our story

7 Layer Studio started in Rachel Zorel's westside apartment in 2004. Empowered by a long line of entrepreneurs and a dedication to her craft, she left her agency job and set out on our her own under the name Zorel Design.

The early years were filled with bold leaps and "why nots" — a mentality that is foundational to the work even today, and often draws ambitious brands our way.

Over the next decade, Rachel steadily and skillfully grew the business from a one-woman operation to a thriving multi-disciplinary studio that marries thoughtful strategy with uncompromising creativity. At the same time, she was growing her family and moving from NYC to the 'burbs of NJ.

In 2017, we became 7 Layer Studio. The name signals the layered approach we take with our work, but also with our culture. As a mom of four in the minority of women-founders in the industry, Rachel baked the "have your cake and eat it too" motto into the studio's values. We operate with balance and compassion at the forefront, knowing that humanity is a key ingredient to design that resonates.

Fast-forward to present day, our powerhouse team has grown along with our client roster, but we've maintained the bold creativity and people-first ethos of our roots. We are designers, illustrators, writers and strategists, building brands that move people and culture.