Brand & web designer director with 15+ years helping digital startups grow from ground zero to exit. I specialize in brand strategy, positioning, and identity systems that translate into high-performing digital experiences. I've led branding and web work for travel and B2B SaaS companies like Elsewhere, Lonely Planet Insider, and ClientZen — improving perception, engagement, and subscription growth. I thrive in autonomous, remote setups, enjoy running brand workshops, and collaborate closely with founders, marketing, and engineering teams.…

Virgil Horghidan

Brand & web designer director with 15+ years helping digital startups grow from ground zero to exit. I specialize in brand strategy, positioning, and identity systems that translate into high-performing digital experiences. I've led branding and web work for travel and B2B SaaS companies like Elsewhere, Lonely Planet Insider, and ClientZen — improving perception, engagement, and subscription growth. I thrive in autonomous, remote setups, enjoy running brand workshops, and collaborate closely with founders, marketing, and engineering teams.…

Available to hire

Brand & web designer director with 15+ years helping digital startups grow from ground zero to exit. I specialize in brand strategy, positioning, and identity systems that translate into high-performing digital experiences.

I’ve led branding and web work for travel and B2B SaaS companies like Elsewhere, Lonely Planet Insider, and ClientZen — improving perception, engagement, and subscription growth. I thrive in autonomous, remote setups, enjoy running brand workshops, and collaborate closely with founders, marketing, and engineering teams.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Advanced

Work Experience

Lead Brand & Web Designer at Elsewhere
March 1, 2020 - July 1, 2025
Created a new travel brand connecting local agents with travelers; built brand identity from concept to live website; redesigned funnel from trip request to trip purchase; redesigned website for improved conversions; developed a design system. Impact: Elsewhere appeared in major publications and was acquired by Lonely Planet in late 2022; led branding efforts driving growth.
Lead Brand & Web Designer at Lonely Planet
March 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
Crafted strategy and visual identity for Lonely Planet Insider Membership program; designed and developed membership pages in Figma and Shopify; improved digital subscription metrics (50+ subscribers monthly, 80% more digital books sold after 3 months).
Co-Founder, Lead Brand & Web Designer at ClientZen
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Created an AI tool to help VoC teams analyze large volumes of customer feedback; led brand discovery and design sprint workshops; interviewed 50+ VoC managers and product managers; defined product strategy and road map; designed and published Webflow site; designed dashboards and AI workflows.
Consultant (Contract) at Intelligence Fusion
January 1, 2019 - September 1, 2020
Web design and brand consulting for clients on a remote basis.
Web Designer (Contract) at Save The High Street
February 1, 2018 - September 1, 2019
Contract web design services for a high-street retail initiative.
Brand & Web Designer at Digitally.ai
February 1, 2017 - March 1, 2018
Brand & Web Designer for a Romanian digital agency; contributed branding and web design for multiple digital startup clients.
Co-Founder, Lead Brand & Web Designer at Lonely Planet
March 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
Led branding and web design for Lonely Planet Insider Membership; crafted strategy and visual identity; designed and developed membership product page and account pages in Figma & Shopify; achieved 50+ subscribers monthly, 80% more digital books sold after 3 months.
Brand & Web Designer at Digitally A
February 1, 2017 - March 1, 2018
Brand & Web Designer — Digitally A, Full time, Iași, Romania.

Education

Master’s in Industrial & Product Design at George Enescu University of Arts
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2012
High School Diploma in General Arts & Graphic Design at Octav Bancila College of Arts
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2009
Master’s in Industrial & Product Design at George Enescu University of Arts
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012
High School Diploma in General Arts & Graphic Design at Octav Băncilă College of Arts
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2009

Qualifications

Master’s in Industrial & Product Design
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012
High School Diploma in General Arts & Graphic Design
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2009

Industry Experience

Travel & Hospitality, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Education

Skills

Experience Level