EMPLOYMENT

Gyst Design
:: Partner & ECD (08/2017-present)

Individually founded a branding agency specializing in comprehensive brand identities, packaging design systems, advertising, and website design. Develop identity packages and various deliverables ranging from designing innovative packaging design for a family-owned startups to creating activations and guerrilla marketing for global tech and media brands.

Creative Riff
:: Senior Art Director [Freelance] (2021+)

Created award-winning event activation brands and experiences across clients like Disney+, Amazon Studios, ComicCon, State Farm, Lay’s Pepsico, BravoCon, and more.

Mirrored Media
:: Senior Art Director [Freelance] (2024+)

Designed event activation branding and experiences across clients like TikTok, Disney, PINK by VS, Hello Sunshine, Bose, and Caruso’s tree lighting at the Grove.

ARMS & ANCHORS
:: Partner / Co-founder/ CCO (08/2014-05/2017)

Founded a creative design agency focused in branding and identity and digital experiences from website, UI, UX, to immersive media. We've done video games, board games, e-commerce website, apps, motion media, packaging design - anywhere from global corporation behemoths to frisky startups.

H SAGA
:: Senior Art Director (01/2013-05/2016)

Managed design and creative deep dives for branding and packaging for a variety of accounts, ranging from cosmetics, to spirits, to high-end fashion. 

RANDA ACCESSORIES
:: Senior Designer (03/2013-12/2014)

Created logos and brand identity systems for midrange to upscale men’s accessory companies. Innovated packaging concepts, functionality, systems, and designs. 

SPOTCO
:: Freelance Graphic Designer (07/2013-12/2014)

Developed key artwork for on and off-Broadway plays and musicals. Worked in a team environment, bouncing ideas off one another, as well as executing our own ideas, to reach a beautiful solution system.

PARHAM SANTANA
:: Freelance Packaging Designer (03/2013-12/2014)

Produced branding collateral and packaging on both small and large client accounts. Established brand identity guideline manuals for production.

DEAD AS WE KNOW IT
:: Art Director (09/2012-02/2014)

Designed collateral for brand identity and marketing for various liquor companies. Worked in print and digital ad space, websites and apps, POS systems, books, press kits, and conceptual marketing strategies.

INKED MAGAZINE
:: Graphic Designer (05/2011-01/2013)

Started as an intern, hired on professionally. Worked on main layout spreads, supporting content, invitations, advertisements, website content, B2B solutions and individually created a social app for web and mobile.

EDUCATION

SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN, 2012
::  BFA Communications in Graphic Design

4-year Portfolio/Academic Scholarship
Graduated Summa Cum Laude
Dean’s List x10
Employed full-time throughout enrollment

ACCOLADES

2025

ADWEEK - Abbott Elementary A.V.A.fest – Best Experiential Activation by an Entertainment Brand
EX Awards - Abbott Elementary A.V.A.fest – SILVER for Best Fan Convention or Expo Experience

2024

Event Marketer Experience Design Awards - Abbott Elementary A.V.A.fest – GOLD for Best Outdoor Environment
Lux Life Magazine - Style & Apparel Winner for Leading Brand Identity Systems Innovator – USA &
Excellence Award for Logo & Packaging Creation Services – USA

2023

The Dieline Awards - Finalist for Sustainable Packaging System (Day Rate Beauty) & Featured Article
EX Awards - Abbott Elementary at SDCC - SILVER for Best Outdoor Activation

2016

Raised over $1.3 million through Kickstarter on System Shock

2015

Launched Arms & Anchors

2014

Visual Consulting for Mobilize Art
Design Advisor for WiseWords
Featured Artist and 6 published works in "Top Graphic Design Series 3"
Launched Ryan Seacrest Distinction

2013

Featured work in Applied Arts Magazine and Promotion Design
Published article in Skin Art Magazine

2012

Launched functional app for Inked Magazine
Applied Arts Design Winner
SCAD Secession Bronze Award + Finalists (4 pieces)
Featured twice in Choi’s Gallery packaging magazine
Featured on Inspirationi
SPACE graphic design exhibition (2 pieces)
Featured on Student Show via Behance
Illustration partnership with Litographs
ADDY Regional Silver Award

2011

SCADDY Gold Award
SCADDY Finalist

SKILLS

• Master status in Adobe CC and earlier, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD

• Proficient in Figma, Canva, Sketch, Google Workspace, and many other SaaSs

• Addicted to email and Slack; repelled by social media

• Experience working in print shops for offset and digital printing

• Dabbles in motion media, After Effects, photography, photo editing, copywriting, and illustration

• Knowledgeable in CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript, and now Claude

• Able to work across Mac, Windows, and Linux

• Fluent in sarcasm, fairly witty, and highly motivated.

CLIENT LIST

FASHION

• Macy’s

• Ryan Seacrest

• Prada

• Rent the Runway

• Hot Topic

• Kenneth Cole New York

• Kenneth Cole Reaction

• Vince Camuto

• Sam Edelman

• Noah Waxman

• Eddie Bauer

• Haute Hippie

• Geoffrey Beene

• Croft & Barrow

• Tommy Hilfiger

• Hot Topic

• JCPenney

• Maidenform

• Beval Saddlery

• Day Rate Beauty

SPIRITS & CONSUMABLES

• The Kraken Black Spiced Rum

• Lay’s (PepsiCo)

• Honest Tea

• 1800 Tequila

• Lola Belle Cherry Rum

• Three Olives Vodka

• Boodles Gin

• Dobel Tequila

• Tin Cup Whiskey

• Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch

• The Hershey’s Company

• Hubert's Lemonade

Restaurants

• Denny’s

• Moto Ramen

platforms & services

• Fiverr

• Dude Shopping

Commodities

• Unilever

• Versine Skincare

• Lisa Frank

• Dr. Jacob’s Naturals

• Litographs

TECHNOLOGY & GAMING

• TikTok

• Intel

• ComicCon

• Havok (Microsoft subsidiary)

• Otis Elevators

MEDIA & PUBLICATIONS

• Disney+

• ABC

• NBC

• FX

• FOX

• Inked Magazine

• Turner Classic Movies

Children & youth

• PBS Kids

• Upbounders