CJ The Designer

04/01/2026

Well… looks like I’ve officially entered my Design Rodeo era 🤠

This year Benton County, Oregon debuted its 2026 Design Rodeo which will determine the new design for this year's Benton County Fair & Rodeo.

I’m honored to have TWO designs selected as finalists, and now it’s time for the public vote. If you’ve ever supported my work, cheered me on, or just like a good cow tag moment—this is your chance.

👉 Vote for:
Option 1 — Cow Tag
Option 4 — Firework

Cast your vote here:
benton360.my.canva.site/design-rodeo-2026

Winning means my design ends up on official fair merch… which feels very on brand for this cowgirl designer.

Let’s ride 🐎

12/11/2025

I worked on 20+ projects this year…
and posted almost none of them.
Some were waiting on approval.
Some are still secret.
Some just lived quietly in my hard drive while I kept grinding.
Freelance wins aren’t always loud — but damn, they’re real.

12/09/2025

Fifteen years into this wild design ride and I’m still obsessed with how spirits labels tell a story before a single sip hits the glass.
2025 was packed — whiskey rooted in myth, gin with attitude, brandy with backbone, and rum that tastes like a memory.

Every bottle has a world in it. I just get to build the doorway.

Here’s a look at some of my favorite label projects from this year.

11/22/2025

38 years of being too much, not enough, and exactly right depending on who you ask.
But here I am — still creating, still fighting for my people, still chasing the life I want with grit under my nails and a story worth telling.
Cheers to the next chapter. I’m coming in hot.

07/30/2025

It’s Rodeo Week, and this little patch means I’ll be spending the next four days at the arena gate—coordinating contestants, queens, flags, and controlled chaos.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s an honor. It means I’ve earned the trust to help the show run sharp and strong.
Even more meaningful? The patch carries the new visual branding I created for the committee—a small symbol of a much bigger effort to elevate tradition through thoughtful design.
Proud to wear this badge—stitched in sweat and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes teamwork.

05/21/2025

So very excited! This is such a cool product!

05/16/2025

Thrilled to share my latest collaboration with the Benton County Rodeo Committee and their incredible annual all-female rodeos! This Saturday, March 17th, catch the action at the 2025 Spring Stampede, kicking off at 7 pm (doors open 6 pm) at the Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds in Corvallis, OR. And mark your calendars for the Larry Bell Memorial All Girls Rodeo this summer during the Benton County Fair & Rodeo.

These aren't just rodeos; they're a powerful celebration of the grit, determination, and incredible talent of women in a traditionally male-dominated arena – a sentiment that resonates deeply with me as a fellow athlete. For years, I've been part of this world, competing in barrel racing from the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association during my school days, to the Barrel Racing Association of Texas, PRCA, UPRA, and countless hometown rodeos. Today, while also running my design business, I train young horses, coach budding athletes in speed events, and am actively working towards entering the arena as a competitor again. I know firsthand the dedication and heart these women bring to the sport!

Speaking of which, my involvement also connects with my passion for supporting women through organizations like the Pink Boots Society, which empowers and celebrates women in the fermented beverage industry. It's all about lifting each other up!

How can you support women in these incredible (and often challenging) fields? I'll be at the Spring Stampede this Saturday, working behind the scenes and connecting with an amazing lineup of vendors. Come on out and join me to compete or cheer on these phenomenal athletes! Consider donating to non-profits like Willamette Valley Pink Boots. And always make a conscious choice to support women and minority-owned/operated businesses whenever you can.

What are some of your favorite ways to champion women in traditionally male-dominated industries? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

05/15/2025

Want to compete or watch? Either way I’ll be there!

🏁 3 DAYS TO GO!
We’re officially in the home stretch! The Spring Stampede All Girls Rodeo is almost here and the lineup is 🔥. Contestants are sharpening their skills, the arena is getting its final touches, and fans are gearing up for one of the most electric rodeos in the Northwest! 💪🐎

📣 This is your sign to rally your crew, shine your boots, and get ready for a night of fast runs, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments.

🎟️ Tickets are going fast—don’t get left outside the fence!
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-spring-stampede-all-girls-rodeo-presented-by-les-schwab-tires-tickets-1352035718229

🎨 Thank you to CJ with Cassandra Judd Designs for these awesome countdown graphics! We’re so glad to have you on our team. Check out their work:
👉 https://cjuddthedesigner.myportfolio.com/

11/12/2024

Saddle up, design darlings! It's Tip Tuesday, and today we're talkin' shelf talkers – those little critters that can make or break a sale in the beverage aisle. 🤠🥃

Think of shelf talkers as your brand's little saloon barkers, shouting out your best qualities and enticing folks to belly up to the bar (or the shopping cart, in this case!)

(Swipe to see some examples!)

But what makes a good shelf talker? Here's the lowdown:

Keep it short and sweet: Ain't nobody got time to read a novel while they're browsin' bourbon.
Make it pop: Use eye-catchin' colors and fonts that stand out from the crowd.
Highlight the good stuff: What makes your beverage special? Is it award-winning? Limited edition? Tell 'em!
Give 'em a call to action: Encourage folks to grab a bottle and giddy up!
Need help wranglin' your shelf talkers into shape? This cowgirl's got your back! 🤠 Mosey on over to my DMs and let's chat.

11/06/2024

When life gives you lemons, make a cocktail! 🍋🍹 Because sometimes, the best way to deal with a tough situation is to grab some friends, pour some drinks, and let the good times roll.

What's your go-to cocktail for when life throws you a curveball? 🍸