Hey There, I’m Austin.
Creative direction with sleeves rolled up.
I lead teams through every stage, from the first sketch to the final rollout, bringing brand, product, and story to life.
Creative Direction / Art Direction - Hands on
reBranding a 120 year old glove and safety brand
As Creative Lead at PIP, I spearhead initiatives to modernize and manage the Boss retail branding, digital platforms, product portfolios, and visual packaging/display assets.
Art Direction - Hands on
A quick refresh to a historic company
At West Chester Protective Gear, I lead a cross-functional creative team focused on revitalizing the brand, driving web and collateral designs, and elevating visual storytelling.
A Little About Me
I’m a hands-on creative leader who turns ideas into smart, scalable brand experiences. With roots in design, photography, and 3D, I’ve built my career inside fast-moving in-house teams where creative direction isn’t just about the big idea. It’s about building the systems, the people, and the momentum to bring that idea to life, consistently, and at a high level.
Right now, I lead the creative team at a global protective gear company, where I’ve helped reposition legacy brands into retail-ready identities that connect with real-world users. My work spans across print, digital, packaging, and merchandising, and my role goes beyond execution. I guide strategy, shape narratives, build out scalable design systems, and align closely with executive teams to ensure creative is pushing the business forward, not just following behind it.
Over the years, I’ve taken on the full spectrum of creative leadership—from designing brand identities and art directing photo shoots, to mentoring designers and advocating for user-first thinking across the organization. I’ve worked through rebrands, acquisitions, tight turnarounds, and shifting priorities, and I’ve learned how to lead through it all with clarity and calm.
I bring a builder’s mindset to every challenge. Whether I’m directing a campaign or setting up a process behind the scenes, I focus on clarity, collaboration, and craft. I believe strong design isn’t just seen, it’s felt. And great leadership shows up in the details just as much as the vision.
Senior Manager of Creative Design
Protective Industrial Products Inc.
November 2023 - Present
Leadership and Management - Provide direction and guidance to the creative professionals.
Strategic Planning and Problem Solving - Develop and implement creative strategies aligned with goals.
Project Management - Oversee the execution of creative projects, ensuring quality and timeliness.
Creative Direction - Set the vision for campaigns and design initiatives, aligning with brand objectives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work with internal and external partners to integrate creative efforts.
Talent Development - Recruit, train, and mentor creative team members for proffessional growth.
Quality and Industy Awareness - Stay updated on trends, techniques and emerging technologies.
Stakeholder Communication - Understand and address creative needs, present concepts.
Performance Measurement - Estabish and monitor key performance indicators (KPI) for creatives.
Graphic Design Manager
West Chester Protective Gear
August 2017 - November 2023 (Merged into PIP)
Oversee work of the design team, keeping team members working within established deadlines using project tracking software as well as having quick team meetings.
Oversee product designs, print designs and marketing collateral from concept to completion.
Create innovative design packaging to elevate, differentiate and drive on-brand initiatives and increase sales and exposure.
Direct advertisement, banner and signage projects from conceptualization to final delivery, especially in the new digital age.
Create 3D models and displays in Cinema 4D and present to team for feedback on functionality and design for potential consumers and buyers.
Create beautiful, interactive print-ready graphics for licensed products to sell in retail stores and outlets.
Design new, on-brand visual elements focusing on concept and messaging.
Creative Director
Big Splash Marketing and Graphics
February 2016 - March 2017
Developed budget and negotiated contracts and quotes to ensure projects were completed within financial constraints.
Managed writers, artists, designers and project managers with hands-on approach to successfully accomplish daily work and special projects.
Preserved branding standards of assigned accounts while creating high-quality designs.
Trained and mentored subordinates, and monitored performance in key areas.
Directed implementation of improved work methods and procedures to achieve agency objectives.
Designer & Director
Freelance
January 2014 - Present
Collaborate directly with clients to bring ideas to life through thoughtful, hands-on design
Create branding, visual identity systems, and digital experiences that are both effective and polished
Adapt to each project’s unique goals, solving creative challenges across industries and team sizes
Approach every project with a balance of strategy, creativity, and attention to detail
Communicate clearly and ask the right questions to align design with real business needs
Manage timelines, project scopes, and client expectations to keep work on track
Provide leadership and creative direction, especially for clients without in-house design teams
Deliver not just great design—but reliable, collaborative, and professional support from start to finish
A few brands & Companies that I’ve worked with
How I work, and what I care about
Design is more than making things look good, it’s how teams connect, how ideas take shape, and how brands earn trust. These are the values that guide how I show up, build, and lead every day.
Clarity First
Good design and good leadership have one thing in common: they make things easier, not harder. I focus on clarity—whether I’m mapping out a creative direction or building a brand system. It’s not about showing off or stacking buzzwords; it’s about solving problems in a way that feels simple, smart, and human. When everyone understands the "why," the "how" gets a whole lot smoother.
Lead by Doing
I’m not the kind of leader who hovers from a distance. I stay close to the work and even closer to the people doing it. Whether it's reviewing design iterations or building out tools and systems, I lead by example. That means jumping in when needed, listening more than I talk, and helping others grow by making room—not just giving orders. It keeps the work honest and the team grounded.
Design With People, Not Just For Them
Design isn’t about working in a bubble and hoping it lands. I bring people into the process early—users, teammates, stakeholders—so we’re building something together. I ask questions, share rough drafts, and listen to feedback without ego. The best solutions come from real collaboration, not just creative instinct. And when everyone’s been part of the build, the result actually works.
Details Build Brands
You can spot the difference between rushed and refined from a mile away. I care deeply about the small things—typography, spacing, consistency, tone—because that’s where trust is built. Over time, those details stack up to create a brand people believe in. I make sure our creative looks sharp across every touchpoint, from packaging to product launches, and feels like it came from one voice.
Flexible by Default
Things change—new timelines, new teams, new priorities. I don’t panic, I pivot. I’ve worked in fast-moving environments long enough to know that being flexible isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. I build systems and workflows that can stretch without breaking, and I help teams stay steady even when the path shifts. The key is to keep momentum without sacrificing quality (or sanity).
Think Together, Solve Together
The best ideas don’t come from one person—they come from a room full of people bouncing ideas off each other. I encourage team-wide ideation and problem-solving because creativity multiplies when it’s shared. Whether it’s a quick brainstorm or a deeper design sprint, I make space for everyone to contribute. That way, people feel heard—and the work gets better because of it.
Programs
Figma
Framer
Squarespace
ChatGPT
Cinema 4D
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
Premiere Pro
Lightroom
Design
Art / Creative Direction
Brand Development
Product Design
Environmental Design
Studio Photography
Marketing
Project Management
Development and Training skills
Packaging
Typography
Print & Digital
Creative Strategy
3D Rendering
Video Editing