Serving our fellow Alaskans
for over 30 years.

Our History

We believe that print is not just ink on paper, but expression in color, texture, contrast — a study of human intelligence and order.

We believe that design is not just a gifting or knowledge of software, but craft: bringing together talent, technical knowledge, technique, research, and a distinguishing eye.

We believe above all that good service is essential, and when we love what we do, we’ll pass the love, kindness, and service on to you.

Print and design are two sides of the same coin, and we have always enjoyed the way they play off each other — making a brand image stronger, driving a point home more clearly, sending a message of clarity or action or awe. Print and design can become something beautiful — not only because they are in themselves, but because they show us a larger vision: a clearer message, a better brand.

We employ our strengths and expertise to help your business be the best it can be. An important part of what we do is creating custom- and intelligently-designed printing that will save you time and money in the long run — by taking into account the most efficient way to record and move information in your business.

Back in 1991, the national printing company for which Mark had been working asked him to move out of state. But Alaska was home, so Mark and Dawn declined the offer, and brainstormed their next idea: starting their own local printing business. They came up with “Information Design” on a long drive home from Fairbanks, and Dawn sketched a logo that has held its own — with a few haircuts along the way — through our 30 years.

Alaska is still home, and Jakob and Karoline are continuing the work — with office banter, excellent print and design, and an emphasis on service. And with experience behind us, we’re still eager for the many opportunities to come…

Our Team

Jakob Ernst

President

Jakob always wanted to own his own business — and now, as co-owner and president of Information Design, that goal has been realized! He sees the value of our customer relationships — and of quality products — unique in a world that is increasingly impersonal and do-it-yourself.

When he’s not helping you find the perfect solution to your latest print need, Jakob enjoys time with his wife — remodeling their home, and taking hikes with their small-but-tough little dog. Beyond that, he has a passion for cutting perfect lines in fresh snow on a snowmachine.

Dawn Ernst

Art Director

After falling in love with Alaska back in the 70s, Dawn moved from Illinois to Anchorage with a background in marketing and advertising in the publishing industry. When Mark started Information Design, Dawn’s typography expertise, design abilities, and “too clever” tagline and copywriting skills brought a dynamic element to the newly-created business — and she now brings her years of experience to the next generation of designers. She originally designed on a Apple Mac Plus and Mac II, and now designs on something slightly newer! In her spare time, she enjoys everything interior design.

Karoline Ernst

Lead Designer

Karoline has always loved the concept of Story: that everything and everyone tells a story; and graphic design, after all, is visual storytelling.

After graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Studio and Digital Arts, she launched first into freelancing for industries across the Kenai Peninsula. Now as co-owner of Information Design, she enjoys sharing her design expertise for industries across Alaska. In her spare time, she pursues horseback riding, pointed pen calligraphy, Smitten Kitchen baking, and Tolkein — all while drinking more tea than is probably good for you.

Mark Ernst

Vice President

The one who started it all, Mark has been in this business since before some of us were born! Mark was hired at graduation from UAF by one of the country’s largest business forms manufacturers. They trained him extensively in the expertise of manufacturing of printed products, presses, papers, forms and label function and construction, and most importantly, paper flow – how to make a company run efficiently by utilizing custom-designed printed products.

After over 40 years in the print industry, Mark and Dawn still lend their expertise to Information Design. But, they also are taking a bit more time to enjoy life: cruising and fishing in their Stabicraft, shredding muskeg or powder in the Caribou Hills, and occasionally taking long trips to Hawaii.