Ian Adams
Ann Arbor,MI
Summary
Experienced Creative leader with a proven track record of transforming complex business challenges into easily digestible concepts and captivating visual narratives.
I specialize in building high-performing teams and a culture of design excellence, delivering user-focused solutions, and collaborating across disciplines to create cohesive, impactful experiences.
My mission is to empower brands with creative direction that reflects their vision, values, and goals. I excel in dynamic, fast-paced settings, fueled by the chance to revolutionize how consumers connect with brands.
I’m eager to contribute to the growth of PayPal and Venmo’s Consumer Experience Design portfolio.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Creative Director & Owner
the little red sofa
06.2022 - Current
- Company Overview: Strategic Brand Design Consultancy
- A collective of creative partners for forward-focused brands shaping the future
- Strategic Brand and Content Design, for the AIQ (Athletic Intelligence Quotient) - the premier Athletic Intelligence Test for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and the Olympic Team;
- Strategic Brand Building and Marketing for Creative Dock, the largest Venture Builder in EMEA
- Strategic Brand Building and Design for ACO - the world's largest Water Management Company
- Enhanced user experience by creating visually appealing and easily navigable content designs.
- Conducted usability testing of designed materials, refining layouts based on user feedback for optimal functionality and aesthetics.
- Conducted thorough research on industry trends to inform content strategy and maintain relevance in a competitive market.
- Crafted compelling copy that resonated with target audiences, leading to higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
- Adapted quickly to new design software or tools as required by the job demands.
- Mentored external UX designers, providing guidance and support in their professional development.
- Coordinated multiple projects and promotions in collaboration with external partners.
Creative Director
Huge Inc.
07.2020 - 05.2022
- Led Connected Commerce and Digital Innovation Creative on the Stellantis Integrated Auto account;
- Orchestrated integrated campaigns that seamlessly combined content design and traditional channels, driving an improvement in campaign effectiveness;
- Led the Creative Direction and UX design for high-profile product launches, leveraging digital platforms and emerging technology to generate excitement and anticipation among target audiences;
- Successfully translated product features into engaging digital content, contributing to an increase in pre-launch buzz and post-launch sales;
- Launched the all-new Grand Wagoneer on a first-to-market Meta Instant Experience (AR) and Amazon e-commerce experience;
- Led a successful content partnership with Conde Nast and Vogue as part of the brand launch for the Grand Wagoneer;
- Launched the Jeep 4xe in the first ever ESPN Xgames Metaverse including UX Design leadership;
- Fostered collaboration with technology, marketing, and sales teams to ensure a holistic approach to connected commerce and digital innovation;
- Worked closely with stakeholders to align creative strategies with business objectives, resulting in successful project outcomes and client satisfaction;
- Coordinated multiple projects and promotions in collaboration with external partners like Amazon, YouTube, Xbox, Verizon, Google, Facebook, Twitch, and TikTok content for large-scale consumer brands like Jeep and Ram;
- Evaluated emerging technologies and tools to remain competitive, resulting in the implementation of new creative techniques and industry best practices.
- Elevated brand reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality creative content;
- Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging;
- Led and mentored high-performing teams, delivering user-focused design solutions;
- Coordinated multiple UX Design workshops and research sessions with global UX Design teams;
- Instilled a culture of collaboration;
- Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities;
- Mentored and trained junior designers to help enhance skills and capabilities;
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and seamless execution.
Head of Studio
JWT
09.2018 - 06.2020
- Spearheaded innovative and creative design initiatives, leading to a notable improvement in brand perception and consumer loyalty;
- Successfully developed and executed comprehensive brand strategies for HSBC Bank resulting in increased brand recognition and market share;
- Established a consistent brand image across various channels, ensuring alignment with company values and objectives;
- Led and implemented impactful brand design projects that resulted in a notable increase in sales and customer engagement;
- Led an e-commerce initiative for HSBC for both the retail and SME business sectors for a 300 million Euro Growth Fund;
- Launched the first-ever mobile banking app for HSBC;
- Assisted in developing company style guidelines for consistent branding throughout all communication channels.
- Mentored designers, providing guidance and support in their professional development.
- Enhanced user experience by creating visually appealing and easily navigable content designs.
- Maintained an organized digital asset library, streamlining access to files for efficient use by the entire team.
- Designed eye-catching graphics to support written content, enhancing visual appeal and boosting audience engagement levels.
- Provided constructive feedback to team members on their work, fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning and growth.
- Streamlined content production processes, reducing project completion time and increasing overall efficiency.
Regional Creative Director
Ogilvy & Mather
01.2015 - 08.2018
- Led all Retail Brand Building and Content Design for Tesco Stores-Central Europe;
- Formulated and executed comprehensive retail brand strategies for Tesco Stores in Central Europe, resulting in strengthened brand equity and increased market share;
- Successfully repositioned the Tesco brand in alignment with regional consumer preferences, leading to an improvement in brand perception;
- Led the conceptualization and execution of integrated campaigns and UX designs that effectively communicated Tesco's value proposition across various channels;
- Introduced innovative in-store experiences and visual merchandising strategies, enhancing the overall customer shopping journey and driving an increase in foot traffic;
- Elevated company reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality creative content;
- Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities;
- Collaborated with teams across multiple markets;
- Built a cohesive, collaborative team.
Senior Art Director
Lowe
02.2012 - 05.2014
- Concepts, UX Design, and Art Direction on ATL and Digital campaigns for brands like Unilever, CEZ, Gambrinus Beer;
- Spearheaded the conceptualization and art direction of multi-channel campaigns for diverse brands, aligning creative strategies with brand objectives and market trends;
- Developed high-impact award-winning brand campaigns that effectively communicated brand messaging, increasing brand awareness and recall
Head of Art
KONEKTOR
05.2011 - 03.2012
- Supervised the creation and execution of high-quality artwork and UX concepts for marketing campaigns, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines and messaging for Google, Oriflame, Czech Rugby, CEZ, Era Bank;
- Streamlined the artwork production process, reducing turnaround time while maintaining top-notch creative quality
Education
Associate of Arts - Communication & Media Studies
State University of New York
Prague, Czech Republic01.2009
Skills
- Collaborative leadership
- Culture transformation
- Team management
- Organizational development
- Employee development
- Stakeholder relations
- Strategic planning
- Process improvement
- Contract and vendor management
- Creativity and innovation
Certification
- Emerging Technologies Certification, AIGA Professional Association for Design, 01/01/22
- A Manager's Guide to Artificial Intelligence, AIGA Professional Association for Design, 01/01/22
Timeline
Executive Creative Director & Owner
the little red sofa
06.2022 - Current
Creative Director
Huge Inc.
07.2020 - 05.2022
Head of Studio
JWT
09.2018 - 06.2020
Regional Creative Director
Ogilvy & Mather
01.2015 - 08.2018
Senior Art Director
Lowe
02.2012 - 05.2014
Head of Art
KONEKTOR
05.2011 - 03.2012
Associate of Arts - Communication & Media Studies
State University of New York
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