I am a Creative Director and Transdisciplinary Leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in brand development, multimedia production, and strategic marketing. I have a proven track record of leading high-impact creative campaigns, driving audience engagement, and managing cross-functional teams. My expertise lies in innovative leadership and design strategies tailored for future-conscious organizations, including ecommerce, entertainment brands, and advertising agencies. Throughout my career, I have supported storytelling-based productions, political campaigns, and nonprofit branding initiatives. I emphasize data-driven strategy combined with captivating design and award-winning creative direction to elevate brand missions. I am dedicated to producing impactful work that resonates across diverse audiences and sectors.…

Will Johnson

I am a Creative Director and Transdisciplinary Leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in brand development, multimedia production, and strategic marketing. I have a proven track record of leading high-impact creative campaigns, driving audience engagement, and managing cross-functional teams. My expertise lies in innovative leadership and design strategies tailored for future-conscious organizations, including ecommerce, entertainment brands, and advertising agencies. Throughout my career, I have supported storytelling-based productions, political campaigns, and nonprofit branding initiatives. I emphasize data-driven strategy combined with captivating design and award-winning creative direction to elevate brand missions. I am dedicated to producing impactful work that resonates across diverse audiences and sectors.…

Available to hire

I am a Creative Director and Transdisciplinary Leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in brand development, multimedia production, and strategic marketing. I have a proven track record of leading high-impact creative campaigns, driving audience engagement, and managing cross-functional teams. My expertise lies in innovative leadership and design strategies tailored for future-conscious organizations, including ecommerce, entertainment brands, and advertising agencies.

Throughout my career, I have supported storytelling-based productions, political campaigns, and nonprofit branding initiatives. I emphasize data-driven strategy combined with captivating design and award-winning creative direction to elevate brand missions. I am dedicated to producing impactful work that resonates across diverse audiences and sectors.

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Skills

Experience Level

Work Experience

Creative Director & Founder at HRZN SHFT Studios
January 1, 2010 - Present
Founded and incubated HRZN SHFT Studios as a creative innovation lab and strategic agency dedicated to empowering future-forward brands through design, multimedia production, and strategic marketing. Secured over $50K in retainer contracts, supporting branding, media production, and marketing campaigns for storytelling-based productions such as Netflix, BRIC TV, and the Lasagna Ganja Podcast featuring Xzibit. Directed branding and campaign strategy for Devin Barrington-Ward’s 2024 Atlanta City Council run, increasing voter engagement by 110%. Led the 2025 rebrand and digital media strategy for the National Black Harm Reduction Network, boosting donor engagement by 90%.
Marketing Strategist & Senior Designer at Trilogy Interactive
December 31, 2022 - August 27, 2025
Directed user-generated content and social media campaigns through B2B and influencer marketing for voter education and engagement. Designed cinematic social media content that contributed to increased voter turnout and legislative support on national ballot initiatives. Led Creative Direction for digital campaigns like Yes for Massachusetts Drivers and Michigan's Promote the Vote 2022, achieving 97 million completed video views and 60% voter approval. Produced thousands of multimedia video ads generating over 124 million impressions and 67 million views in a high-stakes election cycle.
Creative Director at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Contract via Dynamic Integrated Services)
December 31, 2021 - August 27, 2025
Led strategic marketing and communications initiatives to strengthen internal messaging and brand reputation. Produced the “It Starts With Us” executive video series and directed animations simplifying data privacy messaging for government audiences, ensuring federal creative standards compliance.
Motion Graphics Designer at International Monetary Fund (Contract via Team People)
December 31, 2019 - August 27, 2025
Directed global policy explainers and infographic animations for business and government audiences. Collaborated with senior IMF executives to create high-impact messaging visuals under tight production schedules.
Lead Multimedia Designer at AvePoint, Inc. (Microsoft MVP)
December 31, 2018 - August 27, 2025
Led creative direction for product marketing and thought leadership content. Art directed multimedia production aligning global teams between the U.S. and China. Oversaw live event production, international travel shoots, and agile post-production workflows. Directed video and animation assets for onboarding, internal communications, and community outreach.
Digital Arts Instructor at Mindframe Education
December 31, 2018 - August 27, 2025
Designed and taught 3D modeling, cel animation, and digital illustration to K–12 students. Increased program inquiries and enrollment through targeted visual marketing collateral.
Product Marketing Designer at fibre space & Lion Brand Yarn Studio
December 31, 2017 - August 27, 2025
Directed product photography, merchandising, and knitwear styling for boutique retail. Produced life-size sculptural marketing materials increasing foot traffic, class registrations, and brand loyalty. Created custom textile garments, patterns, and social content for brand elevation.
Operations Manager – Student Housing & Residence Life at The New School
December 31, 2016 - August 27, 2025
Managed day-to-day operations for an 800-bed residence hall overseeing a 12-person staff. Provided budget oversight, judicial affairs guidance, and crisis management training. Supported university-wide rebrand by leading creative for animated and digital content, enhancing student engagement through immersive onboarding visuals.
Multimedia Designer – Marketing & Communications at The New School
December 31, 2015 - August 27, 2025
Led creative for animated, digital, and print content supporting the 2015 university rebrand. Enhanced student engagement and resource accessibility with immersive onboarding visuals.
Creative Director & Founder at HRZN SHFT Studios
January 1, 2010 - Present
Founded HRZN SHFT Studios as a creative innovation lab and strategic agency focused on empowering future-forward brands through design, multimedia production, and strategic marketing. Secured over $50K in retainer contracts and partnered with notable clients including Netflix, BRIC TV, and Cogent World. Led brand identity, campaign strategy, and audio production for various projects including political campaigns and nonprofit rebrands.
Marketing Strategist & Senior Designer at Trilogy Interactive
December 31, 2022 - August 27, 2025
Directed user-generated content and social media campaigns integrating B2B and influencer marketing strategies to educate and inspire voters. Created cinematic social content that supported successful national and congressional ballot initiatives. Led targeted digital campaigns generating over 124 million impressions and 67 million views in a high-stakes election cycle.
Creative Director at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Contract via Dynamic Integrated Services)
December 31, 2021 - August 27, 2025
Led strategic marketing and internal communications initiatives to strengthen messaging and brand reputation. Produced executive video series and animated content to simplify complex topics for government audiences while ensuring alignment with federal standards.
Motion Graphics Designer at International Monetary Fund (Contract via Team People)
December 31, 2019 - August 27, 2025
Directed global policy explainers and infographic animations for business and government audiences. Partnered with senior executives to craft high-priority messaging visuals under tight deadlines.
Lead Multimedia Designer at AvePoint, Inc. (Microsoft MVP)
December 31, 2018 - August 27, 2025
Led creative direction for product marketing, training, and thought leadership content. Coordinated global multimedia production teams across U.S. and China. Managed live event production, international shoots, and agile post-production workflows.
Creative Director & Founder at HRZN SHF T Studios
January 1, 2010 - Present
Founded and led HRZN SHF T Studios, a creative innovation lab and strategic agency. Secured over $50K in retainer contracts supporting e-commerce, entertainment, government, influencer, nonprofit, and tech sectors. Delivered branding, multimedia, and marketing campaigns for clients including Netflix, BRIC TV, and Cogent World, as well as political campaigns and nonprofits. Directed audio production for the Lasagna Ganja Podcast. Developed brand identities and digital media strategies that significantly increased engagement and donor support.
Marketing Strategist & Senior Designer at Trilogy Interactive
December 31, 2022 - August 27, 2025
Directed user-generated content and social media campaigns integrating influencer marketing and testimonial-driven strategies to educate and inspire voters. Led creative direction for campaigns focused on voter turnout and legislative support, including 'Yes for Massachusetts Drivers' and 'Michigan's Promote the Vote 2022,' producing 110 unique videos and generating over 97 million video views. Produced thousands of multimedia video ads targeting diverse voter groups, reaching 124 million impressions and 67 million views during an election cycle.
Creative Director at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Contract via Dynamic Integrated Services)
January 1, 2021 - August 27, 2025
Led strategic marketing and communication initiatives that strengthened internal messaging and brand reputation. Produced the 'It Starts With Us' executive video series and animated 'A Veteran’s Data Journey' to simplify data privacy messaging for federal audiences, aligning content with government standards.
Motion Graphics Designer at International Monetary Fund (Contract via Team People)
December 31, 2019 - August 27, 2025
Directed global policy explainer videos and infographic animations for international business and government audiences. Collaborated with senior IMF executives to craft high-stakes messaging visuals under tight production schedules.
Lead Multimedia Designer at AvePoint, Inc. (Microsoft MVP)
December 31, 2018 - August 27, 2025
Led creative direction for product marketing, training, and thought leadership multimedia content. Art directed global teams in the U.S. and China for scalable campaign execution. Oversaw live event production and international travel shoots with agile post-production workflows. Directed video and animations for onboarding, internal communications, and community outreach.
Digital Arts Instructor at Mindframe Education
January 1, 2018 - August 27, 2025
Designed and taught courses on 3D modeling, cel animation, and digital illustration to K–12 students, increasing program inquiries and enrollment through targeted marketing collateral.
Product Marketing Designer at Fibre Space / Lion Brand Yarn Studio
January 1, 2017 - August 27, 2025
Directed product photography, merchandising, and knitwear styling for boutiques. Produced sculptural marketing materials for store windows and visual merchandising, increasing foot traffic and brand loyalty. Created custom textile garments, patterns, and social content.
Operations Manager – Student Housing & Residence Life at The New School
January 1, 2016 - August 27, 2025
Managed daily operations for an 800-bed residence hall, supervised staff, managed budgets, crisis training, and judicial affairs. Supported university rebranding by leading creative development for animated, digital, and print content to enhance student engagement.

Education

BFA Illustration & Motion Design at Parsons: The New School for Design
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2015
BA Culture Studies & Media Production at Eugene Lang: The New School for Liberal Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2016
Certificate Studio Photography & Film at Carnegie Mellon University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2010
BFA Illustration & Motion Design at Parsons: The New School for Design
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015
BA Culture Studies & Media Production at Eugene Lang: The New School for Liberal Arts
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Certificate Studio Photography & Film at Carnegie Mellon University
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
BFA | Illustration & Motion Design at Parsons: The New School for Design
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015
BA | Culture Studies & Media Production at Eugene Lang: The New School for Liberal Arts
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Certificate | Studio Photography & Film at Carnegie Mellon University
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010

Qualifications

Certificate Studio Photography & Film
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2010
Certificate in Studio Photography & Film
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Retail, Software & Internet, Education, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level