Hi, I’m Ilona D. Banta, a Creative Director of Photography and Visual Designer with 10+ years of experience delivering impactful digital content for global brands. I specialize in bold visual storytelling, precise execution, and strategic cross-functional collaboration. I love turning brand ideas into cohesive visuals across photography, digital design, and UX-focused solutions. Based in Charlotte, NC, I collaborate with teams worldwide to raise engagement and sales through compelling imagery and user-centered design.…

Ilona D. Banta

Hi, I’m Ilona D. Banta, a Creative Director of Photography and Visual Designer with 10+ years of experience delivering impactful digital content for global brands. I specialize in bold visual storytelling, precise execution, and strategic cross-functional collaboration. I love turning brand ideas into cohesive visuals across photography, digital design, and UX-focused solutions. Based in Charlotte, NC, I collaborate with teams worldwide to raise engagement and sales through compelling imagery and user-centered design.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Ilona D. Banta, a Creative Director of Photography and Visual Designer with 10+ years of experience delivering impactful digital content for global brands. I specialize in bold visual storytelling, precise execution, and strategic cross-functional collaboration.

I love turning brand ideas into cohesive visuals across photography, digital design, and UX-focused solutions. Based in Charlotte, NC, I collaborate with teams worldwide to raise engagement and sales through compelling imagery and user-centered design.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Czech
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Photographer & Visual Designer at Self-Employed / Freelance
May 1, 2024 - Present
E-commerce product photography, lifestyle shoots, and professional portraiture. Creative direction and concept development for clients in fashion, wellness, and consumer goods.
Director of Visual Strategy & Image Production at IR Global USA
February 2, 2024 - May 20, 2024
Directed visual strategy and image production for 3 e-commerce brands (Global Hookah Wholesale; South Smoke; Hookah-Shisha). Created brand guidelines, improved digital image quality, and enhanced email marketing visuals. Collaborated across marketing, e-commerce, and operations teams to align branding.
Freelance Photographer at Self-Employed (Spain)
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Specialized in family portraiture and tabletop photography. Developed visual content and marketing materials for small business clients. Managed client communications, editing, scheduling, and location planning.
Graphic Designer at Amscan Inc.
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2006
Designed exclusive stationery and party merchandise. Handcrafted visual concepts and retouched product photography.
Usability Lab Coordinator at Academy of Art University, San Francisco
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Facilitated usability testing using Moraes software. Consulted with students on interface improvements and design strategy.
UX/UI Designer (Freelance) at Freelance
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2010
UX/UI design and visual design for various clients.
Web Liaison & UX/UI Designer (Site Redesign) at Junior League of San Francisco
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2010
Web liaison and UX/UI designer for site redesign.
Assistant Designer at Taproot Foundation
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2010
Assisted brand redesign for Kid Power International.

Education

MFA in New Media at Academy of Art University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2010
BFA in Graphic Design at SUNY Purchase, New York
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2003

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet

Skills

Experience Level