Independent list · re-checked September 28, 2026 · published by Primortul LLC

818

818 is a design studio at 440 E Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines co-founded by Rachel Abel and Melissa Carlson, with eight staff listed on its about page. It focuses on brand development, packaging design, digital design and environmental and experiential graphics, and its site shows work for GuideOne Insurance, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Confluence Brewing Company and Iowa Great Lakes. Web Tonic's Des Moines design-studio roundup lists the firm. Nobody pays to be ranked.

Why it’s hereA woman-led Des Moines design studio with a brand, packaging and environmental graphics specialism and named insurance and craft-beverage clients. Number 13 of the branding agencies in Des Moines.

Who leads itRachel Abel, Co-Founder (with co-founder Melissa Carlson).

Work they can showIowa Great Lakes. Experiential and wayfinding design for the lakes region. Farm Bureau Financial Services. Experiential graphics for an office renovation that honor the company's history. Confluence Brewing Company. Ongoing branding, marketing and label design for the Des Moines brewery.

Estimated cost

Estimated: $8,000–$25,000, typical for Des Moines branding projects; not a quote.

Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.

A fit forIowa organizations that need brand identity plus environmental graphics, wayfinding or office experiential design, from breweries and ag companies to insurers renovating a workplace.

Based in
Des Moines, IA
Team size
1–10 people
Led by
Rachel Abel, Co-Founder (with co-founder Melissa Carlson)
Known for
brand development · packaging design · environmental graphics · digital design
Named clients
GuideOne Insurance, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Confluence Brewing Company, Old Tavern, Iowa Great Lakes, Continuum Ag
Best for
Iowa organizations that need brand identity plus environmental graphics, wayfinding or office experiential design, from breweries and ag companies to insurers renovating a workplace.
Selected work
  • Iowa Great Lakes. Experiential and wayfinding design for the lakes region. source ↗
  • Farm Bureau Financial Services. Experiential graphics for an office renovation that honor the company's history. source ↗
  • Confluence Brewing Company. Ongoing branding, marketing and label design for the Des Moines brewery. source ↗
Estimated cost

Estimated: $8,000–$25,000, typical for Des Moines branding projects; not a quote.

Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.

Office
440 E Grand Ave, Ste. E · Des Moines, IA · 50309 · 515-805-5239
818 homepage, captured September 28, 2026
818iowa.com · homepage on September 28, 2026

Sources 818iowa.com, webtonic.io · LinkedIn ↗

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