I am Vara Ayanna, a visionary Art Director, Producer, and Creative Strategist with over a decade of experience shaping bold visuals across fashion, media, tech, and commercial projects. I excel in color theory, trend forecasting, and brand storytelling, and I thrive on leading cross-functional teams, managing complex productions, and delivering on-brand concepts that elevate identity and market presence. I’m passionate about innovative visual concepts, hands-on styling, and aligning creative direction with business goals. I enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to bring ideas to life—from concept to final production—while mentoring others and advancing sustainable, ethical design.…

Vara Ayanna

I am Vara Ayanna, a visionary Art Director, Producer, and Creative Strategist with over a decade of experience shaping bold visuals across fashion, media, tech, and commercial projects. I excel in color theory, trend forecasting, and brand storytelling, and I thrive on leading cross-functional teams, managing complex productions, and delivering on-brand concepts that elevate identity and market presence. I’m passionate about innovative visual concepts, hands-on styling, and aligning creative direction with business goals. I enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to bring ideas to life—from concept to final production—while mentoring others and advancing sustainable, ethical design.…

Available to hire

I am Vara Ayanna, a visionary Art Director, Producer, and Creative Strategist with over a decade of experience shaping bold visuals across fashion, media, tech, and commercial projects. I excel in color theory, trend forecasting, and brand storytelling, and I thrive on leading cross-functional teams, managing complex productions, and delivering on-brand concepts that elevate identity and market presence.

I’m passionate about innovative visual concepts, hands-on styling, and aligning creative direction with business goals. I enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to bring ideas to life—from concept to final production—while mentoring others and advancing sustainable, ethical design.

See more

Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

IT Generalist at Apple Inc
October 1, 2020 - May 1, 2024
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent brand messaging and visual identity. Demonstrated strong general communication. Implemented feedback loops via CRM. Engineered social media content using AI-driven analytics to promote brand loyalty.
Experiential Producer, Nike Chat Stylist at Nike
December 1, 2019 - July 1, 2023
Provided personalized styling advice via chat platforms. Developed styling workshops and webinars to engage customers; utilized social media to showcase styling tips and behind-the-scenes content; gathered feedback to refine offerings. Embraced new digital tools to streamline processes.
Sales Manager & Social Media Manager at Westman Truck Sales
March 1, 2020 - October 1, 2024
Coordinated multiple departments to streamline operations; improved project timelines and budget adherence. Led integration of technology to optimize inventory management and customer service, driving growth and client satisfaction.
Art Director & Wardrobe Stylist at Adidas Originals
January 1, 2021 - February 1, 2025
Directed campaign styling and model coordination.
Art Director at BET (Viacom Inc.)
November 1, 2019 - Present
Led in-studio styling and art direction for brand campaigns.
Art Director & Fashion Stylist at Yves Saint Laurent
February 1, 2019 - Present
Created high-end fashion visuals and branding concepts.
Art Director at Massage Envy
May 1, 2018 - Present
Head of brand visual identity and campaigns.
Art Director at Save the Children
February 1, 2018 - Present
Directed campaigns and visual initiatives.
Commercial Producer at The LEGO Group
October 1, 2019 - Present
Produced commercial content for brand campaigns; oversaw pre- and post-production activities.
Producer & Creative Specialist at Netflix (Coachella)
April 1, 2019 - May 1, 2019
Creative lead for Netflix's Coachella activation; directed visual and experiential design concepts.
Casting Director at Facebook
April 1, 2020 - Present
Managed casting and talent for various campaigns.
Key Stylist & Producer at Nordstrom
October 1, 2023 - Present
Led production and styling for fashion campaigns; managed on-set logistics and creative expectations.
Art Director at Restoration Hardware / Living Spaces / Rainbow / Wayfair
January 1, 2023 - Present
Directed campaigns and visual initiatives across multiple brand clients; led cross-brand styling and art direction.

Education

Master of Business Administration at Arizona State University
January 11, 2030 - May 9, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design
January 11, 2030 - May 9, 2026
Associate of Arts in Fashion Business at MCC
January 11, 2030 - May 9, 2026
Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate at Cornell University
January 1, 2022 - May 9, 2026

Qualifications

FABRIC Designer of the Year (Art Direction, Styling, Graphic Design)
January 1, 2013 - May 9, 2026
LAFW Emerging Designer
January 1, 2016 - May 9, 2026
Sustainable Fashion Award
January 1, 2019 - May 9, 2026
Best Ethical Designer
January 1, 2020 - May 9, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Other

Skills

Experience Level