2019 Sowal Bicycles photo shoot

I am an accomplished award-winning designer and director.

Having a proven track record of driving innovation and successfully implementing new ideas, I am a reliable individual who provides genuine guidance and insights based on my firsthand experience with both challenges and achievements. As a thought leader, I believe in the power of active listening, compassion, clarity, and practical knowledge as key ingredients for success. As the founder of an agency that generated multi-million dollar annual revenues and an entrepreneur involved in successful technology acquisitions, I bring valuable expertise and a wealth of experience to the table.

Career highlights

Collaborating with No Kid Hungry, we worked on innovative solutions to promote advocacy and drive donations by developing strategic brand awareness initiatives and conceptualizing the framework for Taste of the Nation events. These efforts aimed to engage the community, raise funds, and spread awareness about the organization's mission to combat childhood hunger.

In the conceptualization phase of Nike's virtual store, I delved into experimental design exploration, with the goal of crafting an immersive and innovative shopping experience. By merging Nike's iconic brand elements, like the Jump Man collection, with state-of-the-art technology, we aimed to create a distinctive and engaging online retail environment for our customers.

Working with various entertainment and fashion icons to push digital marketing and e-commerce experiences. Including Samuel L. Jackson, The Chicks, Spider-Man, Puma, Nike, FedEx, and USAA.

Conducting thorough audience research, we developed an engaging and interactive annual report experience tailored to the USAA membership audience. This approach aimed to present vital information in a dynamic, user-friendly format that resonated with members, effectively conveying the organization's progress and achievements.

Developing a framework for Best Friends Animal Society, we created a nationwide structure to support and organize advocacy efforts. This innovative approach aimed to amplify their impact in promoting animal welfare across the United States. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit their remarkable sanctuary in Utah, witnessing firsthand the incredible work they do for animals in need.

By applying the principle of least effort, we designed a streamlined process for the dedicated professionals at the U.S. Marshals Service. This approach aimed to simplify a specific task, allowing them to work more efficiently while maintaining a high level of effectiveness in their crucial law enforcement responsibilities.

Maintaining utmost confidentiality, we developed a secure and efficient voting system for the BET Awards, integrating both digital and physical processes. This innovative approach ensured the integrity of the voting process while providing a seamless experience for participants involved in selecting the award winners.

Assisting a custom ski company that utilizes technology to create the perfect ski tailored to each customer, my work encompassed brand development, innovation, and conception of a top-notch experience. By focusing on delivering a seamless and personalized customer journey, we were able to effectively showcase the unique value proposition of the company and elevate its brand image in the competitive market.

Developing tailored and personalized pathways for Ladder's diverse audience segments, we recognized that LeBron James and Cindy Crawford's fans might have different preferences and needs. By customizing the user journey based on their interests and requirements, we were able to enhance the overall experience and cater to a wide range of users, addressing their unique expectations and goals.

Drawing on advanced technology, I contributed to the innovation and creation of a music syndication platform by applying my expertise in branding, voice, and user experience design. This cutting-edge platform empowers artists to retain ownership and control of their work, offering them the essential access and support needed to succeed in the competitive music industry.

Collaborating on various Volkswagen projects has allowed me to refine my teamwork and process management skills. Through continuous improvement and learning, I've been able to contribute more effectively to the development and implementation of innovative solutions, enhancing the overall experience for Volkswagen customers and stakeholders.

As a co-founder and leader of a thriving digital agency for over ten years, I gained invaluable insights into the importance of empathy for both colleagues and clients. This experience not only contributed to the agency's success but also shaped my approach to building strong relationships and delivering exceptional results in a highly competitive industry.

My beliefs

The creative process should be a personal journey, and as a designer, your role is to embrace your intuition and allow ideas to emerge from the depths of your unconscious mind. Give yourself the freedom to explore and expand on these ideas, then analyze and rationally refine or eliminate concepts as needed. This approach ensures a balance between creativity and practicality, ultimately leading to more innovative and effective solutions.

Allocate room for creativity during the early stages of your discovery process. This approach encourages innovative thinking and allows for the exploration of diverse ideas, ultimately leading to more effective and unique solutions.

Embrace the possibility of appearing foolish and don't be afraid of failure. By adopting this mindset, you'll be more open to taking risks, learning from your experiences, and ultimately growing both personally and professionally.

Sometimes, it's better to embrace imperfections rather than striving for perfection. This approach allows for creativity, adaptability, and learning from the unexpected twists and turns that often lead to valuable insights and growth.

My favorite quote is, "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

Learn to embrace the concept of a "working" theory. This approach encourages adaptability and continuous improvement, allowing you to refine your ideas based on feedback and new information, ultimately leading to more effective and well-rounded solutions.

Avoid allowing confirmation bias to influence your judgement. Maintain an open mind, actively seek diverse perspectives, and be willing to reevaluate your assumptions. This approach fosters objective decision-making and encourages the exploration of new ideas and opportunities.

Please contact me regarding speaking opportunities related to product design, the significance of self-expression, or design thinking methodologies.