Hey, I'm Ryan.
With over 20 years of experience in creative leadership, visual storytelling, design, and technology, I have a strong foundation in crafting visually compelling narratives that distill complex ideas into clear, engaging media.
I have led creative projects from concept to execution, working with cross-functional teams to produce a range of materials such as instructional materials, video and motion design, branding packages, marketing collateral, and more. Throughout my career, I’ve honed my design aesthetic to prioritize simplicity in service of the message and creating clarity through reduction. I believe the confluence of simplicity and impact is where effective storytelling finds its audience.
Beyond graphic design, I bring a versatile skill set that includes photography, FAA licensed drone pilot, video production and post-production, motion graphics, and visual design principles. I am comfortable switching between roles to meet the demands of various projects, and I thrive in environments that require resourcefulness, creativity, and adaptability.
I’ve been fortunate to earn a living being creative. From Creative Director at a multimedia learning company, to owning a San Francisco design and development studio, to building a successful community nonprofit, my career has been driven by impact, creativity, and collaboration. I’m eager to join a team that continues to push my creative development.
WORK HISTORY
Design & Development Consultant (July 2024-Current)
CraterWorks MakerSpace: Upon relocating to Portland, Oregon in July, 2024, I moved on from my role as Director of Operations & Development to Design & Development Consultant. I currently work remotely designing marketing materials and developing unique STEAM-based hands-on curriculum for 6-12 grade students.
Director of Operations & Development (May 2022-July 2024)
CraterWorks MakerSpace: In addition to day-to-day policy and operations duties, my role included designing visual operation and safety systems, producing marketing collateral, and hands-on curriculum development. My most impactful contributions to the organization was developing an in-house project library and supporting learning materials, increasing teacher engagement, and delivering more meaningful STEAM-based experiences to students, grades 6-12.
Executive Director/Co-founder (May 2016-Sept 2021)
Talent Maker City: A community-based nonprofit makerspace. In addition to fulfilling strategy and managerial duties as Executive Director, I developed all marketing assets, website, and video content for social and online learning platforms. Along with staff, I developed and implemented the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices and policy.
Owner/Designer (July 2014-Dec 2016)
Nicechop Design Shop: A self-owned design studio offering a variety of services. Design and development work consisted mostly of interactive digital supplements to traditional textbooks and e-learning modules for clients such Cengage, Pearson, and Cannabis Classroom.
Partner/Lead Media Designer (April 2004-July 2014)
Definition LLC: A design and development studio based in San Francisco, CA. As one of three co-owners, my roles ranged from business operations, to management, to lead media designer. Our work included branding, print, video production, motion design, and post-production for tech start-ups, textbook publishers, and education.
PROJECTS & PURSUITS
Beer Citizen: A Better Beer Review App
Beer Citizen was created to provide beer enthusiasts a better way to review, discover and share all of the amazing craft beers available around the world. While other beer review apps and websites focus primarily on the issue of “how good” a beer is, the objective of Beer Citizen is to create data-driven beer profiles to answer the broader beer question of “what’s it like?” by aggregating the trait data entered with every review of a beer.
Board Chair: Talent Economic Development Commission
I served as the inaugural chair of Talent Oregon's Economic Development Commission. My interest in economic development stemmed from my involvement in Talent Maker City, a community resource with a mission to help creative entrepreneurs in Southern Oregon make and sell their work. Talent's City Council formed the commission to help gain a better understanding of how policy impacts local business owners. The Commission engaged with local business owners over the course of a year to generate a comprehensive assessment report for City leaders.
Certifications: LinkedIn
EDUCATION
California State University Monterey Bay
Bachelor of Arts: Cinematic Arts & Technology (with distinction)
Minor: Graphic Design