Hi, I'm Kwasi Amankwah, a Canadian-American designer and illustrator with a foundation in fine art and extensive experience in graphic design and illustration. I’m also an educator with college-level teaching experience, blending Renaissance art sensibilities with a curiosity for diverse subjects to bring a unique perspective to projects. I collaborate with professional athletes, entertainment groups, and corporate partners to translate ideas into compelling visual solutions. I thrive in cross-functional teams and enjoy shaping brand identities—from concept through production—across digital, print, and experiential channels. My work balances creative vision with practical execution, always mindful of deadlines and budgets, and I mentor junior designers to grow their skills and confidence.

Kwasi Amankwah

Hi, I'm Kwasi Amankwah, a Canadian-American designer and illustrator with a foundation in fine art and extensive experience in graphic design and illustration. I’m also an educator with college-level teaching experience, blending Renaissance art sensibilities with a curiosity for diverse subjects to bring a unique perspective to projects. I collaborate with professional athletes, entertainment groups, and corporate partners to translate ideas into compelling visual solutions. I thrive in cross-functional teams and enjoy shaping brand identities—from concept through production—across digital, print, and experiential channels. My work balances creative vision with practical execution, always mindful of deadlines and budgets, and I mentor junior designers to grow their skills and confidence.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Kwasi Amankwah, a Canadian-American designer and illustrator with a foundation in fine art and extensive experience in graphic design and illustration. I’m also an educator with college-level teaching experience, blending Renaissance art sensibilities with a curiosity for diverse subjects to bring a unique perspective to projects. I collaborate with professional athletes, entertainment groups, and corporate partners to translate ideas into compelling visual solutions.

I thrive in cross-functional teams and enjoy shaping brand identities—from concept through production—across digital, print, and experiential channels. My work balances creative vision with practical execution, always mindful of deadlines and budgets, and I mentor junior designers to grow their skills and confidence.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Lead Graphic Designer/Production Manager at Parker Hospitality Group
January 1, 2022 - Present
Conceptualize and execute branding campaigns for multiple restaurant concepts, creating cohesive brand identity across digital, OOH, social, print and experiential media; develop animation/video assets; collaborate with marketing, culinary, and operations; oversee menus, signage, and promotional collateral; supervise designers and marketers.
Adjunct Professor, Graphic Design and Interactive Media at College of DuPage
January 1, 2021 - Present
Designed and delivered engaging graphic design curricula, integrating industry best practices and hands-on learning; partnered with local businesses to foster student engagement; mentored students on portfolio development and professional networks; updated course materials.
Sr. Digital Designer at IMX Sears Digital
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2020
Led the digital design strategy for Sears’ home page, including website, mobile, and email campaigns; developed innovative digital assets; collaborated with marketing, UX/UI, and development to translate business objectives into visually compelling solutions.
Graphic Design Manager at Breakthru Beverage Group
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Spearheaded the creation and implementation of a comprehensive content strategy for digital platforms, curating visual assets and multimedia content to boost digital engagement and brand visibility; managed a design team and collaborated with marketing, sales and product teams on integrated campaigns.
Graphic Design Manager at Papyrus – Recycled Paper Greeting
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2016
Partnered with consumer marketing to develop partnership programs for Lollapalooza, NYFW, Taylor Swift, and Sundance; refreshed RPG branding including brand book, branded envelopes, and retail experiences for partners like Target and Whole Foods Market; managed a team of designers and oversaw photo shoots, social media, and event support; owned design budget and implemented process improvements.
Freelance Illustrator/Designer at Self-employed
January 1, 2009 - Present
Illustration and design for clients including Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, Campus Ink, Chicago Bulls, Indiana University, University of Connecticut, Poster Posse; design work for McGuffin Creative, United Airlines, APICS, Bank of America Marathon, Whole Foods Market, Wilton Brand Inc.
Senior Graphic Designer at Cintas Corp
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2009
Led a team of designers to collaborate with marketing on catalogs, brochures, and trade show materials focused on gaming, lodging, and healthcare.

Education

Master of Fine Arts at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Illinois
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2002
Bachelor of Arts at University of Illinois
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1999

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services