WHO WE ARE
Motiska Design is the proud successor of the nationally renowned firm Design/Joe Sonderman, whose influential work includes logo design for the City of Charlotte, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the University of South Carolina. The firm also created custom sign systems and sales centers for premier resorts such as Kiawah Island, Wild Dunes, and Stratton Mountain, along with award-winning exhibit designs for interactive science museums like Discovery Place, SciTrek, and Denver’s Hall of Life.
After founder Joe Sonderman’s retirement in 2003, longtime collaborators Rodger Motiska and Tim Gilland assumed ownership and rebranded the firm as DJS Design. Under their leadership, the firm quickly emerged as a leader in the growing field of environmental graphic design, with a strong emphasis on college athletic branding and campus wayfinding systems.
In 2009, Rodger Motiska took over full leadership of the firm. Building on more than three decades of expertise in environmental and experiential design, Motiska Design now focuses on creating immersive, visitor-centered experiences that enrich the built environment and strengthen brand identity.
Our work has been honored and published nationally, receiving Design Achievement Awards from the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), Gold Awards from the Society of Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD), and recognition from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Communication Arts (CA), and PRINTmagazine.
Rodger Motiska
BRANDING, ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, IDENITY DESIGN, MARKETING & WAYFINDING
Rodger Motiska brings over 40 years of experience and a distinctive combination of management and creative expertise to every project he undertakes. His career includes leadership roles such as Marketing Communications Manager for divisions of two Fortune 500 companies, Vice President at an advertising agency, and Director of Design for a leading manufacturer of commercial playground equipment for the fast food industry.
Rodger’s portfolio includes the development of comprehensive wayfinding systems for major campuses and institutions, including Wachovia’s headquarters, Furman University, Catawba College, and Stetson University. He has also led park and greenway master sign plans for municipalities like the City of Raleigh and Mecklenburg County, and contributed to projects for top national developers such as Crescent Resources, Childress Klein, Lincoln Harris, and Trammell Crow.
His environmental graphic design work extends to collegiate athletics, with contributions to branding and signage for programs at Boston College, University of Missouri, NC State, University of Nebraska, University of Richmond, Syracuse, and UConn.
Rodger holds a B.S. in Industrial Design from Kent State University and has completed graduate studies in marketing and business administration. He is an active member of the Society of Environmental Graphic Designers (SEGD) and has published articles on master planning and exhibit design. His work has been recognized with awards from Industrial Designers of America, SEGD, American Corporate Identity, and the American Advertising Federation.
John Motiska
DESIGN, MARKETING STRATEGY, DIGITAL ADVERTISING & IDENTITY
John Motiska is a tireless seeker of inspiration and knowledge—and, coincidentally, a designer. With over 25 years of experience in digital media, John has built a career around visual storytelling, user experience, and creative problem-solving.
For a decade, John served as Senior Designer at 11Giraffes, a national digital signage and media provider based in Charlotte, NC. During his tenure, he led the concept and interface design of their digital signage software, helping shape the visual identity and usability of the platform.
Since relocating with his family to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, John has been focused on growing Motiska Design, his independent creative studio. His work spans a wide range of disciplines—including branding, marketing materials, websites, e-newsletters, and software training. He is also experienced in project management and client engagement.
John’s strongest attributes are his visual design skills and creative thinking. He brings these talents to every project, consistently contributing to the growth and success of his clients.