Hello! My name is Brian Rau and I’m a Multidisciplinary Art Director, Graphic Designer, and Illustrator currently living in Chicago.
With over 15 years of experience, I’ve focused on creating engaging and impactful designs that bring stories to life. I’ve had the opportunity to work with both small businesses and large corporations, giving me a well-rounded and ever-evolving perspective. I’m especially passionate about using my skills to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities. Beyond design, I’m an avid cyclist. (weather permitting!)
I’m currently working at Gatorade as a Design Associate Manager.
Contact —
Hello@brianrau.com
Design Process + Services
The research portion of the process is a critical step that lays the groundwork for effective design. It involves gathering information, understanding the problem to be solved, and identifying opportunities to create designs that are both captivating and functional.
Research & Discovery
The design portion is where concepts and ideas are transformed into tangible visual solutions. This stage combines creativity, technical skills, and continuous refinement to create designs that clearly convey the message and achieve the project’s objectives.
Design & Exploration
Feedback and revisions are a collaborative process of refining work based on stakeholder input. Designers balance this feedback with creative vision and brand integrity, using clear communication and problem-solving to improve the work without compromising its core.
Feedback & Revisions
Production involves preparing, optimizing, and delivering final assets to effectively communicate brand messages across various platforms. This stage ensures that designs are polished, consistent, and ready for launch across multiple channels.
Production & File Handoff
Select Brand Experience
Skillset
Art Direction
Brand Identity
Brand Guidelines
Illustration
Custom Typography
Package Design
Motion Design
Print Design
Web Design
Project Management
Proficiencies
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Adobe After Effects
Figma
G Suite
Keynote
Education
Animation Bootcamp
School of Motion
2024
After Effects Kickstart
School of Motion
2023
BFA, Visual Communications
Northern Illinois University
2008 - 2012
Experience
PepsiCo — Gatorade
Design Associate Manager
May 2025 - Present | Chicago, IL
Design By Brian Rau
Freelance Creative Director
April 2018 - Present | Chicago, IL
Green Thumb Industries
Art Director, Designer & Illustrator
October 2023 - August 2024 | Chicago, IL
Indeed.com
Art Director & Illustrator
September 2020 - March 2023 | Chicago, IL
VSA Partners
Senior Designer
April 2015 - April 2018 | Chicago, IL
Firebelly
Graphic Designer
November 2014 - January 2015 | Chicago, IL
Tom, Dick & Harry Creative Co.
Senior Designer
January 2014 - November 2014 | Chicago, IL
Jay’s Catering Co.
Creative Director
August 2012 - January 2014 | Garden Grove, CA
Division of Student Affairs
& Enrollment Management
Graphic Designer
May 2011-July 2012 | Dekalb, IL
The Northern Star Newspaper
Design & Production
August 2009-April 2012 | Dekalb, IL
Honors & Awards
Chicago Design Archive
Various Works
2024
Print Magazine
2nd Place - Advertising
Crafted & Cured Packaging Design
2023
Communication Arts
Design Annual
Crafted & Cured Packaging Design
2023
Indigo Awards
2nd Place
Crafted & Cured Packaging Design
2023
Adobe Creative Retreat
Portfolio Reviewer
2023
SEEK Conference
Presenter
2018
General Assembly
Inside the Minds of
Brilliant Designers
2017
Shutterstock - Pixels of Fury
Live Design Competition
2017
Student AIGA President
Northern Illinois University
2011-2012
