Paper, Pen & Pixels

I'm a creative director with an enduring passion for design's power to connect people and ideas.

I shape narratives through visual storytelling, bridging creativity and strategy to build brands that feel human, intentional, and memorable.

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Over the past 15 years, I’ve led creative work across agencies and in-house environments, partnering with Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and community organizations alike. Whether developing a new brand from a blank page or evolving a legacy identity, I approach every challenge with curiosity, empathy, and a focus on clarity. Great design should do more than look beautiful; it should make people feel understood and inspired to act.

I’m equal parts analytical and imaginative, the inevitable outcome of being raised by a mechanical engineer and a freelance artist. That mix allows me to move fluidly between logic and intuition, balancing concept and execution, and bringing ideas to life with both precision and heart.

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My leadership philosophy was shaped by mentors who valued humility, humor, and hands-on collaboration. I lead by example, coach with empathy, and believe that creativity thrives when people feel trusted and encouraged to take smart risks. I love building cross-functional teams that challenge convention, share knowledge freely, and find joy in the craft.

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When I’m not designing, I can usually be found at the marina restoring a vintage Trojan F-28 mini-yacht, winding through the twisties on my Kawasaki Z1000, or lending my skills to small businesses and community initiatives around Cincinnati. At home, I share my studio with two Tonkinese cats - frequent Zoom meeting crashers and self-appointed creative directors.

I’m endlessly curious about how things work - brands, people, engines, systems - and how thoughtful design can make them work better together. If you believe storytelling has the power to connect, transform, and create lasting impact, we’re already speaking the same language.

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Creative Direction | Brand Storytelling | Visual Strategy | Leadership & Team Development

Brand Identity & Architecture | Campaigns & Marketing | Conceptual Design | Visual Storytelling | Generative AI

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ASHRAE Journal & Consulting Specifying Engineer: Best Overall, Audience Recall, and Readers’ Choice (2023–2025)

AlloyFX Platinum Award: Outstanding Design & Creative Direction (2021)

P&G $1B Brand Award: LIMS Laundry Franchise (2008)

P&G Best Collaboration Bronze Award: Febreze Brand Architecture & Design Theme (2007)

Landor T&T Award: Best Moment of Insight & Creativity (2006)

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I'd love to hear from you! You can reach me at april.edwards@mac.com