Kieran Soms is a creative director, brand strategist, and serial entrepreneur with a career defined by building brands that don’t just look good — they move markets. With over 15 years of experience across design, creative direction, marketing, and consulting, Kieran has led brand transformations for startups, scale-ups, and legacy organizations alike. His work sits at the intersection of strategy and storytelling, where design is not decoration, but a lever for growth, clarity, and cultural relevance. Early in his career, Kieran played a key role in helping shape the Calgary Stampede’s global rebrand (2007–2008) — a foundational project that set the tone for his approach to large-scale identity systems with international reach. Since then, he has collaborated with respected agencies including BLKWTR and Maverick Agency, while independently leading and directing brand work across multiple industries. His portfolio includes the creation of 25+ coffee roaster brands, 200+ real estate brands, and countless campaigns spanning hospitality, technology, finance, consumer goods, and professional services. Whether launching from zero or redefining what already exists, Kieran is known for building brands that are clear, confident, and commercially effective. Alongside his creative career, Kieran is a seasoned entrepreneur. He has started, scaled, and successfully exited two creative agencies, and has founded or co-founded ventures across a wide range of sectors — including a lithium generator company, multiple clothing brands, and collaborative growth initiatives within home care, manufacturing, and marketing agencies. He is currently the CMO and a founding member of SureFuel, an ongoing venture aiming to disrupt fuel distribution through a gas delivery platform often described as “the Uber of fuel.” He is also in the early stages of launching Ouroforma, an AI-powered creative and automation company focused on reshaping how brands scale creativity and operations in the age of intelligent systems. At his core, Kieran is driven by one belief: great brands are built where strategy, design, and execution align. His work blends high-level vision with hands-on creative leadership — and just enough irreverence to keep things interesting.

A. Kieran Boggs

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Kieran Soms is a creative director, brand strategist, and serial entrepreneur with a career defined by building brands that don’t just look good — they move markets. With over 15 years of experience across design, creative direction, marketing, and consulting, Kieran has led brand transformations for startups, scale-ups, and legacy organizations alike. His work sits at the intersection of strategy and storytelling, where design is not decoration, but a lever for growth, clarity, and cultural relevance. Early in his career, Kieran played a key role in helping shape the Calgary Stampede’s global rebrand (2007–2008) — a foundational project that set the tone for his approach to large-scale identity systems with international reach. Since then, he has collaborated with respected agencies including BLKWTR and Maverick Agency, while independently leading and directing brand work across multiple industries. His portfolio includes the creation of 25+ coffee roaster brands, 200+ real estate brands, and countless campaigns spanning hospitality, technology, finance, consumer goods, and professional services. Whether launching from zero or redefining what already exists, Kieran is known for building brands that are clear, confident, and commercially effective. Alongside his creative career, Kieran is a seasoned entrepreneur. He has started, scaled, and successfully exited two creative agencies, and has founded or co-founded ventures across a wide range of sectors — including a lithium generator company, multiple clothing brands, and collaborative growth initiatives within home care, manufacturing, and marketing agencies. He is currently the CMO and a founding member of SureFuel, an ongoing venture aiming to disrupt fuel distribution through a gas delivery platform often described as “the Uber of fuel.” He is also in the early stages of launching Ouroforma, an AI-powered creative and automation company focused on reshaping how brands scale creativity and operations in the age of intelligent systems. At his core, Kieran is driven by one belief: great brands are built where strategy, design, and execution align. His work blends high-level vision with hands-on creative leadership — and just enough irreverence to keep things interesting.

Available to hire

Kieran Soms is a creative director, brand strategist, and serial entrepreneur with a career defined by building brands that don’t just look good — they move markets.

With over 15 years of experience across design, creative direction, marketing, and consulting, Kieran has led brand transformations for startups, scale-ups, and legacy organizations alike. His work sits at the intersection of strategy and storytelling, where design is not decoration, but a lever for growth, clarity, and cultural relevance.

Early in his career, Kieran played a key role in helping shape the Calgary Stampede’s global rebrand (2007–2008) — a foundational project that set the tone for his approach to large-scale identity systems with international reach. Since then, he has collaborated with respected agencies including BLKWTR and Maverick Agency, while independently leading and directing brand work across multiple industries.

His portfolio includes the creation of 25+ coffee roaster brands, 200+ real estate brands, and countless campaigns spanning hospitality, technology, finance, consumer goods, and professional services. Whether launching from zero or redefining what already exists, Kieran is known for building brands that are clear, confident, and commercially effective.

Alongside his creative career, Kieran is a seasoned entrepreneur. He has started, scaled, and successfully exited two creative agencies, and has founded or co-founded ventures across a wide range of sectors — including a lithium generator company, multiple clothing brands, and collaborative growth initiatives within home care, manufacturing, and marketing agencies.

He is currently the CMO and a founding member of SureFuel, an ongoing venture aiming to disrupt fuel distribution through a gas delivery platform often described as “the Uber of fuel.” He is also in the early stages of launching Ouroforma, an AI-powered creative and automation company focused on reshaping how brands scale creativity and operations in the age of intelligent systems.

At his core, Kieran is driven by one belief: great brands are built where strategy, design, and execution align. His work blends high-level vision with hands-on creative leadership — and just enough irreverence to keep things interesting.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Director at Cerco Design (A Division of Danijel & Co.)
July 1, 2024 - Present
Lead brand strategy, positioning, and identity development from discovery through final brand systems and guidelines. Provide creative and art direction across design, content, web, and campaigns; manage a small team of creatives and external contractors; own project scoping, budgets, timelines, and deadlines; oversee outsourcing and vendor management. Design and produce logos, brand systems, decks, print collateral, signage, templates, and campaign assets. Direct photo/video content for websites, ads, and social-first deliverables; plan social campaigns and web projects end-to-end. Lead web projects end-to-end: wireframes/prototypes, UI design, coordination with development, QA, launch, and maintenance. Support events and activations with creative production and logistics.
Creative Director at Forza Inc (previously Applichem)
June 1, 2020 - July 1, 2023
Led a company-wide rebrand from Applichem; built a complete brand and identity system (logos, artifacts, brand guides, templates). Designed and produced websites, product designs, labeling systems, and printed/digital communications. Scouted and hired team members and a CMO to support scaling brand recognition and sales.
CCO (Chief Creative / Art Director) at Sure Fuel Inc.
June 1, 2015 - June 1, 2020
Created end-to-end branding and identity for the startup; delivered logos, sub-branding, iOS/React Native app design, web design, and investor decks. Developed vehicle fleet branding, uniforms, ad campaigns, promotional materials, and social/web marketing assets. Collaborated with web and software development partners to maintain brand consistency across products.
Senior Graphic Designer at MAVERICK Agency Ltd.
June 1, 2018 - July 1, 2019
Produced large-scale, multi-faceted branding projects from intake and moodboarding to logo and supporting brand elements. Created brand artifacts, color rationales, web design/prototyping, and operational support materials. Conceptualized and produced ad campaigns across digital, print, and motion/animation. Worked independently on branding projects while supporting team projects and content creation.
Senior Graphic Designer / Art Director at Blackwater Creative (BLKWTR)
October 1, 2016 - June 1, 2017
Supported agency art direction transition; delivered art direction from concept through implementation. Produced branding and logo design, print/editorial design, web design, and campaign assets. Created social media/campaign creative and illustration.
Art Director / Creative Director at AMORTECH Design Labs Inc.
February 1, 2011 - October 1, 2016
Provided art direction, branding, logo development, web graphics, site mocks/wireframes, print, and packaging design. Supported 3D printing, prototyping, and production workflows. Managed clients and end-to-end project operations (onboarding, departures, outsourcing, and web outsourcing).
Co-Founder / Creative Director at ONMARS Interactive Agency Inc.
May 1, 2011 - July 1, 2013
Directed and delivered full branding and identity implementations across digital and print. Managed client relationships from onboarding to departure. Serviced 20+ companies before selling the brand.
Graphics & Web Designer / Marketing Coordinator at ZYN The Wine Market Ltd.
September 1, 2012 - October 1, 2013
Developed print and online marketing materials and website elements. Created, implemented, and monitored marketing materials and strategies. Managed online presence and engaged target audiences via social platforms. Coordinated with external print, advertising, and digital agencies to deliver assets on time and on budget.
Graphics & Print Specialist at Little Rock Document Services Ltd.
May 1, 2012 - September 1, 2012
Created graphics for external clients and oversaw production of print pieces. Handled finishing and quality control; liaised with clients to determine requirements.
Marketing Coordinator (Contract) at Live Nation Events (Union Events / The Union Ltd.)
June 1, 2011 - October 1, 2011
Managed marketing for local and nationwide tours; coordinated with talent buyers and external management agencies to secure assets. Planned and purchased advertising across media channels; adjusted campaigns to maximize efficiency and cost effectiveness. Liaised with graphics team to ensure assets were produced and distributed on time and on budget.
Photographer, Brand Documentation (Contract) at Rothmans Benson and Hedges Inc.
June 1, 2011 - September 1, 2011
Photographed and documented brand communications through print and digital ad installations at local events.
Photographer, Brand Documentation (Contract) at Jägermeister (Rooftop Agency)
March 1, 2011 - September 1, 2011
Managed a small team of photographers for JagerMusic events across Alberta and British Columbia; photographed brand communications at large-scale events.
Graphic Designer / Senior Graphic Designer at Calgary Stampede & Exhibition
July 1, 2008 - June 1, 2011
In-house studio designer supporting brand consistency across outputs; collaborated with campaign development firms to establish and maintain brand standards; delivered print, web, and digital assets within timeline and budget constraints.

Education

Visual Communications & Graphic Design at Alberta University of the Arts
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2014
Audio Engineering & Digital Audio Production at Berklee College of Music
January 1, 2012 - February 18, 2026
Grade 12 at Western Canada High School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008

Qualifications

Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design
January 17, 2024 - February 10, 2025
Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Other, Energy & Utilities