The Monarch Story: From One Woman’s Dream to One of Madison’s Trusted Graphics Companies
For more than 26 years, Monarch Media Designs has helped businesses throughout Madison and Southern Wisconsin stand out through eye-catching vehicle wraps, custom signs, banners, graphics, marketing materials, and branding solutions.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of clients, including World Dairy Expo, Pepsi Cola of Madison, Heins Contracting, Madison Metro Transit, Boys & Girls Club, Smart Motors, Princeton Club, Glass Nickel Pizza, Anytime Fitness, and countless local restaurants, non-profit organizations, start-ups, and small businesses.
But Monarch didn’t begin as a large graphics company.
The Beginning
Monarch Media Designs was founded in 2000 by Wisconsin native Courtney Dayne (formerly Courtney May).
After graduating from Madison East High School in 1998, Courtney attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison before completing her Multimedia Technology degree at Madison Media Institute.
While still in college, one of her instructors offered advice that would change her life:
“If you want to own a business someday, give it a name now and start it now.”
Courtney took that advice to heart.
She had always dreamed of becoming a business owner, so she launched Monarch Media Designs as a graphic design company while still attending school. What started as a small creative venture would eventually grow into one of the Madison area’s most trusted providers of vehicle wraps, signs, graphics, and branding solutions.
Discovering the Vehicle Wrap Industry
In 2001, Courtney began working for a local sign and graphics company. During her very first week, she was assigned a project that would help shape her future—a vehicle wrap design for Pepsi Cola of Madison.
At the time, vehicle wraps were still a brand-new concept within the sign industry. There were no formal training programs, online courses, or certifications available. Success came from hands-on experience, creativity, and determination.
That first Pepsi wrap became the beginning of a long-standing relationship, and Monarch continues to provide promotional vehicle wrap services for Pepsi Cola of Madison to this day.
Over the next several years, Courtney immersed herself in every aspect of the industry. She learned not only design, but also production, installation, project management, customer service, and the technical side of creating high-quality graphics that perform in the real world.
Building a Reputation
From 2001 through 2006, Monarch continued to grow through one simple philosophy:
Take care of customers.
As word spread, more and more businesses began requesting Monarch’s services. Clients appreciated the creativity, attention to detail, responsiveness, and personal service they received.
In fact, more than 90% of Monarch’s business has historically come from referrals and repeat customers—a testament to the relationships that have been built over the years.
As demand increased, clients wanted more than just design services. They wanted one trusted partner who could handle everything from concept to completion.
They wanted Monarch.
Taking the Leap
By 2006, the company had reached a crossroads.
Demand was growing rapidly, and Courtney faced a decision: stay small or take the leap and build something bigger.
She chose to invest in the future.
In May of 2006, Monarch moved into its first official location and purchased its first large-format digital printer. Bringing production in-house allowed Monarch to maintain tighter quality control, utilize premium materials, and provide a higher level of service for customers.
That decision transformed Monarch from a design studio into a full-service graphics and branding company.
Monarch Today
Today, Monarch Media Designs is a woman-owned business proudly serving Madison, Wisconsin and the surrounding communities.
From vehicle wraps and fleet graphics to signs, banners, window graphics, trade show displays, and marketing materials, Monarch helps businesses create a professional image that gets noticed.
What hasn’t changed is the commitment to customer service.
Clients continue to choose Monarch because they know they’ll receive honest advice, creative solutions, quality workmanship, and a team that genuinely cares about helping their business succeed.
More than two decades later, Courtney and her team still approach every project with the same passion that started it all.
Whether you’re launching a new business, updating your branding, wrapping a vehicle, or creating signage that stands out, we’d love the opportunity to help bring your vision to life.
Welcome to Monarch Media Designs!
Let’s create something amazing together.
Monarch’s owner, Courtney Dayne, was featured on “Authentic Business Adventures” podcast. Learn about her journey and about the vehicle wrap biz by listening to this awesome episode: