Creative Director • Brand Designer • Visual Identity Specialist

Designing visual systems, digital experiences, and cultural aesthetics with clarity, atmosphere, and intention.

Rooted in branding, typography, storytelling, and modern design systems, my work transforms ideas into visual identities that feel cinematic, human, and built to last.

I approach design the same way architects approach structure. Every detail matters. Every visual decision should carry weight.

My work lives between precision and emotion — combining visual identity, digital design, storytelling, and strategic thinking to create experiences that feel both elevated and grounded.

Over the years, I’ve worked across branding, web design, community-focused creative initiatives, marketing, and visual communication.

What matters most to me is creating work that feels intentional. Clean visuals. Strong systems. Clear identity. Design that leaves a memory behind.

EXPERIENCE

Capabilities

Creative Direction

  • Brand Identity
  • Art Direction
  • Visual Systems
  • Typography
  • Concept Development
  • Storytelling
  • Campaign Design

Design

  • Graphic Design
  • Print Design
  • Web Design
  • Logo Design
  • Layout Design
  • Digital Branding
  • Marketing Assets

Software

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • InDesign
  • WordPress
  • Procreate
  • Adobe Fresco

Additional Strengths

  • Strategic Thinking
  • Creative Communication
  • Visual Consistency
  • Audience Positioning
  • Front-End Design
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Creative Director

Ahja Lonyae — Freelance

2026 — Present

Lead creative direction for branding, visual identity, and digital design projects across print, web, and modern media platforms.

Develop cohesive visual systems including:

  • logos
  • typography
  • color systems
  • brand guidelines
  • digital assets
  • marketing materials

Collaborate with businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs to shape visual direction and translate ideas into recognizable brand experiences.

Manage projects from concept development through execution while maintaining consistency across every visual touchpoint.

Tools include Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and WordPress.

Third Party Contractor

Kankakee County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau

2014 — 2016

Supported tourism marketing and regional promotional campaigns designed to strengthen public engagement and increase visibility across Kankakee County.

Assisted with:

  • marketing materials
  • event coordination
  • community outreach
  • promotional communication
  • regional partnership collaboration

Contributed to campaigns that highlighted local culture, experiences, and community identity through organized visual communication and audience engagement.

Graphic/Web Designer & WordPress Developer

Independent Freelance Work

2007 — 2016

Designed websites, visual branding systems, promotional materials, and digital assets for independent clients and small businesses.

Built WordPress websites with attention to:

  • clean visual hierarchy
  • responsive design
  • branding consistency
  • user experience
  • functional aesthetics

Managed creative projects from initial concept through final delivery while balancing design execution with client communication and strategy.

Graphic Designer

AON Center for Community Arts & Development

2012 — 2013

Created visual materials supporting community outreach, domestic violence awareness initiatives, and youth-focused creative programs.

Designed communication assets that promoted:

  • after-school creative development
  • community engagement
  • arts education
  • positive social impact initiatives

Collaborated with community leaders and educators to strengthen visual messaging and program visibility.

Megaplex I.T. Solution

2009 — 2011

Supported both creative and technical business operations within an information technology environment.

Contributed graphic design services while also gaining experience in:

  • computer repair
  • data backup systems
  • administrative coordination
  • customer communication
  • day-to-day business operations

Developed an understanding of how design, communication, and technical systems intersect within real-world business environments.

Design is more than aesthetics. It’s memory. It’s positioning. It’s atmosphere.

The strongest visual systems don’t just communicate. They leave an imprint.