I’m Michael Kilian, a senior art director and designer with deep experience leading design teams to craft compelling products for major brands. My work spans print and digital, from CPG packaging and brand identity to graphic tees and social campaigns, all aimed at telling a visual story that resonates with a brand’s audience. I’ve led licensing design for BuzzFeed’s Hot Ones, helped shape retail and online presence for Tasty and Goodful, and collaborated with domestic and international licensing partners to ensure on-brand, retail-ready results. I’m skilled at building brand guidelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering design systems that scale.…

Michael Kilian

I’m Michael Kilian, a senior art director and designer with deep experience leading design teams to craft compelling products for major brands. My work spans print and digital, from CPG packaging and brand identity to graphic tees and social campaigns, all aimed at telling a visual story that resonates with a brand’s audience. I’ve led licensing design for BuzzFeed’s Hot Ones, helped shape retail and online presence for Tasty and Goodful, and collaborated with domestic and international licensing partners to ensure on-brand, retail-ready results. I’m skilled at building brand guidelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering design systems that scale.…

Available to hire

I’m Michael Kilian, a senior art director and designer with deep experience leading design teams to craft compelling products for major brands. My work spans print and digital, from CPG packaging and brand identity to graphic tees and social campaigns, all aimed at telling a visual story that resonates with a brand’s audience.

I’ve led licensing design for BuzzFeed’s Hot Ones, helped shape retail and online presence for Tasty and Goodful, and collaborated with domestic and international licensing partners to ensure on-brand, retail-ready results. I’m skilled at building brand guidelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering design systems that scale.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Graphic Designer / Manager at GRAVITY GRAPHICS
September 1, 1994 - December 1, 1998
Created graphics for clients such as Spike Lee and Disney; produced product catalogs; learned clothing manufacturing and screen printing.
Director of Graphics, Mens/Womens/Branding at AÉROPOSTALE
October 1, 2007 - December 1, 2009
Led graphics development for apparel and branding across multiple categories; built guidelines and brand identity.
Director of Graphics, Mens/Branding at AÉROPOSTALE
January 1, 2010 - September 1, 2011
Oversaw graphics for men’s branding; evolved systems, sub-brands, and processes to support business needs.
Senior Director, Graphic Design at AÉROPOSTALE
October 1, 2011 - January 1, 2016
Led graphics development for women’s graphics/print/pattern and branding; managed large teams and vendor relationships.
Director of Women’s Graphics/Print/Pattern, Product Development at GAP
November 1, 2005 - September 1, 2007
Directed women’s graphics/print/pattern and product development, coordinating with vendors to ensure on-brand execution.
Director of Graphic Design at Old Navy
January 1, 2003 - September 1, 2005
Led graphic design for multiple product areas; built a design-forward, on-brand graphics program and managed seasonal concepts.
Graphic Design Manager, Mens/Boys at Old Navy
March 1, 2000 - December 1, 2002
Managed a team of designers; oversaw budgets and branding for men’s and boys’ graphics.
Graphic Designer, Baby at Old Navy
January 1, 1999 - February 1, 2000
Created baby graphics and packaging concepts; collaborated with product and production teams.
Art Director/Senior Graphic Designer at A-SHA FOODS USA
October 1, 2024 - Present
Design packaging, animated social ads, and marketing materials for brand and licensed products; collaborate with New Products, Marketing, and Ecomm teams.
Art Director, Licensing Design at BuzzFeed / Hot Ones
October 1, 2020 - May 1, 2025
Lead product licensing design for Hot Ones; direct packaging, product, and social media marketing; manage licensing partnerships and brand guidelines.
Lead Designer, Commerce at BuzzFeed (Freelance through Entertainment Partners)
October 1, 2017 - October 1, 2020
Led product licensing design across multiple categories for retail partners; influenced retail look and online presence.
Art Director/Senior Graphic Designer - Freelance at First We Feast / Hot Ones
January 1, 2025 - Present
Ensure consistent visual representation for licensed products; focus on packaging and digital marketing.
Senior Graphic Designer - Freelance at Marla Aaron
June 1, 2025 - Present
Packaging and print design for luxury jewelry brand.
Senior Director, Graphic Design at Aden + Anais
March 1, 2016 - September 1, 2017
Led development for textiles and packaging across a global baby lifestyle brand; managed packaging systems and vendor relations.
Director of Women’s Graphics/Print/Pattern, Product Development at Gap
November 1, 2005 - September 1, 2007
Managed graphics, print and pattern for women’s lines and licensing partnerships; directed product development.
Director of Graphic Design at Old Navy
January 1, 2003 - September 1, 2005
Led graphic design for multiple product areas; built a high-impact graphics program and managed seasonal concepts.
Graphic Design Manager, Mens/Boys at Old Navy
March 1, 2000 - December 1, 2002
Led nine full-time designers and nine freelancers; managed $1.2M graphics budget; traveled for concept presentations.
Graphic Designer, Baby at Old Navy
December 31, 1998 - January 31, 2000
Designed graphics for baby product line; collaborated with cross-functional teams.

Education

B.F.A. at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
January 11, 2030 - February 10, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Professional Services