Creative Director and brand architect with over a decade of experience building culturally resonant work across fine art, music, fashion, live events, and digital content. Founder of Rainbow Gardenias, a multidisciplinary creative brand with a distinct visual identity, growing social presence, and a proven track record of converting audiences into buyers. Valedictorian graduate of Full Sail University with advanced degrees in Music Production and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Fluent in the language of brand storytelling, community activation, and experiential design. Available for brand partnerships, creative direction, campaign concepting, artist collaborations, and ambassador relationships.

Christopher A. Graves II

Creative Director and brand architect with over a decade of experience building culturally resonant work across fine art, music, fashion, live events, and digital content. Founder of Rainbow Gardenias, a multidisciplinary creative brand with a distinct visual identity, growing social presence, and a proven track record of converting audiences into buyers. Valedictorian graduate of Full Sail University with advanced degrees in Music Production and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Fluent in the language of brand storytelling, community activation, and experiential design. Available for brand partnerships, creative direction, campaign concepting, artist collaborations, and ambassador relationships.

Available to hire

Creative Director and brand architect with over a decade of experience building culturally resonant work across fine art, music, fashion, live events, and digital content. Founder of Rainbow Gardenias, a multidisciplinary creative brand with a distinct visual identity, growing social presence, and a proven track record of converting audiences into buyers. Valedictorian graduate of Full Sail University with advanced degrees in Music Production and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Fluent in the language of brand storytelling, community activation, and experiential design. Available for brand partnerships, creative direction, campaign concepting, artist collaborations, and ambassador relationships.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Work Experience

Founder and Creative Director at Rainbow Gardenias
January 1, 2014 - Present
Founded Rainbow Gardenias and built a multidisciplinary creative brand with an active cross-platform presence on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts. Developed a consistent brand identity, visual language, and content strategy across channels, physical artwork, merchandise, and live events. Created and distributed content across formats including short form video, live streaming, painted activations, event documentation, and product launches. Grew an engaged audience of art collectors, Milwaukee creatives, and cultural enthusiasts through authentic storytelling and community-first content. Managed brand partnerships, commissions, and client relationships independently from first contact through delivery. Produced and distributed four full-length music albums, including all graphic design, marketing, and release strategy. Completed twenty album and single cover designs, four logo commissions, and over forty portrait commissions, demonstrating range across visual brand delive
Event Organizer and Host at Barcoded Hip-Hop Event
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Conceived, branded, and produced Barcoded, an original Milwaukee hip-hop event in 2024 and 2025. Managed promotional content, social media, artist bookings, venue logistics, and night-of hosting, functioning as a one-person brand and content team.
Executive Producer and Creative Director at The Gauntlet (I.R.A.N.)
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Directed all creative output for a 72-hour collaborative recording event including 30 artists, 12 producers, and 2 film crews. Delivered a complete album, music video, and documentary within the production window, managing creative direction, logistics, and talent simultaneously.
Director of Sound and Score Composer at Caught Short Film
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Composed original score and handled all audio post-production for a short film selected for six festivals — demonstrating ability to match creative output to brand narrative and emotional intent.
Resident Artist at Uplifting Mansion
March 1, 2027 - Present
Created original work on-site and contributed to the Uplifting Mansion community through painting, performance, and creative programming.
DJ at Independent
January 1, 2020 - Present
Performed at Milwaukee venues, private events, and Passion Park Fest — building a live brand presence that extends Rainbow Gardenias into physical audience spaces. Integrated live performance with visual art installations to create multi-sensory branded experiences.
Server at The Cheesecake Factory
December 1, 2022 - January 1, 2026
High-volume upscale casual dining. Managed guest relationships across large sections, maintained brand standards under pressure, and drove repeat visits through consistent experience delivery.
Digital Print Operator at Craft Beverage Warehouse
April 1, 2023 - October 1, 2023
Maintained color accuracy and quality control across production runs — directly applicable to visual brand standards and print asset production.
Expo, Server, and Bartender at Se7en Bites | Cinco Tacos and Tequila
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2022
Fast-paced hospitality roles; built skills in rapid communication, upselling, and delivering brand-based service across diverse guest demographics.
Expo, Server, Food Runner, Busser at Garces Restaurant Group
May 1, 2013 - June 1, 2015
Founding staff for two casino restaurants; served 300-400 guests daily; built foundational skills in high-volume brand experience, team coordination, and real-time problem solving.

Education

Master's in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Full Sail University
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Bachelor of Science in Music Production at Full Sail University
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Retail, Other