Hi, I’m Colleen Hughes, a Creative Designer/Director and Founder of Colleen Hughes Design, I lead brand strategy and creative direction for middle-market businesses seeking clarity, cohesion, and meaningful connection with their core audiences. I work closely with clients to uncover who they are at their core and translate that insight into strategic, well-crafted brand systems across print and digital platforms. From concept through execution, I provide hands-on design leadership, collaborate with trusted print and web partners, and oversee, client relationships, and project delivery. I balance a demanding workload with precision and care, ensuring every touchpoint is delivered with clarity, intention, and a high standard of excellence.

Colleen Hughes

Hi, I’m Colleen Hughes, a Creative Designer/Director and Founder of Colleen Hughes Design, I lead brand strategy and creative direction for middle-market businesses seeking clarity, cohesion, and meaningful connection with their core audiences. I work closely with clients to uncover who they are at their core and translate that insight into strategic, well-crafted brand systems across print and digital platforms. From concept through execution, I provide hands-on design leadership, collaborate with trusted print and web partners, and oversee, client relationships, and project delivery. I balance a demanding workload with precision and care, ensuring every touchpoint is delivered with clarity, intention, and a high standard of excellence.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Colleen Hughes, a Creative Designer/Director and Founder of Colleen Hughes Design, I lead brand strategy and creative direction for middle-market businesses seeking clarity, cohesion, and meaningful connection with their core audiences. I work closely with clients to uncover who they are at their core and translate that insight into strategic, well-crafted brand systems across print and digital platforms. From concept through execution, I provide hands-on design leadership, collaborate with trusted print and web partners, and oversee, client relationships, and project delivery. I balance a demanding workload with precision and care, ensuring every touchpoint is delivered with clarity, intention, and a high standard of excellence.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder, Creative Director at Colleen Hughes Design
October 1, 2025 - Present
As Creative Director and Founder of Colleen Hughes Design, I partner with middle-market businesses to bring clarity to their goals and align visuals with core target markets. I guide brand strategy and creative direction, translating insights into thoughtful, cohesive brand systems across print and digital. I collaborate with clients and trusted print and web partners to deliver high-quality work, ensuring every touchpoint is clear, aligned, and executed with care.
Creative Manager at Newell Brands
September 1, 2020 - October 1, 2025
As Creative Manager at Newell Brands, I drove the strategic and visual direction for a portfolio of iconic global brands. I mentored and led design teams, recruited top talent, and fostered innovation through collaborative ideation sessions. I aligned design execution with broader marketing strategies to ensure impactful and measurable business-driven results.
Senior Art Director at Sikich Marketing & Design
May 1, 2006 - September 1, 2020
Led creative development for multiple middle-market brands; provided art direction and hands-on support to the creative team and in-house photo/video studio to ensure brand adherence, consistency and quality. Collaborated with print vendors, specialty sign fabricators, illustrators and copy writers to deliver on-brand solutions. Responsible for business development, proposal writing and client retention.
Graphic Designer at Icon Digital Design
March 1, 2003 - May 1, 2006
Fast-paced design agency where I collaborated with a team of designers and marketers to fulfill and exceed client expectations. Gained experience developing brands for Education, Healthcare, Museums, Manufacturing and Insurance.
Graphic Designer at McNenly Group
May 1, 2000 - March 1, 2003
Worked collaboratively with designers and marketers where I learned the importance of combining great design with building sensible client relationships. In addition to hands-on design projects, I art directed photography, attended press checks and commissioned illustrators.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication at Ferris State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2000

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Retail, Real Estate & Construction, Government