Chris A
Brand Strategist
An accomplished leader with over 16 years in the graphic design, communication and marketing industry. Former National Board Director of AGDA.
Summary
Chris fell in love with design, brands, and logos early on, having received his first book on Graphic Design from his parents as a 12-year-old. He was designing logos and playing strips for local sporting teams by 14 years old.
Since then, his passion hasn’t wavered. Understanding brands – how they function, look, behave, live and breathe is still what gets him out of bed in the morning. Chris has crafted a successful career in creative direction, brand strategy, communication design, and marketing over the past 16 years.
Chris is proud to say that he has confidently led teams to deliver innovative and fit-for-purpose multi-channel solutions that add value to brands. Chris possesses a curious mind and a sharp eye, brings empathy to the table, and collaborates with people to create brands, identities, messages, products, and experiences that resonate.
Chris has also had the honour of giving back to his industry by helping steer the strategic direction of the not-for-profit peak body – the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA). He served as National Board Director from 2017 to 2020, after spending time on the Queensland state council as Chair in 2016.
In 2017, Chris had the privilege of being invited to be one of only two design judges for the PIAA 2017 Printing Industries Craftsmanship Awards (QLD) within a state committee of experienced design, print, and production specialists.
Experience
Inland Rail
Brand and Creative Manager (2018 - 2021)
As the Brand and Creative Manager within the Communication and Marketing team, Chris was responsible for how the Inland Rail brand came to life through communication design and brand management. He was also responsible for providing strategic brand and creative direction to both the Design team and the wider C&M team, inspiring them to design, develop and deliver market-leading creative content solutions that met the strategic and commercial needs of ARTC Inland Rail stakeholders.
The position oversaw ARTC Inland Rail’s brand assets and the design and development of program and project communication materials for external and internal audiences.
At peak operation, he managed two teams totalling nine direct reports – a Design Studio Lead, Communication Designers, an EIS Project Manager, EIS Technical Editors, and EIS Graphic Designers.
Studious Design
Creative Director (2017 - current)
Leading a scalable team in a brand design and creative consultancy.
The modus operandi is to pull together suitable teams that are fit-for-purpose collectives tailored to specific projects. Light, agile and streamlined, yet, talented, efficient and thorough.
AGDA (Australian Graphic Design Association)
Board Director (2017 - 2021)
Chris has recent experience leading the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) as a National Board Director, tasked with driving strategic direction through governance, membership, sponsorship, event management and communications of the peak industry body. Throughout this time, he has built an enviable nationwide network across design, marketing and communications and he holds customer relationship management as an integral element of his success.
AGDA is the connecting force that unites the Australian communication design industry. They celebrate the things that make the Graphic Design industry different and the things that bring it together. They champion excellence in Australian design, setting and upholding world leading standards in strategic thinking, professional practice, education and craft.
Villain Designs
Studio Manager (2011 - 2017)
Chris commenced his role at Villain Designs (an RG Communications company) as Senior Designer in mid-2011 and within his first three months was appointed Studio Manager having shown the rare ability to marry a penchant to problem-solve with creative instinct, market awareness and a strong project management approach.
Demonstrating an unwavering work ethic and an innovative approach to corporate design and branding, Chris set about strengthening the relationship between Villain and its existing client base and expanding the studio’s profile. He also provided creative direction for corporate communications within the RGC client base and delivered strategic and relevant creative counsel to both internal and client stakeholders.
He was responsible for design direction, creative consultancy, studio management and communication design.
Qualifications
Diploma of Graphic Design (2007)
Southbank Institute of Technology