hello!
we’re Dot Grid Studio, and we do creative for a cause.
Launched in 2017, Dot Grid Studio intentionally partners with organizations that are moving mountains to make meaningful change for communities around the world.
Our approach is grounded in three core elements:
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Simply put: We do this work because we believe in it. We think the world is made better by knowing about, engaging with, and being inspired by our partners’ work, and we approach every component of an engagement with that belief at the forefront. We intentionally partner with organizations who are moving mountains to make meaningful change, and we think It’s our job to make sure the world knows about it.
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Effective outcomes are built on a foundation of empathy. That means working to form a robust understanding of a partner’s needs and desired outcomes, the needs of key audiences and stakeholders, and what is required for the field to move forward. Empathy work allows us to design every strategy and deliverable to move us from where we are now to where we want to be.
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We believe any creative process is most successful when it’s intentionally collaborative — drawing on the institutional knowledge of our partners, the lived experiences of their audiences and stakeholders, and the insights we provide as experts in our field. We’re consultants in name, but when we partner with clients, we see ourselves a unified team working together toward a mutual goal.
allison wachtel
founder + creative director
Allison Wachtel launched Dot Grid Studio in 2017 to help people and organizations dedicated to doing good in their communities match their visual presence to their on-the-ground impact. With nearly a decade of experience in the education sector, Alli’s understanding of the challenges that many mission-driven organizations face, along with her deep experience in the education space, allow her to hit the ground running with clients to create insightful brands and beautiful materials.
Prior to founding her creative consultancy, Alli led communications for CityBridge Education in Washington, DC, and has roots at KIPP LA Schools (now KIPP SoCal) and Las Virgenes Unified School District in Southern California.
When she’s not working, Alli can most often be found baking, riding her Peloton, and trying to become someone who’s good with plants. Since 2020, she has also led a biweekly anti-racist discussion group, with members based across the country. Alli currently lives in sunny San Diego with her partner, dog, and two cats.