HISTORY >>>

Stephonie A Schmitz is a professional Graphic Designer and Photographer and dabbles a little in abstract painting. Photography has been a love of hers as long as she can remember, and it all started in elementary school with a Kodak film camera gifted by her parents. She attended Clarke College in Dubuque, IA and the Academy of Art in San Francisco for Graphic Design.

Stephonie started her business, SAO Dzynz, Inc, in Dubuque, IA back in 2002, concentrating on company branding and custom wedding invitations along with portraiture. She now focuses her photography on landscapes and wildlife. Along with travel, Stephonie is passionate about nature and conservation efforts. Photography sales help plant trees for the Give Back to Nature - The Million Tree Project. Using the art of observation, chasing and seeing light, and slowing down to experience the beauty among us - she strives to communicate what it was like to be there in the exact moment… not only see the beauty, but FEEL it.

She offers 100% custom projects - no one has had, or will ever have, your custom design! She has grown into providing services for all genres and mediums, and is even bringing a new element of art to Dubuque - The Illumination Project. Stephonie is also bringing another art gallery to the Millwork District, featuring local professional and student artists, as well as displaying artwork from all over the world.

Ask to learn more!

HONORS + AWARDS >>>

American Advertising Awards | ADDYs

American Advertising Federation of Dubuque

• Gold ADDY Award

• Final Fifteen Gold ADDY Award

• Multiple Silver ADDY Awards

• Judge’s Choice Award

Rising Star Award

TH Media and BizTimes.biz | September 2015

• Based on nominations from TH Media and BizTimes.biz readers and other community members, a panel of local judges selects a group of Rising Star Award recipients -- people younger than 40 who have demonstrated leadership in business, serve as a role model and are active volunteers. 

Women of Achievement Award | Achievements in Her Field

Women's Leadership Network | April 2015

• Women of Achievement Awards ceremony is designed to recognize and honor women who have already, or aspire to, provide significant contributions in their professional, personal and volunteer roles in the community.

• This is evidenced by a sustained record of accomplishments and contributions in her field, contributions to addressing significant issues, a positive influence in the community, and applies creativity or innovation in solving problems or overcoming challenges.

• Achievements in Her Field: Accomplishments go beyond a single organization and contribute favorably to an industry or profession.

AAF Dubuque Member of the Year

American Advertising Federation of Dubuque | February 2015

• The AAF Dubuque Member of the Year Award is given to an individual who has worked hard over the year to be a driving force behind the American Advertising Federation of Dubuque. Nominees should be active participants not only in club activities, but also in planning events and volunteering time. He/she should provide ideas to improve the club and actively work to implement them.
  
  

WORD ON THE STREET >>>

"Stephonie was super easy to work with. She had such a unique and creative vision for our invites…" — Kelly H.

"The shop owner, Stephonie, was excellent in communicating and the art is truly spectacular. I live within 10 minutes of Red Rocks and this is one of the few photos that truly does it justice." — Jim S.

"Stephonie is very easy to work with. She listens well and really values your opinion and needs or wants." — Abby G.

"Impressive image in person." — Radine C.

"She went above and beyond anything we could have ever imagined. She pays attention to every single detail, and it definitely shows." — Erin O.

"Very easy to work with and will definitely continue to use for other services offered." — Jeremy P.

"Absolutely stunning colors with the metallic print. Thanks again!" — Jeff B.

"She did a fantastic job! I was very pleased with SAO Dzynz professionalism, helpfulness, and uniqueness." — Heather G.

"The most amazing wedding invitations I have ever seen!!  They were green/environmental friendly, and actually contained seeds that could be planted for recipients to enjoy (so creative!!)." — Matt T.

"This is the image I thought of when designing my living room. My husband and I were lucky enough to honeymoon on Bora Bora and this photo totally captured a view we had..." — Michelle K.