Have you ever wondered who's behind all the magic at Con*Quest Journals? The planners, the stickers, the tote bags, the tiny details you didn't notice until your third cup of coffee? Well... wonder no more! Here's your chance to meet our team of talented designers behind it all – the ones dreaming it up, sketching it out & bringing every little magical detail to life.
TRACEY GURNEY - Executive Creative Director
I'm Tracey, the Creative Director at Con*Quest Journals, based in the Midwest where the seasons keep things interesting. A graduate of CCAD with a degree in Advertising and Graphic Design, I spent 10 years on the convention circuit building my own brand and selling fanart for the shows and movies I loved. That experience shaped how I design for people who genuinely connect with what they're buying.
I have been with Con*Quest since the beginning, creating designs from the ground up, until we expanded the team last year. As a small team, we put a great deal of intention into everything we create. Stories and characters that linger are what drive me, with a natural pull toward vampires, horror, Dungeons & Dragons, and strong enemies-to-lovers arcs. Worldbuilding and immersive, meaningful design are at the core of my work, which spans Officially Licensed planners and tote bags to stickers, decals, and washi tape, especially in the wizard, witch, and romantasy space.
Fans are at the center of everything we do. Each piece is designed with purpose, layered with thoughtful details that make it authentic and personal, because we're fans too. The Supernatural line from my early days at Con*Quest remains a favorite, rich with detail and built for people who truly loved the story.
Outside of work, there's plenty of coffee, ongoing sourdough experiments, and maybe too many hours gaming, maybe. Every houseplant gets a name, and Lucas, my pet jumping spider, is part of the mix. Time off usually means spending time with my family, scrolling fan edits on TikTok, or following whatever creative rabbit hole I fall down at midnight.
AMY FRISCH - Senior Product Designer
I'm Amy, the Senior Product Designer at Con*Quest Journals, based in Kansas City. I design physical products (not digital) from concept to final production, including artwork, structure, packaging, and all the technical details in between. I've been with Con*Quest since October 2024 and have carved out a niche as someone who can jump across categories and figure things out quickly.
I've always been the artsy kid – back when "graphic design" was still called commercial art, which probably tells you how long I've been at it. My background is rooted in print design, with a strong focus on officially licensed products and translating existing IP into something tangible and well designed. Pop culture has always been a big driver for me, and I naturally gravitate toward fandom-driven designs that feel collectible, nostalgic, and a little obsessive (in a good way). I'm also drawn to strong illustration styles, bold linework, bright colors, thoughtful packaging, and anything that makes a product feel like more than just an object.
If it doesn't feel authentic, fans can tell immediately. The details matter – the references, the quality, and how it functions in real life. I approach design with two goals: make something fans genuinely want to own and make sure it performs commercially. Those two things should reinforce each other. The Harry Potter Marauder's Map Messenger Bag has been a standout product for me. I collect licensed bags myself, so getting to design one from the ground up was a full-circle moment. It pushed me into a new category where I had to figure out everything from materials to construction, not just graphics, which is exactly the kind of challenge I like.
I collect licensed products myself. I'm a longtime Sanrio collector, and I especially love collecting bags and character goods, so I'm often designing for the same audience I'm part of. Outside of design, I'm into roller skating, but only indoors, no interest in risking it on actual pavement. I also adopted a cat about a year ago, and he now fully runs the household.
SUSAN LONG - Lead Illustrator & Product Artist
Hi, I'm Susan, Lead Illustrator and Product Artist for Con*Quest Journals, based in the Cincinnati metropolitan area. I have been working with CQJ since May 2025. I create hand-drawn artwork that focuses on storytelling and the human touch behind the work.
I graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design with a BFA in Advertising and Graphic Design, along with a strong interest in illustration. Art, especially drawing, has always been my passion, so pursuing a creative career felt like a natural path. I have 20+ years of experience as a Graphic Designer in branding, consumer packaging, and corporate communications. Over the years, my work has evolved to more intentionally integrate illustration, building a practice that includes custom artwork, lettering, and hand-drawn elements for brands. That evolution has led to a deeper focus on illustration, where I continue exploring storytelling through patterns, handwriting, and expressive, hand-crafted visuals.
My work is rooted in a love for designs that feel personal and human; styles that are hand-drawn and perfectly imperfect. I'm especially drawn to the character that comes through in visible brush strokes and wobbly lines, and I love working with traditional-inspired mediums like ink, brush, and pen.
When designing for fans, I believe authenticity and joy are everything. If you genuinely love what you're creating, that energy shows up in the final piece – and that's what makes a product feel special and meaningful. I aim to bring that sense of care and detail into every design, often layering in subtle references and thoughtful touches for fans to discover.
Some of my favorite projects are from our new Dark Romance line (releasing soon), as well as the Waiting for the Night Gothic Love Coloring Book. That project was especially meaningful to me because it had been a goal of mine to design a coloring book, and it was such a joy to bring to life.
Outside of design, I love spending time with my family and friends, often gathered around good food and great conversation. I also enjoy a well-crafted cocktail or glass of wine, and I'm always inspired by the creativity behind those experiences. I also channel my creativity into home décor, organizing spaces, and caring for my ever-growing collection of houseplants.
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about our amazing Design Team!
We might be a small team, but a HUGE amount of passion, dedication, and creativity goes into every single product we make. At the end of the day, we're designing for fans because we are fans – and we're so glad you're here to be a part of it with us!
- XOXO, The Con*Quest Journals Team