KC is an accomplished Senior Designer and Art Director passionate about creating compelling advertising and interfaces that drive market-leading growth. My work has contributed to Walmart surpassing Amazon as the number one retailer worldwide and helped generate massive store opening turnouts for Nordstrom Rack. With expertise spanning graphic design, photo-video direction, interactive and motion media, 3D modeling and animation, UX/UI, full-stack web development, marketing strategy, and leadership, I bring a comprehensive creative vision to every project. I am committed to sustainable design practices, operating on 100% renewable energy while mentoring global creative teams to deliver innovative solutions.…

Kristian Cole Wheelwright

KC is an accomplished Senior Designer and Art Director passionate about creating compelling advertising and interfaces that drive market-leading growth. My work has contributed to Walmart surpassing Amazon as the number one retailer worldwide and helped generate massive store opening turnouts for Nordstrom Rack. With expertise spanning graphic design, photo-video direction, interactive and motion media, 3D modeling and animation, UX/UI, full-stack web development, marketing strategy, and leadership, I bring a comprehensive creative vision to every project. I am committed to sustainable design practices, operating on 100% renewable energy while mentoring global creative teams to deliver innovative solutions.…

Available to hire

KC is an accomplished Senior Designer and Art Director passionate about creating compelling advertising and interfaces that drive market-leading growth. My work has contributed to Walmart surpassing Amazon as the number one retailer worldwide and helped generate massive store opening turnouts for Nordstrom Rack.

With expertise spanning graphic design, photo-video direction, interactive and motion media, 3D modeling and animation, UX/UI, full-stack web development, marketing strategy, and leadership, I bring a comprehensive creative vision to every project. I am committed to sustainable design practices, operating on 100% renewable energy while mentoring global creative teams to deliver innovative solutions.

See more

Skills

Experience Level

Work Experience

Art Director at Walmart Connect
January 31, 2020 - August 26, 2025
Led global and in-house design teams to create on-brand, on-target campaigns, driving a 43% increase in sales and record-breaking holiday earnings. Managed migration to Workfront and AEM systems, acted as group superuser, enhanced production efficiency by developing designer tools and directing photoshoots.
Art Director at Walmart Connect
January 1, 2020 - August 26, 2025
Led global and in-house teams of designers and writers to create on-brand, on-target campaigns driving a 43% increase in sales and record-breaking holiday earnings. Accelerated migration to Workfront and AEM systems and built new design tools and photo shoots to elevate production efficiency and creativity.
Art Director at Walmart Connect
January 1, 2020 - August 26, 2025
Drove a 43% increase in sales and record-breaking holiday earnings as cited by CNBC. Led global and in-house teams of designers and writers to create on-brand, on-target campaigns. Accelerated migration to new Workfront and AEM systems serving as group superuser. Elevated production efficiency and creativity by building new tools and leading photoshoots.
Senior Designer at Nordstrom Rack
August 31, 2018 - August 26, 2025
Led high-performing campaigns achieving up to 20% click-through rates for new store and product launches. Awarded the Glossy Award for technical direction in photo-video shoots and campaign design, enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement.
Senior Designer at Nordstrom Rack
August 1, 2018 - August 26, 2025
Developed campaigns with click-through rates up to 20% for new store and product launches. Awarded the Glossy Award for technical direction on photo-video shoots and campaign design.
Senior Designer at Nordstrom Rack
August 1, 2018 - August 26, 2025
Drove campaigns with click-through rates up to 20% for new store and product launches. Awarded the Glossy Award for technical direction on photo-video shoots and campaign design.
Designer at Nordstrom Rack
April 1, 2017 - August 26, 2025
Enhanced digital and rich media production, replacing multiple agencies and boosting profits. Recognized with the Dream Team Award for building impactful ad campaigns, social media, video, and digital signage.
Designer at Nordstrom Rack
April 1, 2017 - August 26, 2025
Improved digital and rich media production in-house, replacing multiple agencies and boosting profits. Received the Dream Team Award for building ad campaigns including social, video, and digital signage.
Designer at Nordstrom Rack
April 1, 2017 - August 26, 2025
Enhanced digital and rich media production by replacing multiple agencies, which boosted profits. Received Dream Team Award for building ad campaigns, social media, video, and digital signage.
Executive Creative Director at Plump
August 1, 2015 - August 26, 2025
Built a local lifestyle brand from the ground up, achieving a #1 Google search ranking with an organic integrated marketing strategy. Directed all creative and business operations including branding, website and product design, campaigns, PR, and retail.
Executive Creative Director at Plump
August 1, 2015 - August 26, 2025
Built a local lifestyle brand ranked #1 in Google search with an organic integrated marketing strategy. Directed all creative and business operations including branding, website/product design, campaigns, public relations, and retail operations. Earned a nomination for Best Late-Night Collective from Dope Magazine.
Executive Creative Director at Plump
August 1, 2015 - August 26, 2025
Built a local lifestyle brand nominated by Dope Magazine for Best Late-Night Collective. Executed an organic integrated marketing strategy ranking the brand #1 on Google search. Directed creative and business operations including branding, web and product design, campaigns, PR, and retail.
Rich Media Designer at Amazon.com
August 1, 2011 - August 26, 2025
Led the design of rich media ads for the Visa 'Go World' campaign generating over 28 million cheers. Designed interactive homepage takeovers and improved partner brand landing pages to boost sales and performance.
Rich Media Designer at Amazon.com
August 1, 2011 - August 26, 2025
Led design of rich media ads for Visa 'Go World' campaign generating over 28 million cheers. Created interactive homepage takeovers for major campaigns and improved partner brand sales by redesigning landing pages.
Rich Media Designer at Amazon.com
August 1, 2011 - August 26, 2025
Led design of rich media ads for Visa's Go World campaign, generating over 28 million cheers. Designed interactive homepage takeovers on Amazon.com for major campaigns and improved partner brand sales by redesigning landing pages.
Integrated Designer at Publicis Seattle
March 1, 2011 - August 26, 2025
Awarded a Gold Effie for design of rich media in major national campaigns. Conceptualized and designed immersive multichannel campaigns and new business pitch decks, mentoring junior designers and collaborating with writers to deliver brand campaigns.
Integrated Designer at Publicis Seattle
March 1, 2011 - August 26, 2025
Received a Gold Effie award for design and development of rich media for large national campaigns. Developed immersive multichannel campaigns, new business pitch decks, and mentored junior designers.
Integrated Designer at Publicis Seattle
March 1, 2011 - August 26, 2025
Awarded a Gold Effie for rich media design and development in large national campaigns. Led concept and design of immersive multichannel campaigns and new business pitch decks. Mentored junior designers and collaborated with writers on brand campaigns.
Art Director at KC Wheelwright Designs
January 1, 1997 - Present
Designing stunning visual assets and digital solutions for well-known brands including Microsoft 365, X-Box, Glowforge, Mackie, Nascar, Philips, Sonicare, T-Mobile, University of Phoenix, Visa, Whole Foods, YMCA, and more, delivering creative and technical direction to ensure brand consistency and growth.
Art Director at KC Wheelwright Designs
January 1, 1997 - Present
Designing stunning visual assets and digital solutions for well-known brands including Microsoft 365, X-Box, Glowforge, Loud, Mackie, Nascar, Philips, Sonicare, T-Mobile, University of Phoenix, Visa, Wave, Whole Foods, YMCA, and more.
Art Director at KC Wheelwright Designs
January 1, 1997 - Present
Designing stunning visual assets and digital solutions for well-known brands including Microsoft 365, X-Box, Glowforge, Loud, Mackie, Nascar, Philips, Sonicare, T-Mobile, University of Phoenix, Visa, Wave, Wave-G, Whole Foods, YMCA, and more across a broad range of media.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Application Development at North Seattle College
August 1, 2009 - June 1, 2011
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Sustainable Practices at Cascadia College
August 1, 2008 - June 1, 2009
Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) in Multimedia at Shoreline Community College
August 1, 2000 - June 1, 2002
Associate of Technical Arts (ATA) in Graphic and Web Design at Everett Community College
August 1, 1996 - June 1, 1998
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Application Development at North Seattle College
August 1, 2009 - June 1, 2011
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Sustainable Practices at Cascadia College
August 1, 2008 - June 1, 2009
Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) in Multimedia at Shoreline Community College
August 1, 2000 - June 1, 2002
Associate of Technical Arts (ATA) in Graphic and Web Design at Everett Community College
August 1, 1996 - June 1, 1998
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Application Development at North Seattle College
August 1, 2009 - June 1, 2011
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Sustainable Practices at Cascadia College
August 1, 2008 - June 1, 2009
Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) in Multimedia at Shoreline Community College
August 1, 2000 - June 1, 2002
Associate of Technical Arts (ATA) in Graphic and Web Design at Everett Community College
August 1, 1996 - June 1, 1998

Qualifications

Adobe Firefly | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2025 - August 26, 2025
Blender 4 | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2025 - August 26, 2025
Adobe XD | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2019 - August 26, 2025
Raw & Log Video Production Workflows | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2018 - August 26, 2025
Adobe Animate Data-Driven Animation | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2017 - August 26, 2025
Medical Cannabis Consultant License | Washington State Dept. Health
January 1, 2017 - August 26, 2025
Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED Certification | American Heart Association
January 1, 2016 - August 26, 2025
Responsive Design | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2016 - August 26, 2025
Google Studio Certified in HTML5 Ads | Google DoubleClick
January 1, 2016 - August 26, 2025
Adobe Firefly | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2025 - August 26, 2025
Blender 4 | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2025 - August 26, 2025
Adobe XD | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2019 - August 26, 2025
Raw & Log Video Production Workflows | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2018 - August 26, 2025
Adobe Animate Data-Driven Animation | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2017 - August 26, 2025
Medical Cannabis Consultant License | Washington State Dept. Health
January 1, 2017 - August 26, 2025
Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED Certification | American Heart Association
January 1, 2016 - August 26, 2025
Responsive Design | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2016 - August 26, 2025
Google Studio Certified in HTML5 Ads | Google DoubleClick
January 1, 2016 - August 26, 2025
Adobe Firefly | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2025 - August 26, 2025
Blender 4 | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2025 - August 26, 2025
Adobe XD | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2019 - August 26, 2025
Raw & Log Video Production Workflows | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2018 - August 26, 2025
Adobe Animate Data-Driven Animation | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2017 - August 26, 2025
Medical Cannabis Consultant License | Washington State Dept. Health
January 1, 2017 - August 26, 2025
Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED Certification | American Heart Association
January 1, 2016 - August 26, 2025
Responsive Design | LinkedIn Learning
January 1, 2016 - August 26, 2025
Google Studio Certified in HTML5 Ads | Google DoubleClick
January 1, 2016 - August 26, 2025

Industry Experience

Computers & Electronics, Retail, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Education

Skills

Experience Level

Hire a Creative Director

We have the best creative director experts on Twine. Hire a creative director in Seattle today.