Award-winning graphic designer, branding expert, photographer, maker, and creative with over 20 years of versatile experience in designing and developing high-quality brand design, comprehensive brand systems, and creative package design. With deep roots in the West Michigan community, I’m excited to keep building positive, shared experiences for both clients and audiences. I’m driven to create products that do good in this world, and my detail-driven, engaging approach with consumers and stakeholders has delivered responsive design systems that maintain brand integrity across multiple platforms while adapting to evolving user experience requirements. I collaborate across teams to deliver compelling branding and creative output, including photography, illustration, and copywriting, while maintaining consistency of message and brand standards. My goal is to help brands grow with thoughtful, production-ready design that resonates with audiences and drives impact.

Andy Madson Olson

Award-winning graphic designer, branding expert, photographer, maker, and creative with over 20 years of versatile experience in designing and developing high-quality brand design, comprehensive brand systems, and creative package design. With deep roots in the West Michigan community, I’m excited to keep building positive, shared experiences for both clients and audiences. I’m driven to create products that do good in this world, and my detail-driven, engaging approach with consumers and stakeholders has delivered responsive design systems that maintain brand integrity across multiple platforms while adapting to evolving user experience requirements. I collaborate across teams to deliver compelling branding and creative output, including photography, illustration, and copywriting, while maintaining consistency of message and brand standards. My goal is to help brands grow with thoughtful, production-ready design that resonates with audiences and drives impact.

Available to hire

Award-winning graphic designer, branding expert, photographer, maker, and creative with over 20 years of versatile experience in designing and developing high-quality brand design, comprehensive brand systems, and creative package design. With deep roots in the West Michigan community, I’m excited to keep building positive, shared experiences for both clients and audiences. I’m driven to create products that do good in this world, and my detail-driven, engaging approach with consumers and stakeholders has delivered responsive design systems that maintain brand integrity across multiple platforms while adapting to evolving user experience requirements.

I collaborate across teams to deliver compelling branding and creative output, including photography, illustration, and copywriting, while maintaining consistency of message and brand standards. My goal is to help brands grow with thoughtful, production-ready design that resonates with audiences and drives impact.

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Work Experience

Branding & Design Director at VSBL
July 1, 2021 - January 31, 2023
Crafted and managed VSBL’s brand identity and creative output while leading design strategy and delivery for both internal initiatives and client engagements. Developed and maintained visual identity systems, brand voice, and internal brand standards. Set visual direction for campaigns across key brand touchpoints. Managed designers and visual artists by delegating work and providing constructive feedback. Created logos and core brand assets, ensuring consistency across applications. Produced web design work with UX/UI direction, and directed supporting visual content including illustration and photography. Contributed copywriting aligned with brand tone and messaging goals. Reviewed work to support quality and deadlines for junior designers.
Creative Strategist at MLive Media Group
July 1, 2013 - July 31, 2021
Directed brand and marketing creative for clients in a fast-paced environment, collaborating closely to deliver high-quality, on-time design solutions across digital and print while guiding junior designers. Partnered with clients to build effective branding, advertising, and marketing strategies. Translated discovery insights from focus groups and strategy sessions into campaign and brand direction. Built and maintained client brand standards, including logos, branded assets, and visual guidelines. Designed advertising and campaign assets with a focus on craft, clarity, and ROI. Designed user-focused web layouts with UX/UI considerations. Delivered photography and copywriting support to strengthen concepts and maintain consistency of message. Juggled multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining timeliness, accuracy, and consistency.
Graphic Design Lead at Grooters
May 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
Supported the Owner/Creative Director with production-ready design across brand identity, UX/UI, and photography. Supported concept development and refined direction with the Owner/Creative Director and clients. Designed logos and brand identity assets with a focus on craft, consistency, and production-ready execution. Created web and app designs (UX/UI), translating user needs into clean and functional interfaces. Created book and album covers from concept through final files for print and digital distribution. Delivered clear, iterative design revisions based on feedback to maintain momentum and client satisfaction.
Graphic Designer/Photographer at Freelance
April 1, 2008 - May 31, 2012
Delivered end-to-end branding and design for clients across print, web, apparel, illustration, and photography with strong attention to detail. Partnered directly with clients to translate goals and feedback into cohesive brand solutions. Designed logos and visual identity systems with a focus on originality, consistency, and long-term usability. Created packaging and print materials, preparing press-ready files with meticulous production specs. Designed responsive web layouts that balanced brand consistency, usability, and clean visual hierarchy. Developed apparel graphics and merch-ready artwork, ensuring accurate sizing, placement, and color matching. Produced custom illustrations to support brand storytelling across channels. In-studio and on-site photography, including planning, shooting, and image selection to fit brand direction. Managed projects from concept to final files, coordinating feedback and meeting timelines.
Design Lead - Volunteer at Creative Mornings
March 1, 2023 - October 1, 2024
Designed social media posts and signage for monthly events featuring a speaker from the creative community, maintained brand standards for the Grand Rapids based chapter.
Surface Repair Technician at The Surface Experts
January 1, 2025 - February 1, 2026
Restored residential surfaces including countertops, flooring, tubs and showers, and stainless steel appliances by following precise procedures and applying practical color theory and a sharp eye for detail to deliver clean, high-quality finishes.
Bartender/Game Goblin at House Rules Board Game Lounge
December 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024
Facilitated a welcoming, well-run experience in a busy board game bar by translating customer needs into great game recommendations, teaching rules with patience and precision, and juggling service tasks with ease.
Graphic Design Lead at Poetice
May 1, 2011 - August 31, 2011
Provided a non-profit with brand strategy, visual marketing, web design, and apparel design support while ensuring a consistent visual identity across key touchpoints.
Design Intern/Studio Photographer at Relevant Magazine
May 1, 2009 - August 31, 2009
Worked under the Design Lead to produce thoughtful, production-ready ad placements and designs, article and cover layouts, apparel graphics, and studio and on-site photography that supported a cohesive visual story.

Education

Graphic Design & Photography at Kendal College of Art & Design
September 1, 2008 - May 1, 2010
Studio Art at Hope College
January 1, 2005 - May 1, 2008

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Education