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
Hey there, I’m Austin.
I’ve always been drawn to creativity — starting way back when I’d spend hours designing custom wallpapers in Microsoft Paint just to make our family computer stand out. That early curiosity led me into a career where I get to blend hands-on design with creative leadership every day.
Today, I’m a Senior Creative Manager who’s passionate about building strong creative teams, shaping brands, and making sure good ideas actually make it out into the world. I believe great work happens when you stay close to the craft, support your team, and pay attention to the small details that really make a difference.
Over the years, I’ve led everything from rebrands during major company shifts to product launches, website redesigns, and everything in between. My background in photography and 3D design also gives me a different lens to approach creative challenges — helping ideas come to life in ways that are both strategic and visually strong.
At the end of the day, I’m someone who loves the process of taking an idea from a rough sketch to something real — and building a team that’s excited to do the same.
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 build Agile Teams
Great creative doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it’s the product of smart people, clear direction, and a culture that values curiosity, feedback, and flexibility. When I lead a team, I build the environment first, then we build the work.
We Stay Close to the User
From day one, I make sure the team hears from the people we’re designing for. Real users. Real needs. That early exposure fuels better ideas and keeps our focus where it should be — on outcomes, not assumptions.
Empathy Starts With Us
I believe empathy is a team muscle. I don’t just tell people to “think like the user” — I get the team in the room (or on the call) to actually listen. When we understand users together, we make better decisions at every level of the project.
We Define the Problem as a Team
Before anyone starts sketching, I slow us down to define the challenge clearly — together. I’ve seen what happens when teams are handed solutions without context: morale dips, creativity shrinks. I give the team room to stretch, question, and fully understand the problem we’re solving.
Everyone Contributes Ideas
I don’t wait on a single “rockstar” to land the big idea. I run fast, inclusive brainstorms where every voice is heard — because the best thinking often comes from unexpected places. Structure helps, but energy is everything.
We Prototype Early, Test Often
Speed matters, but so does strategy. I encourage building just enough to learn — quickly. We test rough ideas with real users to see what resonates before we over-invest. It’s not about polish; it’s about progress.
Iteration Is Part of Our DNA
We don’t aim to get it perfect on the first try. We listen, we adjust, we evolve. I foster a culture where feedback isn’t feared — it’s fuel. Being agile means we’re set up to respond to change, not slowed down by 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