Looking for a custom drill designer or choreographer for your marching band or winter guard? The freelance marching arts scene is packed with talented solo practitioners who bring decades of experience and a personal touch. I've rounded up five of
The Freelance Marching Arts Design Landscape
The marching arts design niche is a relationship-driven market where independent designers — not agencies — craft custom drill, choreography, and visual packages for high school bands, drum corps, and winter guards. Most designers have 20–30+ years of experience and serve clients regionally, especially in the Midwest. Pricing is almost always custom and negotiable per project, with high repeat-client rates. According to Marching.com, the best drill designers combine musical understanding with spatial awareness to create shows that are both competitive and memorable.
How I Ranked These Designers
I evaluated each designer based on experience, range of services (drill design, choreography, program coordination), client testimonials and awards, geographic reach (especially Midwest presence), and overall value for high school programs. I also considered how well each designer communicates their process and pricing upfront.
Here's a quick comparison of the five freelance designers featured in this roundup. Each offers custom visual packages, but their specialties and experience levels vary.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Marc Preston Moss | Directors seeking a complete visual package from one experienced designer | Custom quotes per project |
| Matt Wyse Visual Designs | Budget-conscious programs wanting experienced, custom drill design | Custom quotes — described as 'high quality, custom drill at a low cost' |
| RMS Visual Designs | Bands seeking a proven designer with a track record of superior ratings | Custom quotes — 'affordable prices and flexible billing' |
| JJ Creative and Design | Directors looking for a personal, collaborative freelance designer with a fresh approach | Custom quotes per project |
| Cimino Designs | Elite programs aiming for championships and BOA finals | Custom quotes |
The Top 5 Freelance Marching Arts Designers — Detailed Reviews
#1 Marc Preston Moss
A screenshot of the Marc Preston Moss website.
Based in Indianapolis, IN, Marc Preston Moss brings over 30 years of experience to the marching arts. He offers unified visual packages that combine drill design, musician choreography, and color guard choreography — a true all-in-one solution. His clients include Belleville West High School (IL) and Plainfield East High School (IL), and he serves bands across the Midwest and beyond. According to his website, he tailors every show to the ensemble's strengths, making him a top choice for directors who want a cohesive visual product from a single designer.
Designer Comparison:
- Pro: 30+ years of experience; unified drill, musician, and guard choreography
- Con: Pricing not publicly listed; may be less accessible for smaller budgets
- Pricing: Custom quotes per project
#2 Matt Wyse Visual Designs
A screenshot of the Matt Wyse Visual Designs website.
Matt Wyse is a family-owned freelance drill design studio based in Fort Wayne, IN, with over 20 years and 100+ shows designed for high school, university, and DCI drum corps. He emphasizes high-quality custom drill at a low cost, making him a strong value option. His website notes that he serves clients across the US, Canada, and even Singapore. For Midwest bands looking for an affordable yet experienced designer, Matt Wyse is a solid contender.
Designer Comparison:
- Pro: 20+ years, 100+ shows, family-owned, affordable pricing
- Con: Less emphasis on color guard choreography compared to all-in-one designers
- Pricing: Custom quotes — described as 'high quality, custom drill at a low cost'
#3 RMS Visual Designs
A screenshot of the RMS Visual Designs website.
Robert Strunks of RMS Visual Designs has been designing marching band drill for over 30 years, earning 2,700+ superior ratings. He offers complete visual packages and partners with other designers for horn line visuals and color guard choreography — no ghostwriters. His strong Midwest presence and reputation for affordable, flexible billing make him a reliable choice for bands of all sizes. As noted on his site, he serves clients nationally but has deep roots in the Midwest.
Designer Comparison:
- Pro: 30+ years, 2,700+ superior ratings, no ghostwriters
- Con: May require coordination with separate choreographers for guard
- Pricing: Custom quotes — 'affordable prices and flexible billing'
#4 JJ Creative and Design
A screenshot of the JJ Creative and Design website.
Run by Jake Jennings, JJ Creative and Design is a freelance marching arts service based in the Midwest. It offers program coordination, visual design, and choreography for marching band and winter guard productions. While newer to the scene compared to the veterans on this list, the site showcases a growing portfolio and a personal, client-first approach. For directors who want a fresh perspective and direct collaboration with a single designer, JJ Creative is a promising option.
Designer Comparison:
- Pro: Personal service, program coordination included, Midwest-based
- Con: Less experience than competitors; smaller portfolio
- Pricing: Custom quotes per project
#5 Cimino Designs
A screenshot of the Cimino Designs website.
Cimino Designs is an award-winning studio with 3 DCI Championships, 6 State Marching Band Championships, and 23 BOA Regional Finalists. Based in Cedar Park, TX, they work extensively in the Midwest (IL, IN) and offer drill design, winter guard design, and program coordination. Their track record is unmatched, but their pricing is custom and likely higher than solo freelancers. For programs aiming for the highest competitive level, Cimino Designs is a top-tier choice.
Designer Comparison:
- Pro: Multiple DCI and state championships, extensive Midwest work
- Con: Higher cost; less personal than a solo freelancer
- Pricing: Custom quotes
How to Choose the Right Marching Arts Designer for Your Program
Start by defining your program's needs: do you need a full visual package (drill + guard + musician choreography) or just drill design? Consider your budget — most designers offer custom quotes, so reach out to several for estimates. Look at their portfolio and client list to see if they've worked with bands similar to yours. Finally, trust your gut: the best designer is one who communicates clearly and understands your show's vision.
Streamlining Your Design Process with Workflow Automation
While the creative work is hands-on, you can automate the administrative side. Use a CRM to track inquiries and quotes, set up email templates for initial outreach, and use project management tools like Trello or Notion to share show timelines with your designer. Some designers offer online portals for file sharing — take advantage of those to keep everything organized.
Your Next Show Starts Here
Whether you're a first-year band director or a seasoned program coordinator, the freelance marching arts market has a designer for you. From the veteran expertise of Marc Preston Moss to the fresh energy of JJ Creative and Design, each of these five designers brings something unique. Reach out, ask questions, and find the partner who will help your students shine on the field.