I am a Senior Designer, Visual Storyteller, and Creative Strategist with 15+ years of experience crafting compelling visual narratives and leading creative initiatives for global brands. I bring a proven track record in art direction, branding, illustration, and multimedia design, delivering high-impact visual solutions that drive engagement and business results. I specialize in creating scalable design systems, innovative brand identities, and user-centered experiences across digital and print platforms. I thrive on storytelling, cross-functional collaboration, and turning ideas into market-ready experiences that elevate brand presence and customer value.…

Steven Rankin

I am a Senior Designer, Visual Storyteller, and Creative Strategist with 15+ years of experience crafting compelling visual narratives and leading creative initiatives for global brands. I bring a proven track record in art direction, branding, illustration, and multimedia design, delivering high-impact visual solutions that drive engagement and business results. I specialize in creating scalable design systems, innovative brand identities, and user-centered experiences across digital and print platforms. I thrive on storytelling, cross-functional collaboration, and turning ideas into market-ready experiences that elevate brand presence and customer value.…

Available to hire

I am a Senior Designer, Visual Storyteller, and Creative Strategist with 15+ years of experience crafting compelling visual narratives and leading creative initiatives for global brands. I bring a proven track record in art direction, branding, illustration, and multimedia design, delivering high-impact visual solutions that drive engagement and business results.

I specialize in creating scalable design systems, innovative brand identities, and user-centered experiences across digital and print platforms. I thrive on storytelling, cross-functional collaboration, and turning ideas into market-ready experiences that elevate brand presence and customer value.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Founder / Creative Director at Mystic Fog Beer & Co.
January 1, 2020 - Present
Freelance design agency delivering innovative and visually stunning creative solutions. Leads visual direction, branding for packaging, marketing collateral, digital platforms, and promotional materials; drives collaboration with founders and partners; oversees content creation and production; coordinates client relationships and project delivery.
Founder / Art Director at Custom Piñatas
January 1, 2016 - Present
Freelance design agency focused on delivering unique piñatas and related branding. Leads project management, branding, and content creation; develops scalable content formats; owns creative service projects; emphasizes Mexican-American heritage-inspired artistry.
Director of Marketing at U Storage
January 1, 2024 - Present
Owns marketing strategy and brand management; drives digital marketing, lead generation, content strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to align with business objectives.
Senior Content Strategist, Education at Google
September 30, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Led the development and implementation of a user education program for Google Ads Help Centers; scaled content by establishing knowledge centers and empowering users with defined learning paths to enhance advertising goals; fostered cross-stakeholder collaboration.
Content Production and Operations Lead, Multimedia at Google
September 30, 2021 - September 8, 2025
Directed the development and delivery of a multimedia production program to support Google Ads scale; orchestrated cross-functional teams to improve content usability and ROI; established content formats and asset libraries; increased user engagement.
Go-to-Market Lead at Filter LLC
June 30, 2018 - September 8, 2025
Led GTM for Google Ads (AdWords) rebrand; built and maintained global sales templates; managed collateral assets and streamlined production workflows to support multiple launches.
Senior Art Director & Project Lead at Symantec
September 30, 2016 - September 8, 2025
Crafted multi-channel content (print, digital, video, tactile experiences) for security reporting and campaigns; supported organization-wide initiatives and led a broad production cycle.
Founder / Creative Director at Mystic Fog Beer & Co.
January 1, 2020 - Present
Freelance design agency dedicated to delivering innovative and visually stunning creative solutions. Each project is approached with meticulous care and attention to detail, reflecting a commitment to exceeding client expectations.
Founder / Art Director at Custom Piñatas
January 1, 2016 - Present
Freelance design studio focused on innovative and culturally resonant piñata designs; leads end-to-end concept to production, collaborating with clients to deliver unique experiential assets.
Director of Marketing at U Storage
January 1, 2024 - Present
Led marketing initiatives to build brand awareness and drive student customer acquisition; developed strategic campaigns and growth initiatives across channels.
Senior Content Strategist, Education at Google
September 30, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Led development and implementation of a user education program for Google Ads Help Centers, supporting scalable content initiatives and knowledge-center efforts; empowered users to achieve advertising goals through defined learning paths.
Content Strategist, Multimedia at Google
September 30, 2022 - September 8, 2025
Led the transformation of content strategy for the Google Ads multimedia program; orchestrated scalable content strategies for diverse user groups and reduced high-touch support while increasing engagement across channels.
Senior Art Director and Project Lead at Symantec
September 30, 2016 - September 8, 2025
Led multi-channel content production, brand standards, and internal design systems for Symantec’s Internet Security Threat Report; developed new content formats and collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact visuals and narratives.
Founder / Creative Director at Mystic Fog Beer & Co.
January 1, 2020 - Present
Founder and creative director leading brand direction and packaging, visuals, education initiatives; coordinating content across packaging, marketing collateral, digital platforms, and promotional materials to deliver innovative, visually stunning beverage branding.
Founder / Art Director at Custom Piñatas
January 1, 2016 - Present
Founder/Art Director delivering unique piñata designs and brand identity rooted in Mexican-American heritage; responsible for client-facing pitches, design concepts, and production-ready assets.
Director of Marketing at U Storage
January 1, 2024 - Present
Lead development of global marketing strategy and brand awareness; manage a high-performing marketing team; oversee digital marketing, content, and growth initiatives to drive customer acquisition.
Senior Content Strategist, Education at Google
September 30, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Spearheaded development and implementation of a user education program for Google Ads Help Centers, supporting scaled content and knowledge center initiatives to empower users to achieve advertising goals.
Lead, Content Production & Operations, Multimedia at Google
September 30, 2021 - September 8, 2025
Led the development and delivery of a multimedia production program for Google Ads' scalable support surfaces; orchestrated a multi-media production team to optimize content and experience, improving ROI and efficiency.
Senior Art Director & Project Lead at Symantec
September 30, 2016 - September 8, 2025
Led creative direction for the Symantec TV team; produced multi-channel content including video, live action, and graphics; managed brand collateral and design systems.
Director of Marketing at U Storage
September 30, 2025 - September 29, 2025
Directed strategic direction and execution of marketing initiatives, built brand awareness, led content creation, and drove cross-functional collaboration to support business objectives and growth.
Art Director & Founder at Mystic Fog
January 1, 2020 - Present
Developed and maintained the brand's visual identity across all platforms, designed packaging and marketing materials, and led art direction and production to ensure a cohesive brand experience.
Director of Marketing at First Team, FC Balboa
September 30, 2025 - September 29, 2025
Led marketing strategy, brand positioning, multi-channel campaigns, and community engagement for a local football club, aligning with business objectives and growing fan engagement.
Senior Content Strategist, Multimedia at Google
September 30, 2022 - September 29, 2025
Led development and implementation of a comprehensive content strategy for Google Ads Help Center, enabling scalable content initiatives and improved user proficiency.
Education Team Manager, Senior Content Strategist, Multimedia at Google
September 30, 2024 - September 29, 2025
Led education-focused content programs, managed cross-functional content production, and fostered strong collaboration with product teams and stakeholders.
Content Production Lead, Multimedia at Google
September 30, 2021 - September 29, 2025
Led development and delivery of multimedia production for Google Ads scaleable support surfaces, establishing guidelines and improving efficiency and user experience.
Senior Content Designer and Strategist, Multimedia at Google
July 1, 2022 - September 29, 2025
Led the separation of strategy and operations for the Google Ads content team's multimedia program, streamlining workflows and enhancing user experiences. Developed data-driven content strategies for diverse Google Ads users via scalable support platforms (Help Center, YouTube, etc.), resulting in a significant reduction in high-touch support and improved content effectiveness.
Senior Content Designer and Strategist, Education at Google
July 1, 2024 - September 29, 2025
Led the development and implementation of a comprehensive user-education program for Google Ads, delivering content design solutions within knowledge centers and scaling education initiatives across platforms to improve learning outcomes.
Content Production and Operations Lead, Multimedia at Google
September 30, 2021 - September 29, 2025
Directed the transformation of the multimedia content program for Google Ads, establishing scalable content strategies and lifecycle workflows, collaborating with product teams to align with business goals, and driving efficiency and ROI.
Senior Art Director and Project Lead at Symantec
December 31, 2016 - September 29, 2025
Led multi-channel asset production for Symantec’s security products, built brand guidelines, managed cross-functional teams and budgets, and established rigorous content quality standards and governance.
Art Director at Wargaming America
August 31, 2013 - September 29, 2025
Directed art for major gaming campaigns and events, including collateral design for four large gaming events; collaborated with event marketing to maximize reach and impact.
Product Marketing Program Manager at Meta (Facebook) via Filter LLC
December 31, 2018 - September 29, 2025
Led product marketing programs and GTM asset development, collaborating with product, sales, and PR to drive go-to-market initiatives; managed budgets and cross-functional programs.
Product Marketing Program Manager at Meta (Facebook) via Filter LLC
January 31, 2019 - September 29, 2025
Led GTM initiatives and asset creation for Facebook/Meta products; enhanced cross-functional collaboration and streamlined go-to-market processes.
Video Specialist (contractor) at Anthropic
July 1, 2025 - November 13, 2025
Produced five high-quality educational videos that drive product adoption for Claude Chat; managed the full video product lifecycle from concept development to publication; translated complex technical information into clear visual narratives; oversaw professional voiceovers and editing.
Founder / Creative Director at Mystic Fog Beer & Co.
January 1, 2020 - November 13, 2025
Founded a Patagonia-dedicated craft beer brand; established brand identity and logo, designed packaging, and managed social and online presence; led creative initiatives and ensured consistency of brand messaging across collateral.
Senior Content Strategist, Multimedia at Google
September 30, 2024 - September 30, 2024
Directed content strategy and design operations for Google's multimedia program; established design principles and scalable content frameworks to streamline workflows and improve user experience; reduced high-touch support and enhanced overall performance.
Content Production and Operations Lead, Multimedia at Google
September 30, 2021 - September 30, 2021
Founded a scalable multimedia design program for Google Ads; defined visual language and production workflows; created a comprehensive asset library and templated content formats; collaborated cross-functionally to align with product and marketing goals.
Senior Art Director and Project Lead at Symantec
September 30, 2016 - September 30, 2016
Led branding and design initiatives for marketing and TV/multimedia campaigns; managed cross-functional teams; contributed to storytelling-driven branding and marketing programs; improved engagement through visual narrative.
Go-To-Market Lead (Product & Sales Activation) at Filter LLC (for Google Ads)
June 30, 2018 - June 30, 2018
Led go-to-market for Google Ads product solutions; created sales enablement content and go-to-market assets; drove brand consistency across 10,000+ collateral pieces; managed design services and collaborated with cross-functional teams.

Education

Master of Arts at Columbia College Chicago
August 1, 2024 - July 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Graphic Design at San Diego State University
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
AI Applications for Growth at Kellogg Executive Education
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Google Program Manager Certificate at Google
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications at Xinquiry
May 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024
Master of Arts in Entrepreneurship at Columbia College Chicago
August 1, 2024 - July 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at San Diego State University
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
AI Applications for Growth at Kellogg Executive Education
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Google Program Manager Certificate at Google
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications at Xinquiry
May 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024
Master of Arts, MA, Entrepreneurship at Columbia College Chicago
August 1, 2024 - July 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at San Diego State University
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
AI Applications for Growth at Kellogg Executive Education
June 1, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Google Program Manager Certificate at Google
June 1, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications at Xinquiry
May 1, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Master of Arts, Entrepreneurship / Entrepreneurial Studies at Columbia College Chicago
August 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Graphic Design at San Diego State University
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
AI Applications for Growth at Kellogg Executive Education
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Google Program Manager Certificate at Google
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications at Xinquiry
May 1, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Master of Arts, Entrepreneurship at Columbia College Chicago
August 20, 2024 - August 20, 2025
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Graphic Design at San Diego State University
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
AI Applications for Growth at Kellogg Executive Education
June 1, 2024 - September 29, 2025
Google Program Manager Certificate at Google
June 1, 2024 - September 29, 2025
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications at Xinquiry
May 1, 2024 - September 29, 2025
Master of Arts, Entrepreneurship / Entrepreneurial Studies at Columbia College Chicago
August 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at San Diego State University
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2007

Qualifications

Google Program Manager Certificate
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications
May 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024
AI Applications for Growth
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Google Program Manager Certificate
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications
May 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024
AI Applications for Growth
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Google Program Manager Certificate
June 1, 2024 - September 8, 2025
AI Applications for Growth
June 1, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications
May 1, 2024 - September 8, 2025
Google Project Management Certificate
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
AI Applications for Growth
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications
May 1, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Google Program Manager Certificate
June 1, 2024 - September 29, 2025
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications
May 1, 2024 - September 29, 2025
AI Applications for Growth
June 1, 2024 - September 29, 2025
AI Applications for Growth
June 1, 2024 - November 13, 2025
Google Program Manager Certificate
June 1, 2024 - November 13, 2025
Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications
May 1, 2024 - November 13, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Education, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Retail, Other, Gaming

Skills

Experience Level