Our story.

We're family. And that's how we'll treat you too.

Plaine Studios isn’t just a business, it’s a labor of love for husband-and-wife team Chris and Jacee Brown. Founded in New Orleans and now based in Charleston, South Carolina, we’ve spent over 20 years helping businesses make the world of design and digital marketing accessible. Our journey began by growing alongside clients in the Gulf South, and today we continue that legacy by serving companies nationwide who want to spend more time growing and less time wrangling with complicated websites or impersonal advertising agencies. We keep things small, simple, and personal, focusing on one project—your project—at a time, so we can give it the quality attention it deserves.

Our boutique approach is more than just a business model; it’s a philosophy. We believe that every client deserves our undivided focus and expertise. Whether you’re launching a start-up or enhancing an established brand, we’re here to deliver tools that are designed to help you grow while keeping things manageable and straightforward. We don’t focus on adding to our portfolio; we focus on building relationships. And, like family, we’re committed to supporting your success every step of the way.

"The attention to detail and communication throughout projects is impressive. They clearly really care about what they do which we find to be rare these days. I couldn't recommend Plaine Studios more highly! While it's always nice to work with a family business, it's their skill and unique perspective that keep us coming back."

— Aaron Dare (Crane Realtors)

Chris Brown

Chris’s journey began with a Communications degree from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong foundation in broadcast journalism. His passion for digital design and storytelling flourished after moving to New Orleans in 2001, where he had the opportunity to work alongside acclaimed designer Brett Calzada at New Emit. Together, they built a respected web design firm serving the Gulf South, an experience that inspired Chris to launch Plaine Studios in 2003 as a side project focused on digital video production. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and brought an end to New Emit, Chris returned to New Orleans with a renewed vision to grow Plaine Studios into a full-service creative digital marketing agency with Jacee, dedicated to helping clients craft distinctive and impactful digital presences.

Jacee Brown

Jacee’s expertise combines design with a deep understanding of the social impact of visual and interactive communication. She studied Graphic Communication and Sociology at the University of Southern Mississippi, then joined Neill Corporation, creating web and print media for Aveda lifestyle salons and spas. At Loyola University New Orleans, Jacee rose from lead web designer to Director of Web Communications, responsible for the entire online presence of the university. Now Principal UX Designer at Voya Financial, she brings her extensive background in user experience, digital product development and design strategy to Plaine Studios, ensuring that every project is crafted with intention, usability, and beauty.

Married since 2007, Chris and Jacee live in Charleston, South Carolina with their three sons. Outside of Plaine Studios, Jacee enjoys sewing and tending to her plants, while Chris spends his time writing music and taking on DIY home projects.

"Working with Chris and Jacee the last few months on this project has been a true joy. The collaborative approach they took with me was so genuine from the first meeting, and continued throughout the entire design process."

— Ryan-Marie Preuss (Ryan-Marie Design & Decor)

We can do a lot together. Be we aren't alone.

Chris and Jacee handle the vast majority of the work at Plaine Studios and are directly involved in every project. Our combined skill sets, spanning design, development, strategy, and storytelling, allow us to tackle nearly any challenge with confidence and creativity. However, we know no one can do everything alone. When a project calls for specialized expertise, we collaborate with a small collective of seasoned professionals we know and trust. Some of these partners have worked alongside us for nearly 20 years, sharing our vision for treating clients the right way and giving each project the attention it deserves. For us, design, branding, and digital strategy aren’t just job titles, they’re lifelong interests we’ve honed because we truly care about them. This commitment shows in everything we do. When we’re working on your brand, it’s personal and we’re invested in it because it’s what we love to do.

"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works."

— Steve Jobs

Relationships built, stories told, honors earned.

We’ve partnered with clients of all sizes—from coast to coast—spanning government agencies, educational nonprofits, restaurants, entertainment venues, film and music companies, lifestyle brands, e-commerce, real estate, interior designers, landscapers, law firms, and property management companies. Some representative clients include:

Awards and recognition are never what drive us—they’re simply byproducts of doing work we believe in. Our focus is always on delivering results for our clients, and we’re proud that this commitment has earned occasional recognition along the way.

  • LePhare menu design featured in New Big Book of Layouts showcasing the best in layout design.
  • Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra website featured in the book Designing for the Greater Good, spotlighting top cause-related marketing and non-profit design.
  • PlaineStudios.com named a HOW Magazine Top 10 Website (December 2007).
  • Plaine Studios honored as a 2007 New Orleans CityBusiness Innovator of the Year.
  • Plaine Studios profiled in BusinessWeek (2007).
  • American Advertising Awards (ADDYs) received for the Republic New Orleans website and the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra website.
  • Photography by Plaine Studios featured inside and on the cover of the President George W. Bush’s 2006 Coming Up Taller Awards program and published in American Profile magazine.

Our Approach