I'm dedicated to crafting work that not only looks good but works well. Whether it's finding the most straightforward solution or understanding the root of a problem, my goal is to ensure that our creative efforts make a real difference and meet big-picture goals.
I thrive on curiosity. Keeping up with the latest trends and thinking, I work alongside my team and clients to bring a fresh perspective and adapt quickly to new challenges, ensuring we're always moving forward.
I know that the best ideas come from working together. By fostering a space where everyone's perspective is valued and where it's safe to explore and challenge ideas, we can solve problems more creatively and have a bit of fun along the way.
I'm committed to the professional growth of my team members. By understanding and appreciating everyone's unique contributions, I aim to help each person grow, be more productive, and contribute to outstanding creative solutions.
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a creative team, setting a clear creative direction, driving innovation, and ensuring that the visual and conceptual elements align with the brand's strategic goals.
Proven track record in crafting and maintaining brand identity and consistency across various print, digital, and physical mediums, coupled with hands-on design expertise to guide visual aesthetics, layout, typography and experience.
Skilled in working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, building relationships, and influencing business units, campaign, and functional marketing teams to integrate creative solutions.
Strong visionary thinking with the ability to translate strategic goals into creative concepts and executions, staying abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies.
Exceptional communication and presentation abilities to articulate creative visions, present concepts and strategies compellingly, and secure stakeholder buy-in.
Extensive experience managing and mentoring creative teams, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and high performance.
Solid organizational skills with the proficiency to manage resources, timelines, and creative processes within an agile framework.
Demonstrates excellent problem-solving abilities, with a capacity for innovative thinking and conceptualization of impactful creative strategies.
Utilizes data and metrics to inform creative decisions, evaluate impact, and ensure alignment with business objectives and user engagement.
I owned/co-founded 3 branding agencies. States of Matter, YIU studio and Urban Influence Design Studio. In my role as creative director, I led the creative vision and execution for a wide range of brand and marketing initiatives, significantly boosting client engagement and securing new accounts. My expertise in brand strategy, UX, and design solutions, backed by evidence-based approaches, fostered consensus among diverse stakeholders. I efficiently managed and directed various project types from conception to completion, integrating strategic brand development across brand experiences, UX, identity systems, print, marketing, and packaging systems. My responsibilities extended to overseeing strategy-to-execution processes, including website/app development and coordination with third-party vendors.
I recruited and mentored a multidisciplinary team, including strategists, writers, designers, and developers, fostering a supportive and proactive culture aimed at advancing skills and career paths and deliver impactful work. My focus on process improvements significantly enhanced creative workflows and reduced project timelines, contributing to the agency's profitability and expanded service offerings.
SELECT CLIENTS:
Microsoft, La Marzocco, Classical KING FM, Stanley, Starbucks, Validic, Reverba & Kuma Coffee
SELECT CLIENTS:
Avalara, Cedar Grove, Rivet & Sway, Oiselle, Poma Fertility, Seed IP Law Firm & The Pacific Institute
SELECT CLIENTS:
Arctic Club Hotel, Sorrento Hotel, SCIDpda & Continental Warranty
As a Senior Designer working for a large design agency, I played a pivotal role in shaping and executing a diverse array of design projects. My responsibilities included designing brand identities, websites, print systems, packaging, collateral, and physical experiences. I maintained direct client interaction, adeptly developing and presenting concepts to ensure their vision was brought to life effectively. My role also involved providing direction to writers, junior designers, and development teams, co-designing with them to create design solutions that effectively engaged our client's target audiences. In managing and delegating the workload among other designers, I ensured the smooth progression of projects from the initial brief to final delivery, upholding high standards of quality and efficiency throughout the process.
SELECT CLIENTS:
Publix Grocery Stores, Naked Juice, Intel, Microsoft, Widmer Brewery, Citationshares, At&T, & Washington Wizards NBA Team
At Optimer International, a home furnishing retail company with seven stores in the Greater Seattle Area, I held a role as a designer. My responsibilities encompassed developing print advertising and trade show booths, along with designing new product lines. Additionally, I staged and photographing products, creating visually compelling imagery for advertisement use. This multifaceted position allowed me to leverage my design skills across various mediums, contributing to the brand's appeal and market presence.
Graduated with BFA Degree 1999
Mechanical Engineering: 1991-1994
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: 2024
