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I'm a branding and design strategist who loves turning complex brand challenges into clear, compelling visuals. For more than two decades I've helped clients elevate their brand experiences—from startup founders to nonprofit partners—through thoughtful creative direction, sharp design systems, and hands-on production. As founder of Plaid Hat and a longtime Creative Director, I thrive on building teams, mentoring talent, and delivering branding and marketing solutions that resonate across print and digital touchpoints.…I'm a branding and design strategist who loves turning complex brand challenges into clear, compelling visuals. For more than two decades I've helped clients elevate their brand experiences—from startup founders to nonprofit partners—through thoughtful creative direction, sharp design systems, and hands-on production. As founder of Plaid Hat and a longtime Creative Director, I thrive on building teams, mentoring talent, and delivering branding and marketing solutions that resonate across print and digital touchpoints.

Thomas Dean Baker

Creative Director, Designer, Brand Designer, +2

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I'm a branding and design strategist who loves turning complex brand challenges into clear, compelling visuals. For more than two decades I've helped clients elevate their brand experiences—from startup founders to nonprofit partners—through thoughtful creative direction, sharp design systems, and hands-on production. As founder of Plaid Hat and a longtime Creative Director, I thrive on building teams, mentoring talent, and delivering branding and marketing solutions that resonate across print and digital touchpoints.…I'm a branding and design strategist who loves turning complex brand challenges into clear, compelling visuals. For more than two decades I've helped clients elevate their brand experiences—from startup founders to nonprofit partners—through thoughtful creative direction, sharp design systems, and hands-on production. As founder of Plaid Hat and a longtime Creative Director, I thrive on building teams, mentoring talent, and delivering branding and marketing solutions that resonate across print and digital touchpoints.

Available to hire

I’m a branding and design strategist who loves turning complex brand challenges into clear, compelling visuals. For more than two decades I’ve helped clients elevate their brand experiences—from startup founders to nonprofit partners—through thoughtful creative direction, sharp design systems, and hands-on production. As founder of Plaid Hat and a longtime Creative Director, I thrive on building teams, mentoring talent, and delivering branding and marketing solutions that resonate across print and digital touchpoints.

Skills

Branding

Brand Identity

Copywriting

Experience Level

Branding

Expert

Brand Identity

Expert

Copywriting

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Founder at Plaid Hat

January 30, 2012 - Present

Plaid Hat is a design services consortium with graphic design veteran Thomas Dean Baker as your lead designer. If your project requires skills in addition to graphic design—copy writing, photography, video, animation—Plaid Hat will manage the entire project ensuring high-quality at every level and supply single-source invoicing under Plaid Hat. From complex branding initiatives to quick-turn single project deliverables.

Creative Specialist / Graphic Designer at World Impact

February 1, 2022 - November 1, 2024

Lead creative designer for a faith-based nonprofit, directing visual communications for donors, partners, and internal audiences; responsible for brand direction and execution across two external audiences and internal stakeholders. Also contributed to re-branding initiatives as an outside creative resource prior to full-time engagement.

Creative Director at Partners & Hunt Creative Group

May 1, 2006 - February 1, 2012

Responsible for all creative deliverables and for evolving the P&H brand; managed design staff and oversaw outside vendors; involved in new business development; delivered branding solutions in print and interactive for clients including Robinson Fresh, Aramark, Ciranda, Minnesota Orchestra, Tressler Law, Aspen Advisors, Boston Scientific, General Mills, Bell Institute, BioRock Sports, Ability, Target Corporation, and more.

Design Director at MJKRETSINGER/ATOMIC PLAYPEN

May 1, 2004 - May 1, 2006

Hands-on design leadership, overseeing designers and writers, coordinating with the parent company Atomic Playpen on interactive projects; delivered branding and collateral solutions for clients including American Medical Systems, Aramark, BellacorPro, Healthia Consulting, Lund/Byerly’s, Mayo Clinic, Spice Islands, SuperValu, TCF Bank, Rudolph Technologies and more.

Founder at Harmony Creative

June 1, 2001 - May 1, 2004

Founded and ran a branding and design studio delivering creative solutions for clients.

Senior Designer at Periscope

December 30, 1995 - May 30, 2001

Senior designer producing design solutions for various clients; contributed to projects across branding and print.