I’m Jonathan Shears, a creative director and design leader who specializes in art direction, brand identity systems, and multi-channel design across print and digital platforms. Over 18+ years, I’ve built cohesive, results-driven marketing collateral and translated complex ideas into compelling visual experiences that strengthen brand recognition and audience engagement.…

Jonathan Shears

I’m Jonathan Shears, a creative director and design leader who specializes in art direction, brand identity systems, and multi-channel design across print and digital platforms. Over 18+ years, I’ve built cohesive, results-driven marketing collateral and translated complex ideas into compelling visual experiences that strengthen brand recognition and audience engagement.…

Available to hire

I’m Jonathan Shears, a creative director and design leader who specializes in art direction, brand identity systems, and multi-channel design across print and digital platforms. Over 18+ years, I’ve built cohesive, results-driven marketing collateral and translated complex ideas into compelling visual experiences that strengthen brand recognition and audience engagement.

See more

Work Experience

Creator / Host / Producer at ToneLero Podcast
December 1, 2024 - Present
Developed the visual identity and creative direction for an independently produced media brand. Created promotional graphics and digital content supporting YouTube, social media, and podcast distribution. Managed visual and content production from concept through publication while maintaining consistent brand presentation. Produced and edited video and audio content while developing audience-facing creative across multiple platforms.
Freelance Designer at Complex Stories
April 1, 2022 - Present
Designed and executed responsive websites delivering user-focused digital experiences aligned with brand goals. Concepted and designed interactive kiosk experiences, balancing usability with engaging visuals. Contributed to brand positioning by helping define and refine messaging and visual direction. Provided design support to a broader creative team to ensure consistency and quality across projects. Generated creative concepts and directed art direction to guide projects from ideation through execution.
Creative Director / Art Director / Design Specialist at Rose & Gold LLC
October 1, 2018 - April 1, 2026
Led art direction across print, web, and integrated campaigns, delivering high-volume creative across digital and print channels. Managed and mentored a multidisciplinary creative team, improving workflow efficiency and reducing revision cycles. Developed and executed creative strategies from concept through launch, aligning creative with business goals and campaign performance outcomes. Translated complex concepts into high-impact visual solutions, partnering with marketing and leadership to ensure brand consistency and on-time delivery across design, animation, and social. Reviewed and approved creative deliverables to maintain brand integrity and minimize errors and rework, while establishing and managing production timelines for high-output environments.
Creative Director / Art Director / Graphic Designer at Rose & Gold LLC
October 1, 2018 - April 1, 2026
Led hands-on creative and graphic design across digital, print, social media, web, and integrated marketing initiatives. Developed visual concepts and solutions that translated marketing objectives into engaging, brand-consistent communications. Directed creation of marketing assets across multiple formats while maintaining visual consistency across campaigns and customer touchpoints; partnered with marketing, content, and leadership teams to develop creative concepts from brief through final execution. Managed multiple concurrent projects, balancing deadlines, revisions, changing priorities, and production requirements. Directed multidisciplinary creative teams (design, animation, social) with an emphasis on quality and brand consistency, reviewed/approved final creative for accuracy, typography, layout, brand standards, and overall visual quality, and established workflows and production timelines to improve efficiency.
Senior Product Designer at Fuzz Productions
February 1, 2008 - June 1, 2017
Delivered end-to-end design for websites, web apps, and responsive platforms supporting multiple concurrent client projects. Led mobile app design for iOS and Android, improving usability and digital product consistency. Developed UX frameworks and information architecture to streamline user flows and enhance product performance. Built brand identities, logo systems, and scalable brand/UI guidelines across digital ecosystems. Directed design for enterprise and startup clients including Disney, CBS, Men’s Health Magazine, Wegmans, and Tishman Speyer. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver projects from concept through launch in fast-paced environments, presented concepts and led stakeholder reviews to drive alignment and accelerate approvals, and directed internal brand initiatives as a lead artist shaping company-wide visual identity and digital presence.
Senior Product / Product Design at Fuzz Productions
February 1, 2008 - June 1, 2017
Designed websites, web applications, responsive platforms, mobile products, and digital marketing experiences for multiple clients and industries. Created visual layouts, interface systems, presentations, and branded digital experiences across desktop and mobile. Developed brand identities, logo systems, visual guidelines, and scalable design systems for enterprise and startup clients. Led design projects for recognized brands including Disney, CBS, Men’s Health Magazine, Wegmans, and Tishman Speyer. Collaborated with clients, developers, and creative teams to translate concepts into polished final designs; presented creative concepts and solutions to stakeholders, incorporating feedback throughout the process. Managed multiple concurrent projects while maintaining quality, consistency, and deadlines; directed internal brand initiatives as lead artist to support company-wide visual identity and marketing communications.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (Media Arts & Animation) at The New England Institute of Art
September 1, 2003 - May 1, 2007

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other