I’m Kristen Janes, a Creative Director and Lead Designer with over 20 years of experience building brands and crafting immersive experiences. I thrive on turning big ideas into tangible, story-driven campaigns, uniting strategy, design and production to deliver memorable guest experiences and measurable growth.\n\nI specialize in branding, experiential marketing and end-to-end creative leadership, guiding projects from concept to execution. I’m known for my hands-on collaboration with vendors and clients, detailed execution, and a passion for mentoring teams to reach their highest potential.…

Kristen Janes

I’m Kristen Janes, a Creative Director and Lead Designer with over 20 years of experience building brands and crafting immersive experiences. I thrive on turning big ideas into tangible, story-driven campaigns, uniting strategy, design and production to deliver memorable guest experiences and measurable growth.\n\nI specialize in branding, experiential marketing and end-to-end creative leadership, guiding projects from concept to execution. I’m known for my hands-on collaboration with vendors and clients, detailed execution, and a passion for mentoring teams to reach their highest potential.…

Available to hire

I’m Kristen Janes, a Creative Director and Lead Designer with over 20 years of experience building brands and crafting immersive experiences. I thrive on turning big ideas into tangible, story-driven campaigns, uniting strategy, design and production to deliver memorable guest experiences and measurable growth.\n\nI specialize in branding, experiential marketing and end-to-end creative leadership, guiding projects from concept to execution. I’m known for my hands-on collaboration with vendors and clients, detailed execution, and a passion for mentoring teams to reach their highest potential.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Director + Principal Designer at Kio Kreations, LLC
November 1, 2008 - June 1, 2025
Run successful boutique design firm specializing in graphic design, floral design, event design & production. Manage staff including hiring, scheduling, training and payroll. Design graphics including logos, product renderings, wireframes and mockups. Create content and manage social media marketing for multiple brands. Develop and implement marketing plans to grow business. Consult & collaborate with clients and vendors to create synergy. Generate quotes and contracts.
Lead In-Store Production Designer at Ulta Beauty
May 1, 2022 - June 30, 2025
Collaborated with visual, creative and merchant teams, brands, fixture vendors and printers to ensure project success. Performed intake of brand & internal artwork. Lead team on large design projects - managed work flow, identified pain points, and successfully met deadlines. Ensured accurate formatting and layout of files in InDesign, proofed, packaged and uploaded final artwork to server. Created & adjusted dielines and reformatted templates. Created wireframes, renderings, charts, overviews and galleries. Performed daily tasks under firm deadlines and prioritized multiple projects simultaneously. Utilized workflow management platforms Monday.com, Workfront, and Miro. Performed data merges between Excel and InDesign and used scripts to expedite processes. Showcased excellent time-management and project prioritization skills daily. Supported management & creative partners. Became integral partner in the expansion of Wellness category; generating thousands of graphics while managing co
Graphic Designer + Illustrator at Freelance + Contract
May 1, 2016 - June 1, 2025
Designed digital ads and social media platforms, created branding and packaging design, and produced marketing materials. Clients included CVS, Blend Apothecary, GroTurf, GreenStar Paperie, and A Posh Production.
Product Designer at Wilton Brands / Weston Gallery
December 1, 2004 - November 30, 2008
Designed graphics and products for multiple retail channels including Walmart, Target, Joann and Party City. Created patterns, color palettes, characters, icons, die-lines, packaging, logos, wireframes, renderings and full-scale mock-ups. Researched trends, created trend reports and presentations, and provided creative direction to freelance artists. Directed product photography shoots and worked with licensees to develop co-branded products.
Creative Director + Lead Designer at Kio Kreations, LLC
November 1, 2008 - Present
Directed creative strategy and production for 1,000+ branded events, integrating floral, graphic and spatial design to create immersive, story-driven environments. Led cross-functional vendor collaboration, budget oversight and client communications, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery with elevated guest experiences. Developed and maintained brand identities for diverse clients, producing logos, print collateral, digital assets and social media content. Designed and executed custom marketing strategies aligned with client business goals, driving measurable growth and long-term retention. Scaled a boutique creative studio by optimizing workflows, expanding service offerings and strengthening client relationships.
Lead In-Store Production Designer at Ulta Beauty
June 1, 2025 - September 12, 2025
Directed cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and brand partners to deliver cohesive, high-impact design solutions for retail environments. Oversaw large-scale projects from intake through execution, managing workflows and optimizing processes with Workfront, Miro and Monday.com to meet aggressive deadlines. Supervised design production for thousands of in-store graphics and templates, ensuring brand consistency and precision across dielines, wireframes and layouts in InDesign. Led visual strategy and execution for multiple category launches, including the successful expansion of Wellness, acting as a primary liaison for vendor coordination and quality control.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at CVS
May 1, 2016 - Present
Directed creative development for digital ads across social and email channels, guiding design strategy through trend research and curated inspiration boards to align with brand vision. Led brand strategy and creative direction across print, digital and social platforms for multiple clients, ensuring cohesive brand identity. Managed end-to-end production including packaging, promotional campaigns, and in-store materials; oversaw freelance artists, photography direction, and vendor coordination to ensure quality and on-brand execution.
Product + Graphic Designer at Wilton Brands / Weston Gallery
November 1, 2008 - September 12, 2025
Led creative development for products and graphics for Walmart, Target and Party City, overseeing design from concept to production. Managed freelance artists and directed photoshoots for packaging and in-store signage to ensure brand consistency. Guided co-branded collaborations and delivered innovative design solutions aligned with market trends and brand goals.
Creative Director + Lead Designer at Kio Kreations, LLC
November 1, 2008 - Present
Directed creative strategy and production for 1,000+ branded events, integrating floral, graphic and spatial design to create immersive, story-driven environments. Led cross-functional vendor collaboration, budget oversight and client communications, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery with elevated guest experiences. Developed and maintained brand identities for diverse clients, producing logos, print collateral, digital assets and social content. Designed and executed custom marketing strategies aligned with client business goals, driving measurable growth and long-term retention. Scaled a boutique creative studio by optimizing workflows, expanding service offerings and strengthening client relationships. Recognized for uniting big-picture vision with meticulous execution across event production and brand design initiatives.
Lead In-Store Production Designer at Ulta Beauty
June 1, 2025 - September 12, 2025
Directed cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and brand partners to deliver cohesive, high-impact design solutions for retail environments. Oversaw large-scale projects from intake through execution, managing workflows and optimizing processes with Workfront, Miro and Monday to meet aggressive deadlines. Supervised design production for thousands of in-store graphics and templates, ensuring brand consistency and precision across dielines, wireframes, and layouts in InDesign. Led visual strategy and execution for multiple category launches, including the successful expansion of Wellness, acting as a primary liaison for vendor coordination and quality control.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at Freelance + Contract
May 1, 2016 - Present
Directed creative development for digital ads across social and email channels for clients including CVS, Haines on Main, Blend Apothecary, GroTurf, and A Posh Production, guiding design strategy from concept through execution and ensuring brand consistency across print, digital and social platforms.
Product + Graphic Designer at Wilton Brands / Weston Gallery
November 1, 2008 - September 12, 2025
Led creative development for products and graphics for Walmart, Target and Party City, overseeing design from concept to production. Managed freelance artists and directed photoshoots for packaging and in-store signage to ensure brand consistency. Guided co-branded collaborations and delivered innovative design solutions aligned with market trends and brand goals.
Creative Director + Lead Designer at Kio Kreations, LLC
November 1, 2008 - Present
Directed creative strategy and production for 1,000+ branded events, integrating floral, graphic and spatial design to create immersive, story-driven environments. Led cross-functional vendor collaboration, budget oversight and client communications, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery with elevated guest experiences. Developed and maintained brand identities for diverse clients, producing logos, print collateral, digital assets and social media content. Designed and executed custom marketing strategies aligned with client business goals, driving measurable growth and long-term retention. Scaled a boutique creative studio by optimizing workflows, expanding service offerings and strengthening client relationships. Recognized for uniting big-picture vision with meticulous execution across event production and brand design initiatives.
Lead In-Store Production Designer at Ulta Beauty
June 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025
Directed cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and brand partners to deliver cohesive, high-impact design solutions for retail environments. Oversaw large-scale projects from intake through execution, managing workflows and optimizing processes with Workfront, Miro and Monday.com to meet aggressive deadlines. Supervised design production for thousands of in-store graphics and templates, ensuring brand consistency and precision across dielines, wireframes and layouts in InDesign. Led visual strategy and execution for multiple category launches, including the successful expansion of Wellness, acting as a primary liaison for vendor coordination and quality control.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at CVS
May 1, 2016 - Present
Directed creative development for digital ads across social and email channels, guiding design strategy through trend research and curated inspiration boards to align with brand vision.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at Haines on Main
May 1, 2016 - Present
Led brand strategy and creative direction across print, digital and social platforms, managing end-to-end execution to ensure consistent brand identity.
Product + Graphic Designer at Wilton Brands / Weston Gallery
November 1, 2008 - October 1, 2025
Led creative development for products and graphics for Walmart, Target and Party City, overseeing design from concept to production. Managed freelance artists and directed photoshoots for packaging and in-store signage to ensure brand consistency. Guided co-branded collaborations and delivered innovative design solutions aligned with market trends and brand goals.
Creative Director + Lead Designer at Kio Kreations, LLC
November 1, 2008 - Present
Directed creative strategy and production for 1,000+ branded events, integrating floral, graphic and spatial design to create immersive, story-driven environments. Led cross-functional vendor collaboration, budget oversight and client communications, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery with elevated guest experiences. Developed and maintained brand identities, producing logos, print collateral, digital assets and social media content. Designed and executed custom marketing strategies aligned with client business goals, driving measurable growth and long-term retention. Scaled a boutique creative studio by optimizing workflows, expanding service offerings and strengthening client relationships.
Lead In-Store Production Designer at Ulta Beauty
June 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025
Directed cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and brand partners to deliver cohesive, high-impact design solutions for retail environments. Oversaw large-scale projects from intake through execution, managing workflows and optimizing processes with Workfront, Miro and Monday.com. Supervised design production for thousands of in-store graphics and templates, ensuring brand consistency and precision across dielines, wireframes and layouts in InDesign. Led visual strategy and execution for multiple category launches, including the successful expansion of Wellness, acting as a primary liaison for vendor coordination and quality control.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at Freelance + Contract
May 1, 2016 - Present
Directed creative development for digital ads across social and email channels, guiding design strategy through trend research and curated inspiration boards to align with brand vision. Worked with CVS (Woonsocket, RI) and other clients to maintain consistent brand identity across campaigns and platforms.
Product + Graphic Designer at WILTON BRANDS / WESTON GALLERY
November 1, 2008 - October 1, 2025
Led creative development for products and graphics for Walmart, Target and Party City, overseeing design from concept to production. Managed freelance artists and directed photoshoots for packaging and in-store signage to ensure brand consistency. Guided co-branded collaborations and delivered innovative design solutions aligned with market trends and brand goals.
Creative Director + Lead Designer at Kio Kreations, LLC
November 1, 2008 - Present
Directed creative strategy and production for 1,000+ branded events, integrating floral, graphic and spatial design to create immersive, story-driven environments. Led cross-functional vendor collaboration, budget oversight and client communications, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery with elevated guest experiences. Developed and maintained brand identities for diverse clients, producing logos, print collateral, digital assets and social media content. Designed and executed custom marketing strategies aligned with client business goals, driving measurable growth and long-term retention. Scaled a boutique creative studio by optimizing workflows, expanding service offerings and strengthening client relationships. Recognized for uniting big-picture vision with meticulous execution across event production and brand design initiatives.
Lead In-Store Production Designer at Ulta Beauty
June 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025
Directed cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and brand partners to deliver cohesive, high-impact design solutions for retail environments. Oversaw large-scale projects from intake through execution, managing workflows and optimizing processes with Workfront, Miro and Monday.com to meet aggressive deadlines. Supervised design production for thousands of in-store graphics and templates, ensuring brand consistency and precise dielines, wireframes and layouts in InDesign. Led visual strategy and execution for multiple category launches, including the successful expansion of Wellness, acting as a primary liaison for vendor coordination and quality control.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at Freelance + Contract
May 1, 2016 - Present
Directed creative development for digital ads across social and email channels, guiding design strategy through trend research and curated inspiration boards to align with brand vision.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at CVS
May 1, 2016 - Present
Directed creative development for digital ads across social and email channels, guiding design strategy through trend research and curated inspiration boards to align with brand vision.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at Haines on Main
May 1, 2016 - Present
Led brand strategy and creative direction across print, digital and social platforms, managing end-to-end execution to ensure consistent brand identity.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at Blend Apothecary
May 1, 2016 - Present
Oversaw concept-to-delivery of cohesive brand visuals, including packaging, promo campaigns and product presentation.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at GroTurf
May 1, 2016 - Present
Managed creative production of marketing and stakeholder materials, supporting brand growth and market positioning.
Art Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Illustrator at A Posh Production
May 1, 2016 - Present
Directed design and delivery of polished, on-brand assets for high-profile events and promotional use, ensuring alignment with client objectives.
Product + Graphic Designer at Wilton Brands / Weston Gallery
November 30, 2008 - October 1, 2025
Led creative development for products and graphics for Walmart, Target and Party City, overseeing design from concept to production. Managed freelance artists and directed photoshoots for packaging and in-store signage to ensure brand consistency. Guided co-branded collaborations and delivered innovative design solutions aligned with market trends and brand goals.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Art at Northern Illinois University
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2004
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Illustration at Northern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
Wedding Planning Certificate at Harper College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Google UX Design Certificate at Coursera
January 11, 2030 - September 12, 2025
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate at Meta
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2023
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Illustration at Northern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
Wedding Planning Certificate at Harper College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Google UX Design Certificate at Coursera
January 11, 2030 - September 12, 2025
Social Media Marketing Certificate at Meta
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2023
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Northern Illinois University
January 1, 2000 - October 1, 2025
Wedding Planning Certificate at Harper College
January 1, 2007 - October 1, 2025
Google UX Design Certificates at Coursera
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificates at Meta
December 1, 2023 - October 1, 2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Illustration at Northern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
Wedding Planning Certificate at Harper College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Illustration at Northern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
Wedding Planning Certificate at Harper College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Google UX Design Certificate at Coursera
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate at Meta
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2023

Qualifications

Google UX Design Certificates
February 1, 2024 - February 29, 2024
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificates
December 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Wedding Planning Certificate
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Google UX Design Certificate
January 11, 2030 - September 12, 2025
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2023
Google UX Design Certificate
January 11, 2030 - September 12, 2025
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2023
Wedding Planning Certificate
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Wedding Planning Certificate
January 1, 2007 - October 1, 2025
Google UX Design Certificates
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificates
December 1, 2023 - October 1, 2025
Google UX Design Certificate (Coursera)
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificates
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2023
Wedding Planning Certificate
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Google UX Design Certificate (Coursera)
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2023

Industry Experience

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

Skills

Experience Level