Hello!

Hi! I’m Mary Holste. I’ve been doing graphic design for over 20 years in a variety of capacities. After working as an in-house designer, I founded my own design company in 2007.

I’ve worked with many clients around the region and love bringing my fresh perspective and strategic thinking to solve creative challenges facing businesses of all sizes.

When I’m not designing, I can be found exploring new coffee shops, taking too many photos, weightlifting, or dreaming about my next travel destination.

Clients

Real Estate

  • Windermere Abode

  • Windermere Central Sound

  • Move To Tacoma

  • Cascade Property Advisers

  • Team Diva Real Estate

  • Think Real Estate

  • Get Happy at Home

  • Windermere Professional Partners

  • Western Washington Realtists

  • Tacoma-Pierce County Association of Realtors

  • Genuine Hustle Conference

  • The Dobrinski Team

  • Allen REALTORS

  • Harbor Home Rentals

  • Paul Kaplan Real Estate

Companies

  • Hirschhorn Psychology

  • TAPCO Credit Union

  • Elope253

  • Neeley Construction

  • Tiffany Aldrich MacBain Editing

  • Ice Cream Social

  • The Pacific Northwest Shop

  • Channel 253

  • Naccarato Restaurant Group

  • CU Strategic Planning

  • Quest Diagnostics

  • Heritage Woodstone Assisted Living

  • Nelson Energy

  • City of Tacoma

  • Columbia Bank

  • TrainingPort.net

  • PlaceEconomics

Nonprofits & Organizations

  • Saint Martin’s University

  • 27th Legislative District

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters

  • Legal Foundation of Washington

  • wear blue: run to remember

  • Open Space for Arts & Community

  • Center for Dialog and Resolution

  • Harrison Hospital

  • The Grand Cinema

  • HARVEST Pierce County / Pierce Conservation District

  • Foss Waterway Seaport

  • Downtown on the Go

  • Safe Streets

  • Harrison Medical Center Foundation

  • MultiCare Health System

  • Metropolitan Development Council

  • YWCA Tacoma/Pierce County

  • TeamChild

  • American Leadership Forum, National Office (Texas)

Sustainability Policy

Our Commitment

As a solo-operated design practice based in Tacoma, Side x Side Creative is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations. Sustainability isn't a separate initiative here — it's built into everyday choices about transportation, energy, tools, and materials.

This policy outlines our current practices and the goals we're working toward as our business grows.

Current Practices

Transportation I prioritize walking, biking, and public transit (via ORCA card) for local travel around Tacoma. When driving is necessary for work, I use a fully electric vehicle, which I've driven since 2013.

Energy My office HVAC system was converted from a natural gas system to an all-electric heat pump, reducing the carbon footprint of my workspace.

Equipment My primary work tool is an Apple MacBook Pro, which consumes significantly less energy than Energy Star efficiency requirements and is manufactured using recycled rare earth metals and tin — reducing reliance on newly mined materials.

Paper and Waste I minimize paper use by taking notes and sharing materials digitally whenever possible. Paper waste is recycled, and retired computers and electronics are brought to authorized e-waste recyclers rather than discarded.

Toxics and Pollution My work does not involve toxic substances or materials, and my business operations do not contribute to polluted stormwater runoff.

Goals Going Forward

  • Continue prioritizing electric and low-emission transportation for all client-related travel

  • Maintain a fully electric office energy system

  • Track and report annually on paper and e-waste recycling volumes

  • Explore formal sustainability certification (e.g., EnviroStars) as the business grows

Accountability

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as practices evolve. It is shared with any subcontractors or collaborators engaged on Side x Side Creative projects to ensure consistent standards across all work performed.