DIGITAL BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS

 

Nice Phone.

I see that you are attempting to view this on a small screen.

Would be a shame if someone improved your viewing experience.

 
 

DIGITAL BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS

 

HELLO
FELLOW HUMAN

I’m a senior graphic and web designer specializing in branding & illustration. With 7 years of professional experience in design and over 10 years in illustration, I am a results-driven, goal-oriented designer and a strategic coordinator with eye for detail.

My name is Ariel Brandon, and I craft compelling solutions through visual communication, branding & design.

What does that mean?

👁️ I oversee, manage, strategize, and work on projects from start to finish - having one eye on the big picture, and the other on the fine details.

👋 Having a varied skillset allows me to not only create more using various mediums but also communicate more effectively.

🔨 I meticulously work on brands from the inside and out - driving the design process and working with data, clients, and teams to develop thoughtful and expressive solutions.

💡 I carefully craft experiences and designs that are meaningful and memorable.

❤️🩹 I design to solve problems and make things more human.

 

ART DIRECTION

From the initial ideas to getting it done, I was right there in the mix, working with the VP and head of marketing and leading the creative team to make this project happen. My key contributions to this project involved working within a tight budget and creating all assets from scratch. I handled everything from package design, logo, website, and photography while also overseeing videography shoots, visual direction, scheduling, and project management.

 

tuff nano

Extremely compact and tougher than the rest, this high-performing, IP67-certified, rugged, external SSD is ready to go on adventures with you! With accident protection against the elements, the tuff nano is the perfect companion for photographers and digital media creatives who need to keep their files safe and on hand.

My Role: Art Director and Project Management
Project Concept, Art Direction, Branding, Production/Execution, Scheduling, and Team Management

Art Direction
Photography + Editing
Logo
Website Design & Frontend
Packaging
Illustration
Iconography
Project Management

BRAND + BRAND IDENTITY

There are some seriously cool things happening in the world today – from augmented reality, to AI technology – making multimedia experiences truly mind-blowing. That's why I love personal projects - it's all about letting loose and diving into that creative zone while trying out new things. I get to test new techniques, play around with fresh ideas, and constantly challenge myself creatively.

 

AUTHENTIC REPLICA

Dreamy, speculative, and nostalgic escapism meets premium fashion apparel. With nature-themed dreamscapes enshrouded in digital overtones, Authentic Replica aims to evoke delicate emotions and express a quiet rebellion through juxtaposing cynicism and visual poetry. 
An art series and apparel brand for the entirely too hip and too cool.

 

My Role: Branding Specialist
Project Concept, Branding, Merchandising, Artwork

Art Direction
Concept
Branding
Artwork
Logo
Packaging
Merchandising / Apparel Design

FREELANCING

Sometimes I need a mental break - and let's be honest, maybe some extra cash too. Freelancing offers the opportunity to work with different clients on a diverse range of projects that I might not normally do in my day job. It's a great way to utilize other skills and mediums, or even learn something new.

 

GLOW: Skincare & Cosmetics

Natural, hydrating, organic, and cruelty-free, Glow is an affordable skincare and cosmetic brand focused on fun and vibrant cosmetics that are great for your skin. No more damaging you face with harsh chemicals or clogging your pores. Give your cosmetics a “Glow up” and let your beauty shine from nourished skin.

My Role: Branding Specialist
Project Concept, Branding, Packaging, Production/Execution

Art Direction
Concept
Brand Management
Brand Identity
Logo
Packaging
Pitch Deck
Key Visuals/Prototype Visuals
Illustration
Iconography
Photo Editing

 
 
 

COMING SOON

Stable Diffusion /AI Image Generation

 

Websites I’ve Built and Branded

 

HELLO FELLOW HUMAN

I’m a senior graphic and web designer specializing in branding, Webflow and WordPress. With 9 years of professional experience in design and over 10 years in illustration, I am a results-driven, goal-oriented designer and a strategic coordinator with eye for detail.

My name is Ariel Brandon, and I craft compelling solutions through visual communication, branding & design.

What does that mean?

👁️ I oversee, manage, strategize, and work on projects from start to finish - having one eye on the big picture, and the other on the fine details.

👋 Having a varied skillset allows me to not only create more using various mediums but also communicate more effectively.

🔨 I meticulously work on brands from the inside and out - driving the design process and working with data, clients, and teams to develop thoughtful and expressive solutions.

💡 I carefully craft experiences and designs that are meaningful and memorable.

❤️🩹 I design to solve problems and make things more human.

 

MY CREDENTIALS

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Marketing Graphic & Web Designer

Rapid Legal, LegalConnect (now Proceed Legal)
July 2024 - Current
Remote

  • Owned end-to-end design across web, marketing, and sales touchpoints for two legal tech brands, ensuring brand consistency across website, social, email, and collateral

  • Led a company-wide brand refinement initiative, building and evolving scalable design systems, component libraries, and templates (social, email, and marketing assets) to ensure consistent, high-quality execution across all channels

  • Built and launched both company websites under aggressive timelines, leveraging WordPress CMS and custom HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP; increasing accessibility from ~30% to 100% compliance while delivering high-performance, mobile-first, responsive experiences

  • Owned and optimized both websites end-to-end, including UX, performance, and content management, reducing internal update time by 80% and improving click-through and conversion rates

  • Designed sales collateral including pitch decks, one-pagers, and marketing materials, supporting sales enablement and revenue-focused initiatives


Freelance Brand Designer & Web Designer
Clients include Neil Patel, Lars Lofgren, QuickSprout, HR Advice, Crazy Egg Blog
April 2017 - Current
Remote

  • Led brand and website design projects from concept to launch, delivering modern, high-performing digital experiences for B2B and marketing-focused clients

  • Designed and developed 5+ CMS-driven websites (Webflow, WordPress), optimizing for usability, performance, conversion and content scaling, utilizing Figma, WordPress, WPEngine, CSS, HTML, Javascript, and PHP

  • Established cohesive brand systems across multiple touchpoints, including web, content, and marketing assets

  • Managed ongoing website updates, UX improvements, and feature enhancements to improve site performance and engagement

  • Collaborated directly with founders, startups, and marketing leaders to translate business and growth goals into effective design solutions


Senior Web Designer

StonePress
July 2023 - February 2024
Remote

  • Led design and development across multiple brand and website launches, delivering 3 rebrands and 3 new sites in 7 months

  • Scaled design output by 3x by improving workflows, reusable components, and cross-team collaboration

  • Translated design systems into functional front-end code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) within WordPress CMS

  • Developed full brand identities including typography, guidelines, wireframes, and UX systems

  • Managed multiple concurrent projects end-to-end, partnering with cross-functional teams

  • Presented and communicated creative direction and design strategy to leadership, aligning visual execution with business goals


Growth Designer

StonePress
August 2022 - July 2023
Remote

  • Drove conversion-focused design through A/B testing, running 3–5 experiments simultaneously to improve CTA performance and engagement

  • Designed and optimized landing pages and website experiences aligned with demand generation and growth initiatives

  • Collaborated with growth and marketing teams to rapidly execute and iterate on high-impact experiments


Lead Graphic Designer

CalDigit, Inc.
March 2018 - August 2022
Placentia, CA

  • Owned brand and visual direction across web, product marketing, and eCommerce channels, ensuring consistency across all customer touchpoints

  • Led a full brand and website replatform, contributing to 240% growth in website traffic and 350% increase in social engagement

  • Drove brand positioning that resulted in a partnership with Apple, featuring 3 flagship products in-store

  • Art directed and executed campaigns for 11 product launches across web, Amazon, packaging, and social media

  • Designed sales and marketing collateral, including product pages, promotional assets, and campaign visuals

  • Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing, product, and executive leadership, aligning design with go-to-market strategy

  • Managed internal and external creative teams, ensuring high-quality execution


Graphic Design Intern

Branding Iron Worldwide
January 2017 - March 2017
West Hollywood, CA

  • Developed brand assets and creative concepts for major entertainment clients including Netflix, Marvel, and Warner Bros and BUZZR.

  • Designed brochures, web flyers, and social media graphics tailored to diverse brand identities and marketing goals.

  • Contributed to creative research and unique design elements—including origami—to support campaign visuals and storytelling.

 

SKILLS

Branding & Marketing

• Brand Identity
• Branding
• Brand Strategy
• Art Direction
• Project Management
• Concept Creation & Ideation
• Content Marketing
• Presentation and Public Speaking
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
• Discernment

Graphic Design+

• Logo
• Iconography
• Typography
• Pattern Making
• Infographics
• Social Media
• Slide Decks
• Illustration
• Drawing/Sketching
• Photography
• Photo Editing
• Shaper3D Pro
• AI Generated Images + Inpainting

Web & Digital

• Web & Mobile-First Design

• Web Accessibility
• Frontend Web Development
• UI/UX Design
• HTML & CSS
• Intermediate JavaScript
• Working with CMS Systems
• WordPress
• Webflow
• Elementor
• Wix
• Squarespace
• Shopify
• A/B Testing
• Ecommerce

Print

• Package Design
• Print Design (flyers, cards, posters, books etc.)
• Merchandise
• Apparel

Motion & Video

• 2D Animation
• Motion Graphics
• Video Editing
• Story Boarding and Preproduction Scope
• Gifs


SOFTWARE & PROGRAMS

• Figma + FigmaJam
• Adobe CC
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• InDesign
• Lightroom Classic
• After Effects
• Shapr3D
• Adobe Dimensions
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Amazon Storefront and A+ Listing
• Canva
• Slack | Teams | Zoom
• Notion | ClickUp | Asana | Airtable
• Stable Diffusion
• ChatGPT


EDUCATION

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Los Angeles, CA | Graduate
Associate of Arts Degree: Graphic Design, Cum Laude

SLCC/Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT | Courses taken
Associate of Arts Degree: Fashion Design

HONORS

FIDM Graphic Designer of Tomorrow
National Scholarship Competition Winner


CONTINUOUS SELF EDUCATION

• Staying up to date with the latest technology & design trends
• Devotion to learning new marketing, branding, and design practices
• Learning new skills in CAD, 3D modeling, motion graphics, and AI


HUMAN HOBBIES

• Gaming
• Sewing
• Reading (NonFiction)
• Consuming Media
• Sharing Great Memes
• Keeping Puns Alive - They’re the punicle of humor