrifying, mind-blowing, and exhilarating. I've never been a big risk-taker, but somehow I decided it was a good idea to free-fall out of an airplane at 10,000 feet, and I have no regrets. It was absolutely amazing, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Barcelona. It's vibrant with rich architecture and street art, it's youthful and quirky, and it has gorgeous mountains and white sandy beaches – what more could you want?
What is your favorite type of music?
Alternative/Indie – currently loving The Japanese House
What’s your favorite office snack?
I'm a popcorn junkie.
Danielle Weigand
Graphic Designer
Education
University of Dayton
Graduated: 2015
Degree
Visual Communication Design, Minor in Marketing
Q&A
What interests you about working in a small agency environment?
Working closely with everyone and being involved in all of the steps of the design process.
Where do you come up with your best ideas?
Sometimes when I am sleeping – I actually have dreams about projects I work on. "Move that over two more pixels ... perfect."
Why do you love what you do?
The exciting part of being a designer is learning about other people and their industries. You have to constantly see different points of view to best communicate someone else's story. Being a designer made me grow and expand my interests.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
After college graduation, my two friends from high school and I went on a week-and-a-half-long road trip with two weeks to plan. We flew into Seattle and made our way down to San Francisco. Along the way we went on a 17-mile-hike at Mount Rainier, ran out on one of our six Airbnb hosts, jumped into 50-degree water at Crater Lake, nearly ran out of gas on Highway 1 and slept at the Oakland Airport.
What is your favorite way to get physical / exercise? Why?
CrossFit. It is challenging but afterwards you feel accomplished.
Who is your favorite music artist?
Of all time probably Eminem, but currently Kendrick Lamar.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Wherever I can find my family—they're my best friends!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
Nyla, my dog. She is a free spirit, frisbee-fetch addict and manipulative genius that is great at cuddling (if you can ever get her to lay down!).
Where can we find you on the weekends? What are you doing there?
You probably won't be able to. I am famous in the office for traveling every-other weekend to another city, state or even country.
Carly Brosius
Graphic Designer
Education
Iowa State University
Graduated: 2016
Degree
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Q&A
What interests you about working in a small agency environment?
Working in a small agency environment is wonderful because it's easier to get comfortable with one another. I'm not afraid to ask questions and everyone is so friendly!
What is your favorite part of the design process?
Finishing a project with a smile and remembering that it started with a blank canvas.
Where are you from?
I'm from a beautiful small town in Iowa called Ida Grove. It was a wonderful place to grow up and it will forever hold my heart.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
My family goes on a sailing trip every other winter down in the British Virgin Islands. We live on a catamaran sailboat for a week and sail from island to island. Throughout the years, we've learned how to operate and manage the sailboat, navigate ourselves around the seas, and how to deal with seasickness.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Ten Mile Lake in northern Minnesota. Both sides of my family have cabins up there so it's awesome family time, with lots of friends and (too much) fun.
What is your favorite book?
I'm just getting into the Harry Potter series. I'm 10 years late but I can't put them down.
Tell us about a favorite project you’ve worked on.
My capstone project my senior year of college focused on the decline in creativity in early education classrooms within the past 10 years and the negative effects it has had on the students. I focused on providing several lesson plans that brought creativity back into the classroom. It was fascinating and inspiring, and allowed my imagination to run wild with design.
What’s your favorite app on your phone?
Zillow. I love scrolling through new listings and pretty much stalking people's houses.
Anthony Damico
Graphic Designer
Education
Columbus College of Art & Design
Graduated: 2018
Degree
Advertising/Graphic Design
Q&A
What do you hope to learn here?
I hope to learn the ins and outs of production, learning how to turn an idea to a concept to a shippable product.
Why did you get into design?
I like to create and make things come to life.
Who is your favorite designer or idol in your field?
My favorite designer is Jesper Kouthoofd, head of creative collective Teenage Engineering, because he and his team take a very open, yet personal approach to design. Their philosophy is cohesive through everything they do.
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
Boredom, it makes me want to do something.
Where do you come up with your best ideas?
At times when I should be working on other things. It's always when you least expect it.
Why do you love what you do?
It is an outlet for ideas as opposed to the time I spend consuming every day.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I went to Alaska and traveled and saw all the nature and wildness there is to see. Say no to pipelines.
Favorite band:
The Strokes.
Essential Movie Friday choices:
Nacho Libre, Jack Black's most underrated performance and/or National Treasure... because it is a national treasure.
Favorite book:
The one I am currently reading: A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones)
Do you have any pets?
I have a cat named Francisco and he's da baist.
Where can we find you on the weekends?
On the couch making music.
Leigh Pittner
Development Intern
Education
The Ohio State University
Graduated: 2014
Major in English Literature, East Asian Script
Columbus State Community College
Expected Graduation: 2019
Major in Website Development
Q&A
What do you hope to learn here?
I'm working to understand the coordination and workflow between developer, designer and client. I'm learning how a website and related marketing materials are launched simultaneously, fixed, maintained, etc. Until recently, I had a marketing PR/writer job, and while I still develop mobile applications on a small scale, I've never worked on large coding projects in a group or with other developers.
What are your long-term career goals?
I have several goals. I want to continue to make mobile apps like I'm doing now. I would like to do AWS engineering or become a .NET Core MVC web developer and be able to work remotely so that I can travel, do my apps, or whatever else I end up wanting to do. I'm also really into writing, fashion and marketing.
What is your favorite part of the development process?
In general, I love the deep focus that coding demands. I like to start working and hours later, have an interactive piece that works together with other parts to create a virtual mechanism. Coders are the modern-day machinists. It's like playing with Legos.
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
I get a lot of inspiration when I'm out walking or hiking. Sometimes when I see really good work like art or music, that someone else has done, I get extra energy to work harder on my own projects.
Why do you love what you do?
I think programming is fun and I like how instant the results are. I like that we can do anything now as programmers. Depending on what you're doing, you can make a game, or start a business, or run a whole marketing campaign, right at your fingertips, all by writing one app. You can tell stories, which as a writer is my favorite thing about coding.
What is the most fascinating thing you’ve ever done? Details please!
A lot of people may not realize that I used to be a high fashion runway model when I was younger. I used to model for American and Dutch teen magazines, and I did Vogue, and I was in a Samsung ad. I was with Elite for seven years, then came to school back in Columbus after I decided I wanted to study there instead of in New York.
What is your favorite place in the world?
I love Norway because I love the black, dark mountains and vast outdoors, and because I think it's the prettiest place on Earth! I also like Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo. The way these cities use spaces – versus somewhere broad and sweeping like NYC or Washington DC – and the way the city just naturally exists makes it such an exciting and organic place to be.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
I have an orange dog name Kitsune who is part husky, part Pomeranian. She looks like a fox, and everyone asks me if she's a real dog. She was even on TV. I've trained her to do all sorts of things and she is really good and receptive, so I take her everywhere with me, including restaurants, stores, etc.
What’s your favorite app on your phone?
I'm a little biased, but my favorite app is the alpha project of my own app that I'm making. My favorite thing I'm doing right now is a mobile game that lets the user make his/her own choices, following a story, and is a simulation.
Emma Tappel
Office Administrative Assistant
Education
Ashland University
Graduated: May 2016
Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Strategic Communication and Health & Risk Communication
Q&A
What professor had a major influence on you?
My favorite professor would have to be my academic advisor. He really pushed me to take chances on things and helped me learn so much about the choices I’ve made for myself.
Why did you get into design?
I like to create things and find solutions for problems.
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
My biggest source of inspiration is my family. They always push me to do what’s best and to take the right chances.
Where do you come up with your best ideas?
I come up with my best ideas when I’m surrounded by nature.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?
I was on Good Morning America to ride Gate Keeper at Cedar Point! I was the first non-employee rider and got to ride it 8 times in a row.
What is your favorite way to get physical?
Hiking! I love getting out and exploring whenever I can.
Favorite band:
Awolnation
Essential Movie Friday choices:
I love movies that make you think, V for Vendetta is always a solid choice.
What’s your favorite book?
Winter Is Coming
Do you have any pets?
I have a Dutch Shepherd mix named Finnigan! He’s only about 30 pounds and is a total snuggle bug. His past times include eating carpet, chasing geese, and getting belly rubs.
Timeline
1990
Pre-USA
Born and raised in Hamburg, Germany and educated in visual communication at the Union Centrale des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, France, Sebastian moved in 1986 to New York City to start his career as an Art Director for Arnell & Bickford where he worked on the Donna Karen, DKNY, and Christian Lacroix accounts. In 1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Sebastian returned to Hamburg and joined the agency Springer & Jacoby to work as an Art Director on their Mercedes Benz account.
1991
Berlin
In 1991, Sebastian moved with the Ayer Network to found the first satellite office in Germany’s future capital, Berlin. After teaming up with some talented East-German designers under the name of YPS Art, Sebastian co-founded Röttjer Schütz & Ibel in 1993. The agency was one of the first true east/west German agencies. This groundbreaking concept made for rapid growth in a very short period of time. The agency’s clients included Schering AG, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies worldwide, and the State of Brandenburg.
1996
IC Communication Team - Ibel Agency
In 1996, Sebastian moved to Columbus to join his wife Rebecca and founded IC Communication Team in 1997. Set up as a professional networking group, IC Communication Team, Inc. linked highly trained specialists in the communication field to deliver a full service marketing, advertising, and design package on the Columbus market. Sebastian led the marketing and advertising component. In 2001 IC Communication Team, Inc. was rebranded into Ibel Agency.
2013
Short North
The Short North was a long term home for Ibel Agency. In his role of Chair of marketing for the Short North Business Association, Sebastian was instrumental in defining and branding the neighborhood into the “Arts District”. Ibel Agency donated a lot of time and talent to help turn the Short North into the vibrant district it has become today.
2015
Downtown
Downtown Columbus has been home to Ibel Agency since 2015. We are excited to be part of the renaissance of our city and love the energy and diversity of our new home. We are now located at Factory No. 6 in the Warehouse District where we continue to focus on purpose-driven communication and award-winning design.
