Professional Experience

  • Jun 2024 — Present

    Independent Contractor & Freelance Designer

    Utilizing 20 years of design experience to serve as an agile creative partner, providing organizations with senior-level multichannel execution on a contract basis.
    • Identity Optimization & Logo Vectorization
      Re-engineered raw client concepts and unpolished sketches into crisp, production-ready vector logo systems and brand marks engineered for digital and physical scalability.
    • Chicago Auto Show Architectural Spatial Design
      Developed multi-scale architectural graphics, industrial textures, wayfinding, and spatial design concepts for major exhibitions, including "Chi-Town Alley" and the "Overlanding Chicago" activation zones for the 2026 Chicago Auto Show.
    • Structural Wayfinding Assets
      Designed and refreshed structural wayfinding graphics, signage, and environmental visual touchpoints for the 2025 Central Florida Auto Show.
    • Digital Accessibility & Interface Adaptation
      Executed ongoing website updates and front-end interface improvements, applying user-centric UI/UX design principles and foundational WCAG accessibility standards (legibility, color contrast) for screen assets.
    • AI Workflow Integration
      Integrated Agentic AI development environments (Antigravity IDE, LLMs and generative design tools) into daily workflows, accelerating rapid prototyping, copy iteration and refinement, front-end execution, and cross-channel asset production.
    • Large-Format Vector Mechanical Engineering
      Engineered precise vector mechanicals for large-format physical production and exhibits, utilizing Adobe Illustrator to spec out complex structural configurations including SEG fabric displays and BeMatrix panel systems.
    • Modern Workflow Migration (Figma Integration)
      Modernized digital layout workflows by migrating visual assets and adopting Figma for UI component design, responsive frameworks, and collaborative design handoffs.
    • Cross-Functional & Remote Collaboration
      Managed concurrent project deadlines across cross-functional account teams, external vendors, and clients utilizing project management tools (Wrike, Toggl) to ensure strict alignment with campaign KPIs.
  • Sep 2013 — Jun 2024

    Creative Director

    5W Insights
    Sole creative lead responsible for design strategy and execution across print, digital, and direct response channels.
    • 36% Membership Acquisition Growth
      Drove a 36% membership acquisition increase for AAA Carolinas by designing and executing iterative, localized, and highly tailored print and digital campaign variations across web, email, and direct mail—helping them become one of the fastest-growing AAA clubs in the U.S.
    • 26.1% Fundraising Appeal ROI
      Designed and refined high-performing, data-driven multivariate mail packages for a fundraising appeal that delivered a 26.1% ROI for the Boy Scouts of America.
    • B2B Lead Generation (1,000+ Qualified Leads)
      Developed an intuitive, user-centered omnichannel survey campaign for Mack Trucks that generated over 1,000 qualified leads (with 15% requesting direct follow-up), combining hands-on front-end web design and coding with strict brand governance.
    • Corporate Website Redesigns (7 Major Iterations)
      Managed the end-to-end design, UI/UX, and front-end implementation (HTML/CSS, UIkit framework) for 7 major corporate website iterations and numerous client landing pages, ensuring responsive layouts, fast load speeds, and modern visual design.
    • Multichannel Digital Ad & Social Media Production
      Executed and adapted high-performing creative across digital channels, designing digital display ads (Meta, Google, LinkedIn) and SMS/MMS marketing assets to drive direct response and audience engagement.
    • Scalable Design Templates & Asset Libraries
      Developed standardized design templates, component libraries, and structured file systems for eBooks, whitepapers, infographics, and social media assets, accelerating production cycles and eliminating layout discrepancies.
    • Executive Summary Data Visualization
      Translated complex campaign performance data, sales flows, and segmentation metrics into clear, engaging visual narratives for executive summaries and leadership presentations.
    • 5W Insights Corporate Brand Overhaul
      Led the internal rebrand for 5W Insights, establishing a modular geometric monogram and scalable brand identity system, and rolling it out across web, collateral, tradeshows, and social media.
    • Corporate Brand Stewardship & Governance
      Enforced and maintained strict brand guidelines for national corporate and healthcare clients (including BlueChoice HealthPlan SC, Mack Trucks, Assurant, and AAA), ensuring visual consistency across all channels without compromising campaign performance.
    • Omnichannel Event Campaign Integration
      Built integrated visual systems for physical conference environments, linking event booths, mobile/tablet lead-capture landing pages, print collateral, and attendee badges into a unified brand experience.
    • Corporate Trade Show Booths & Environmental Graphics
      Conceptualized and produced corporate trade show booth backdrops, modular displays, large-scale banners, podium wraps, signage, and promotional collateral for national industry conferences.
    Feedback & Impact

    "Brian is truly an outstanding employee in every way including his great attitude, dedication, willingness to do whatever is required to get the job done, his intelligence and his expertise.

    He is an outstanding Creative Director and is skilled at all aspects of content development and implementation to include strategy development, graphic design, copywriting, production, campaign management, reporting and project management.

    He is the equivalent of a team of skilled professionals that can conceptualize, design, develop, implement, QC and execute complex campaigns across all channels, including Facebook, Instagram, SMS text, search, display, mobile, email, website and direct mail."

    Jerry Montgomery
    CEO, 5W Insights
  • Jan 2007 — Sep 2013

    Design & Production Manager

    Richmond Suburban Newspapers
    Managed high-volume page layout and typography for a weekly publication group under strict, recurring deadlines.
    • High-Volume Newspaper Production (1,200+ Editions)
      Directed complex layout, typography, and prepress production workflows for 6 weekly publication lines, successfully delivering over 1,200 print editions on strict recurring deadlines.
    • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) & Prepress Checklists
      Designed and implemented standardized SOPs, page-tracking checklists, and layout templates that eliminated recurring formatting errors and streamlined weekly publishing deadlines across 6 newspapers.
    • Digital Transition & Newspaper Websites
      Led a publication group's digital expansion by designing and coding their first mobile-responsive websites and HTML newsletters, adapting print brand identities for digital channels.
    • Team Mentorship & Software Instruction
      Trained and mentored junior editorial and design staff on Adobe Creative Suite best practices (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), teaching layout composition, typography, and efficient file setup.
    Feedback & Impact

    "Brian is a brilliant designer also skilled with trouble shooting production issues quickly and efficiently. His professional manner is greatly appreciated in the work place and he is always considered the 'Go To' man.

    Brian's skill at working productively in a high stress, deadline pending situation is unmatched. He is a true ASSET."

    Carol Taylor
    Advertising Account Representative, Richmond Suburban News
  • Jun 2005 — Jan 2007

    Graphic Designer & Production Manager

    Powhatan Today Newspaper
    Directed visual design and page layout for a weekly community newspaper in a high-volume print environment.
    • VPA Award-Winning Layouts & Advertising
      Applied foundational visual design, typography, and composition principles to engineer Virginia Press Association award-winning editorial layouts and commercial print advertising.
    • End-to-End Mechanical Prep & Plate Imaging
      Managed weekly page layout assembly, designed local advertising, toned press images, and prepared production-ready, plate-ready prepress files under tight publication deadlines.