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Hi, I'm Charles Strauch, a packaging designer with over 25 years of experience working with top consumer brands like KitchenAid and Hershey's S'mores. I love blending strategic thinking with hands-on creativity to deliver packaging solutions that not only look great but also connect with consumers and elevate brand identities. I thrive on transforming design briefs into compelling visual stories and enjoy collaborating across teams to bring packaging concepts from ideas through to production. I'm proficient in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp Pro, and I'm excited about creating immersive, mixed-reality packaging experiences. I’m passionate about design that inspires and informs, and I’d love to bring that passion to your team.…Hi, I'm Charles Strauch, a packaging designer with over 25 years of experience working with top consumer brands like KitchenAid and Hershey's S'mores. I love blending strategic thinking with hands-on creativity to deliver packaging solutions that not only look great but also connect with consumers and elevate brand identities. I thrive on transforming design briefs into compelling visual stories and enjoy collaborating across teams to bring packaging concepts from ideas through to production. I'm proficient in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp Pro, and I'm excited about creating immersive, mixed-reality packaging experiences. I’m passionate about design that inspires and informs, and I’d love to bring that passion to your team.

Charles Strauch

Creative Director, Graphic Designer, Packaging Designer, +2

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Hi, I'm Charles Strauch, a packaging designer with over 25 years of experience working with top consumer brands like KitchenAid and Hershey's S'mores. I love blending strategic thinking with hands-on creativity to deliver packaging solutions that not only look great but also connect with consumers and elevate brand identities. I thrive on transforming design briefs into compelling visual stories and enjoy collaborating across teams to bring packaging concepts from ideas through to production. I'm proficient in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp Pro, and I'm excited about creating immersive, mixed-reality packaging experiences. I’m passionate about design that inspires and informs, and I’d love to bring that passion to your team.…Hi, I'm Charles Strauch, a packaging designer with over 25 years of experience working with top consumer brands like KitchenAid and Hershey's S'mores. I love blending strategic thinking with hands-on creativity to deliver packaging solutions that not only look great but also connect with consumers and elevate brand identities. I thrive on transforming design briefs into compelling visual stories and enjoy collaborating across teams to bring packaging concepts from ideas through to production. I'm proficient in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp Pro, and I'm excited about creating immersive, mixed-reality packaging experiences. I’m passionate about design that inspires and informs, and I’d love to bring that passion to your team.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Charles Strauch, a packaging designer with over 25 years of experience working with top consumer brands like KitchenAid and Hershey’s S’mores. I love blending strategic thinking with hands-on creativity to deliver packaging solutions that not only look great but also connect with consumers and elevate brand identities.

I thrive on transforming design briefs into compelling visual stories and enjoy collaborating across teams to bring packaging concepts from ideas through to production. I’m proficient in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp Pro, and I’m excited about creating immersive, mixed-reality packaging experiences. I’m passionate about design that inspires and informs, and I’d love to bring that passion to your team.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Packaging Manager at Mr. Bar-B-Q Products

December 1, 2021 - April 1, 2025

Executed high-quality structural and graphic packaging designs across multiple consumer product lines. Translated creative briefs into strategic packaging solutions aligned with brand standards. Collaborated with marketing, innovation, and retail partners to ensure cohesive brand expression. Directed remote teams and managed packaging workflows from concept through production. Ensured regulatory compliance and implemented sustainable packaging solutions. Used SketchUp Pro and Adobe Creative Suite to develop trade show visuals and 3D mockups. Administered artwork approvals and timelines via Monday.com and Ziflow.

Creative Director at Lifetime Brands

November 1, 1998 - December 1, 2021

Led the design and execution of packaging and digital assets for lifestyle and consumer brands including KitchenAid, Instant Pot, and Beautiful by Drew Barrymore. Created identity systems and storytelling frameworks to unify product lines and retail experiences. Supervised an in-house team of designers and photographers; partnered with marketing and product development teams. Delivered print and digital content across e-commerce, social media, and in-store environments. Developed dielines, reviewed production proofs, and ensured print accuracy. Pioneered interactive packaging prototypes using Adobe XD, Aero, and Dimension.

Prepress Supervisor / Graphic Artist at Phase 2 Graphics

August 1, 1998 - November 1, 1998

Prepared production files and color separations for high-volume print jobs. Ensured design fidelity and quality in press-ready layouts.

Freelance Graphic Designer at General Semiconductor (via Lloyd Creative)

January 1, 1998 - August 1, 1998

Designed global marketing materials and collateral aligned with corporate branding. Created print-ready files and branding assets for multiple product lines.

Prepress / Graphic Artist at Contemporary Color

November 1, 1997 - January 1, 1998

Performed advanced photo retouching and image prep for collectibles and retail packaging.

Graphic Designer at Lifetime Hoan (now Lifetime Brands)

September 1, 1994 - November 1, 1997

Designed packaging and promotional materials from concept through production. Created trade show graphics and in-store visuals.