Our Services
Where technology meets craftsmanship.
Rootsofjoy is the creative studio of C.A. Nelson, a Chicago based artist and maker of digital art, apparel, fabrication, and brand work. Different disciplines, One story.
What We
Offer
01
Custom Apparel & Merch
Shirts, hoodies, pins, and the pieces that carry your idea into the world. Original artwork, not clip art dropped onto a blank.
You get: design concepts, one round of revisions, print-ready files, and finished garments in the sizes and colors you choose.
Starting at $250 for a small run
Good for: small businesses, community organizations, family reunions, church groups, team merch, event giveaways.
03
Brand Identity & Graphic Design
Logos, wordmarks, color systems, and the design pieces that keep a brand consistent once the logo exists.
You get: logo concepts, final files in every format you'll need, a color and type guide, and usage notes so it stays consistent.
Starting at $800 for a full identity
Logo only: from $400
Good for: new businesses, rebrands, nonprofits that have outgrown a logo someone made in a hurry.
05
CNC Routing, Woodwork, & Signage
Signage, engraved awards, architectural panels, cut components, and finished wood pieces. Machine precision with hand finishing.
You get: a fabrication plan, material recommendations, and the finished physical piece.
Starting at $300 - Larger installations quoted per project.
Good for: storefront and office signage, awards and recognition pieces, restaurant and retail buildouts, custom furniture details.
02
Digital Illustration
Original illustration work rooted in cultural storytelling. Portraits, patterns, character work, and the Afrofuturist style the studio is known for.
You get: a licensed high-resolution file, plus web and print versions.
Starting at $350
Good for: book covers, album art, editorial work, murals, packaging, anything that needs an image nobody else has.
04
3D Filament Paintings & Original Art
The signature work. Layered filament built into a physical painting with real depth and texture — a technique almost nobody else is working in.
You get: an original one-of-one piece, sized and colored to your space, ready to hang.
Commissions start at $600
Good for: collectors, statement walls, gifts that can't be duplicated, lobby and office installations.
06
3D Modeling & Print Files
Digital fabrication files built to spec. Take delivery of the file, or have the studio print and finish it.
You get: production-ready model files, plus printed pieces if you want them.
Starting at $200
Good for: product prototypes, replacement parts, props, custom tooling, makers who need a model built properly.
07
Glass & Ceramic Personalization
Laser etching and full-color sublimation on drinkware, glassware, tile, and ceramic. Permanent, dishwasher-safe, and made one at a time or by the case.
Etching cuts into the surface for a frosted, tactile mark that never wears off. Sublimation bonds full-color artwork into the coating, so photographs and detailed illustration come through at full saturation.
Two different looks, same studio, and I'll tell you which one your design actually wants.
You get: artwork prepared for the surface, a proof before production runs, and finished pieces ready to gift or sell.
Starting at $20 per piece. Volume pricing on sets of 12 or more.
Good for: wedding and event favors, corporate gifts and client thank-yous, engraved awards, branded drinkware for cafes and bars, memorial pieces, church and organization anniversaries, family reunions.
How it Works
1. Tell me about it:
Fill out the commission form. Project type, timeline, budget. It takes two minutes and it means the first reply is useful instead of a list of questions.
2. Quote and plan:
You get a written quote within 48 hours with scope, timeline, and cost. No surprises later.
3. Make it:
Deposit up front, then the work begins. You see progress along the way — no disappearing for three weeks.
4. Delivery:
Final files, finished pieces, or both. Shipped or picked up in Chicago.
Questions
How long does a project take? Most projects run two to six weeks depending on scope. Rush work is possible — say so on the form and it gets factored into the quote.
Do you work with clients outside Chicago? Yes. Design work happens anywhere. Physical pieces ship nationwide.
What if I don't know exactly what I want? That's a normal place to start. Pick "Not sure yet" on the form and describe the problem instead of the solution.
Do you license your existing artwork? Yes. Licensing is quoted separately from commissions — ask on the form.
You've got something to make.
Tell me what it is and I'll come back with a plan and a price within 48 hours.