I am an accomplished Creative Director with over 20 years of experience leading innovative and award-winning campaigns for global brands. Throughout my career, I have led dynamic creative teams across diverse markets, transforming brand identities through compelling narratives and cohesive design strategies. I specialize in art direction, digital content, and holistic brand storytelling, always aligning creative visions with strategic business objectives. My passion lies in merging creativity with strategy to deliver impactful brand experiences. I enjoy collaborating across departments and mentoring creative talent while continuously pushing the boundaries of visual design, animation, and content production. I thrive in both agency and freelance environments, delivering tailored solutions for clients ranging from nonprofits to top-tier corporations.

Chad Ballew

I am an accomplished Creative Director with over 20 years of experience leading innovative and award-winning campaigns for global brands. Throughout my career, I have led dynamic creative teams across diverse markets, transforming brand identities through compelling narratives and cohesive design strategies. I specialize in art direction, digital content, and holistic brand storytelling, always aligning creative visions with strategic business objectives. My passion lies in merging creativity with strategy to deliver impactful brand experiences. I enjoy collaborating across departments and mentoring creative talent while continuously pushing the boundaries of visual design, animation, and content production. I thrive in both agency and freelance environments, delivering tailored solutions for clients ranging from nonprofits to top-tier corporations.

Available to hire

I am an accomplished Creative Director with over 20 years of experience leading innovative and award-winning campaigns for global brands. Throughout my career, I have led dynamic creative teams across diverse markets, transforming brand identities through compelling narratives and cohesive design strategies. I specialize in art direction, digital content, and holistic brand storytelling, always aligning creative visions with strategic business objectives.

My passion lies in merging creativity with strategy to deliver impactful brand experiences. I enjoy collaborating across departments and mentoring creative talent while continuously pushing the boundaries of visual design, animation, and content production. I thrive in both agency and freelance environments, delivering tailored solutions for clients ranging from nonprofits to top-tier corporations.

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Work Experience

Freelance Creative Director at Various Agencies
April 1, 2024 - Present
Developed and refined viral video content for Heritage Auctions, designed innovative packaging and branding for Kyser Music's George Strait branded capos, and created captivating menu designs and broadcast spots for Red Robin restaurants. Enhanced brand consistency and visual storytelling through digital ad ecosystems for Bitwise and produced eye-popping micro-sites for Dreamworks. Demonstrated expertise in video production, brand strategy, and digital content creation, delivering fresh and engaging marketing materials.
Creative Director at TAPP
April 1, 2024 - August 27, 2025
Led a creative team to develop targeted precision marketing strategies aligned with client goals. Transformed brand identity for a nonprofit supporting children with disabilities, increasing community visibility. Managed an in-house designer and seven freelancers to deliver quality digital content. Collaborated with account managers and agency leaders to define budgets and project scopes, ensuring cost-efficient and effective project executions.
Global Creative Director at Kaplan
December 31, 2022 - August 27, 2025
Oversaw a global rebranding initiative by scaling a creative team of 30 writers and designers to develop a unified brand identity for Kaplan verticals including Purdue Global and Manhattan Prep. Led digital transformation by launching a large-scale web presence with advanced e-commerce solutions, significantly boosting online visibility and user engagement. Directed video production and integrated innovative creative processes to elevate brand strategy.
Creative Director, Designer, Professional Illustrator at Freelance
April 1, 2021 - August 27, 2025
Designed and illustrated the full concept for 'Beerpocalypse,' a post-apocalyptic drinking tabletop game, showcasing end-to-end creative strategy and project management skills. Directed teams to produce social media photoshoots and digital content for clients including Tostitos, Google, and Amazon, maintaining cohesive brand voices. Collaborated on projects for Ocean Spray, Kona Beer, and Phillips with impactful branding and digital video content. Managed ExxonMobil's North American social media campaigns and coordinated a high-profile video diary project with NBA icon Anthony Davis.
Associate Creative Director at Integer Group
July 1, 2016 - August 27, 2025
Elevated 7-Eleven's brand through multi-channel Slurpee campaigns integrating print, broadcast, digital, and in-store elements. Led the U.S. launch of Bimbo Bread, collaborating with 3D studios to design a mascot and developing outdoor and digital campaigns. Directed the Arnold Orowheat campaign with art and copy teams, including food photography shoots. Conceptualized and executed a live-streamed marketing event for 7-Eleven's Free Coffee Day, resulting in high audience engagement.
Senior Designer at TM Advertising
November 1, 2009 - August 27, 2025
Revolutionized Nationwide Insurance's online advertising strategy by adapting traditional broadcast content into YouTube pre-rolls and a broader TV campaign. Managed marketing campaigns for Subaru and American Airlines end-to-end. Collaborated with comic book illustrator Jim Lee to create a 3D mural for Ohio State football, enhancing fan engagement through strategic creative collaboration.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at Communication Design
January 11, 2030 - August 27, 2025
Associate of Arts at Computer Animation
January 11, 2030 - August 27, 2025

Qualifications

Addy Award - Silver
January 11, 2030 - August 27, 2025
Webby Awards - 2 Gold & 1 Silver
January 11, 2030 - August 27, 2025
Silver AAF Award
January 11, 2030 - August 27, 2025

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Energy & Utilities, Gaming, Education, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Travel & Hospitality, Computers & Electronics, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Retail
    uniE608 Kaplan Video Display Ads
    Various video creative for Kaplan brands.
    uniE608 Kaplan Video Display Ads
    Various video creative for Kaplan brands.
    uniE608 Kaplan Video Display Ads
    Various video creative for Kaplan brands.