Design Diplomacy

Garette Johnson is the director behind Garrott Designs. At the core of her work is a belief in Design Diplomacy, an idea that design is a powerful tool for building international relationships, opening markets, and creating lasting economic and cultural value. Through this approach, Garette helps clients navigate international expansion and position brands through authentic cultural storytelling and engagement.

Translate

the market and cultural context.

Position

the organization for success in a specific environment.

Connect

with the right stakeholders.

Catalyze

relationships into meaningful outcomes.

SERVICES

Delegation and Exchange Programs

International programs designed to build relationships and create new opportunities. From partner identification to meetings, site visits, and cultural experiences, each program connects participants with relevant people, organizations, and ideas. The result is deeper market understanding, stronger relationships, and opportunities for future collaboration.

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Global Market Analysis + Expansion

Strategic guidance for organizations entering or expanding in international markets. Market research, cultural insight, and local knowledge help identify opportunities, understand potential barriers, and define a clear path forward. Particular expertise includes the United States, Scandinavia and the Nordic region, the Baltics, and Spain.

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Cultural Institution Consulting 

Strategy and program development for cultural institutions and organizations. Support includes exhibitions, events, partnerships, and international initiatives that connect art and design with broader cultural, civic, and economic goals. The focus is on creating meaningful engagement and lasting relationships.

 

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Looking up through a wooden spiral staircase inside a circular shaft, with concentric ringed steps and natural wood grain seen from below, light at the center.Brand Diplomacy

Strategic representation for creative organizations entering new markets.
Through introductions, partnerships, events, and cultural engagement, Brand Diplomacy helps organizations build visibility, credibility, and relevant relationships in a new market. It provides a local presence and perspective without the need to establish a local office.

 

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TESTIMONIALS

“I worked closely with Garette while serving as Head of Trade at the Consulate General of Denmark in New York and am very happy to recommend her. She led trade initiatives across the creative industries and architecture, later expanding into UN Global Public Affairs, where she built high-level partnerships at the intersection of business development and corporate responsibility within the creative industries. Garette combines strong market insight with a clear understanding of Danish business practices, consistently turning both into effective, strategic collaborations. She is highly professional, communicates with clarity, and has strong interpersonal skills that enable her to build trust and work effectively across sectors and markets. With a solid sense of the bigger picture, she develops thoughtful partnerships that deliver value and would contribute positively to organizations expanding internationally.”

“Garette’s deep industry knowledge and international network has been a meaningful asset to the Trade Council and the Danish companies it represents. Garette played a key role in advancing Danish creative industries in the U.S. market by leading delegations, developing partnerships, and executing high-level Danish Trade Promotions.” 

“It has been a true pleasure to work with Garette on our project “Inside Norway” in NYC where we exhibited at ICFF.  She has a genuine drive and enthusiasm for what she is doing, focusing on the core business: communicating our Norwegian brands and the stories behind them to the market. She has a broad network and insight, knows the trends and her design- and sustainability thinking in what she does is highly appreciated.  Garette also organized Design Pavilion´s Norway design talks NOW in June. The Norwegian Design industry is very proud to have our own Norwegian Ambassador in Garette. May we have more collaborations in the future.” 

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Garette at NYNOW and working with her on Design Pavilion’s Design Talks NOW to develop the voice of Latvian business interest in the U.S. Garette’s understanding of international products, culture and relations support our international expansion initiatives. I really appreciate Garette’s ability to translate the brand portfolio into unique selling propositions that resonate with American values. Strategic and creative with an accurate attention to details, Garette is a dynamic collaborator and business advocate.” 

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PROJECTS