It starts with a glance across a counter. A note scribbled in the margins. A moment that says more than the meeting ever did.
We pay attention to those things — the human details most people miss. We call them artifacts proof of what people value, fear, believe, love, and need.
We find them buried in conversation, hidden in habit, tucked inside the ordinary. Then we turn them into stories, design, and experiences that feel alive.
That’s where we live — between art and fact, between what people do and what they mean.
We are Artifactual.
We find the evidence of culture and give it form. We uncover the real stories behind what people feel, do, and notice. Then, our work turns these human moments into creative ideas and brands that move people forward.
The Hands Behind the Artifacts
Jake Engel
Karmen Johnson
Karmen Johnson and Jake Engel’s story began long before Artifactual.
Two creative minds shaped by the same small town Indiana streets, the same schools from elementary to college, and the same curiosity about the world and how people connect.
Their first creative project took root in a yearbook room, where they were co-editors. They learned how to watch closely, listen deeply, and tell the stories of the identities around them in ways people could feel for years to come. (Which led to multiple award-winning yearbooks, by the way.)
As adults, their paths diverged but their purpose stayed aligned. Jake found energy in the rhythm and spontaneity of city life — inspired by conversation, collaboration, and movement. Karmen found clarity and insight on the open road, learning from the slower pulse and culture of tight knit communities across America.
Artifactual grew from these experiences.
It’s where Jake’s background in brand execution and strategic storytelling meets Karmen’s intuition for design, culture, and human experience. Together, they bridge research and creativity — art and fact — to build brands that work in the real world and resonate where it matters most: with people.
Field Notes from Others
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“Karmen is the kind of artist (and person) who makes an immediate and lasting impact. Her talent is undeniable, but it’s her maturity, intention, and leadership through art that truly set her apart.”
Jordan D.
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"Give Jake an idea, and he will know exactly how to bring it to life in a manner that you didn’t even think was possible. No matter what I ask of Jake, he will deliver and do so with unrivaled excellence. Jake’s passion for his craft is infectious and only surpassed by his talent for the work. "
Ryan S.
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“Karmen is the reason my business branding is cohesive and unique. She’s so helpful when I brain dump on her for potential marketing ideas.”
Liz W.
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"Whether it was devising new strategies to enhance engagement, implementing cutting-edge marketing campaigns, or spearheading initiatives to promote our customer experience, Jake consistently delivered results that had a lasting impact on our organization and its employees."
Ashley S.
