I am a passionate and experienced artist, designer, and educator specializing in graphic design, UX/UI, illustration, and photography. Currently, I lecture at ETH Zürich, helping scientists communicate their research effectively through design. Over the years, I have worked with prestigious clients such as the United Nations Environment Programme, ETH Zurich, and Nature Magazine, continuously delivering creative and user-centric solutions. My journey encompasses a strong background in art direction and creative leadership, with extensive freelance experience and roles in startups, agencies, and academic institutions across several countries. I enjoy blending creativity with user experience principles to impact branding, communication strategies, and digital product designs effectively, always eager to embrace new challenges and lifelong learning.…

Thomas Kast

I am a passionate and experienced artist, designer, and educator specializing in graphic design, UX/UI, illustration, and photography. Currently, I lecture at ETH Zürich, helping scientists communicate their research effectively through design. Over the years, I have worked with prestigious clients such as the United Nations Environment Programme, ETH Zurich, and Nature Magazine, continuously delivering creative and user-centric solutions. My journey encompasses a strong background in art direction and creative leadership, with extensive freelance experience and roles in startups, agencies, and academic institutions across several countries. I enjoy blending creativity with user experience principles to impact branding, communication strategies, and digital product designs effectively, always eager to embrace new challenges and lifelong learning.…

Available to hire

I am a passionate and experienced artist, designer, and educator specializing in graphic design, UX/UI, illustration, and photography. Currently, I lecture at ETH Zürich, helping scientists communicate their research effectively through design. Over the years, I have worked with prestigious clients such as the United Nations Environment Programme, ETH Zurich, and Nature Magazine, continuously delivering creative and user-centric solutions.

My journey encompasses a strong background in art direction and creative leadership, with extensive freelance experience and roles in startups, agencies, and academic institutions across several countries. I enjoy blending creativity with user experience principles to impact branding, communication strategies, and digital product designs effectively, always eager to embrace new challenges and lifelong learning.

See more

Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
German
Intermediate
Polish
Fluent
Hebrew (modern)
Fluent

Work Experience

Lecturer (Graphic Design for Scientists) at ETH Zürich
August 1, 2023 - Present
Delivering a course aimed at introducing scientists and researchers to fundamental design principles to help them communicate their scientific messages effectively through various outputs such as presentations and posters.
Lecturer (Graphic Design for Scientists) at ETH Zürich
August 1, 2023 - Present
Teaching a course designed to introduce scientists and researchers to design principles, enabling them to effectively convey scientific messages across various projects such as presentations and posters.
Art director, Illustrator and Photographer at Self-employed
January 1, 2018 - Present
Providing art direction, illustration, and photography services to various clients including UNEP, ETH Zurich, Nature Magazine, and others. Work includes creative projects, publications, and art book publications.
Art director, Illustrator and Photographer at Self-employed
January 1, 2018 - Present
Providing art direction, illustration, and photography services to clients including UNEP, ETH Zurich, Nature Magazine, and various scientific institutes. Published work in scientific and environmental magazines and photographic publications.
Creative Lead (corporate identity + UX/UI design) at What.Digital GmbH
December 31, 2017 - August 25, 2025
Developed branding guidelines and visual strategy for multiple clients, leading visual design projects across platforms including mobile apps. Collaborated closely with creative and software development teams to solve client challenges with user-centric design solutions.
Creative Lead (corporate identity + UX/UI design) at What.Digital GmbH
December 31, 2017 - August 25, 2025
Developed branding guidelines and visual strategies, led visual design projects in an international setting, created UX/UI design for mobile and multi-platform applications, and collaborated with creative and software teams for clients like CSS Insurance and Wenger Watches.
Art Director: UX design and Brand Manager at TOASTED. GmbH
December 31, 2016 - August 25, 2025
Created unified corporate identities and branding strategies for TOASTED and Rivella TOASTED Challenge event. Developed responsive UX/UI designs and conducted user research and usability testing. Managed advertising strategies and coached internal creative teams.
Art Director: UX design and Brand Manager at TOASTED. GmbH
December 31, 2016 - August 25, 2025
Created and unified corporate identity for TOASTED and its annual Rivella TOASTED Challenge event. Developed branding and communication strategies ensuring brand consistency, responsive UX/UI design, user experience research, and advertising oversight. Provided coaching to internal teams and communicated strategy to management.
Senior Art Director at Indie Digital AG
December 31, 2015 - August 25, 2025
Conceptualized and managed advertising strategies, developed branding and responsive UX/UI designs. Delivered web and mobile app designs for Indie Digital and partners, engaging in market research and usability testing.
Senior Art Director at Indie Digital AG
December 31, 2015 - August 25, 2025
Led advertising strategies tailored to client needs, developed company branding and responsive UX/UI design for desktop and mobile, engaged in market research and usability testing for clients such as UPC and Sunrise.
Senior Lecturer: Design and Art Direction at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design
December 31, 2013 - August 25, 2025
Taught and mentored students in art direction, illustration, photography, and graphic design. Developed courses, supervised student progress, and contributed to program development with colleagues.
Business Owner, Creative Lead at Sampler Design advertising agency
December 31, 2013 - August 25, 2025
Led a team of designers and developers focused on creative, branding, UX/UI, and web design. Provided visual strategy consultancy and conducted design workshops and seminars for major clients.
Senior Lecturer: Design and Art Direction at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design
December 31, 2013 - August 25, 2025
Taught and mentored students in art direction, illustration, photography, and graphic design. Developed courses and college programs, supervised student progress, and supported creative and academic development.
Business Owner, Creative Lead at Sampler Design advertising agency
December 31, 2013 - August 25, 2025
Directed a small design and development team focusing on branding, UX/UI design, web design (desktop and mobile), and advertising strategy. Provided visual strategy consultancy and led creative workshops and seminars for clients including McCann Erickson.
Creative Director at Branding Int.
December 31, 2009 - August 25, 2025
Created and developed company branding, advertising strategies, and various advertising materials in web and print. Managed studio operations and mentored design teams.
Lecturer at Kavim College and HackerU College
December 31, 2009 - August 25, 2025
Taught and mentored students while developing courses and supervising progress in design-related subjects.
Creative Director at Branding Int.
December 31, 2009 - August 25, 2025
Created and developed company branding, advertising strategies, UX/UI design and usability testing. Managed studio operations, mentored designers, and led recruitment.
Lecturer and Mentor at Kavim College and HackerU College
December 31, 2009 - August 25, 2025
Developed courses, supervised student work, and provided pastoral care. Focused on illustration, interactive design, and mentoring.
Art Director, Brand Manager at STOretail
December 31, 2008 - August 25, 2025
Managed advertising campaigns and company branding strategies, including UX/UI and web/print design. Led junior teams within the studio.
Art Director, Brand Manager at STOretail
December 31, 2008 - August 25, 2025
Oversaw advertising strategies and company branding, created web and print designs. Managed advertising campaigns for clients including Sony Ericsson and Orange, and mentored junior teams.
Lecturer: Illustration, Interactive Design at Avni College
December 31, 2007 - August 25, 2025
Taught and mentored students, developed courses, and supervised student progress in illustration and interactive design.
Lecturer: Illustration, Interactive Design at Avni College
December 31, 2007 - August 25, 2025
Taught courses, developed curriculum, supervised student progress, and provided pastoral care.

Education

Ph.D. in Applied Arts at Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice, Poland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2013
Master of Arts (Graphic design and illustration) at Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw, Poland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Interactive Design at Bezalel Academy of Fine Arts, Jerusalem, Israel
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2004
Ph.D. in Applied Arts at Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice, Poland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2013
Master of Arts (Graphic design and illustration) at Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw, Poland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Interactive Design at Bezalel Academy of Fine Arts, Jerusalem, Israel
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2004

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Life Sciences, Professional Services, Government, Non-Profit Organization

Skills

Experience Level