Photos by Monzeeki - www.monzeeki.com
“I worked side by side with Brad for 3 years at Large Animal and here’s the long and the short: I’ve never worked with a better Art Director or better person. Not only is he a talented artist in his own right, but knew his staff’s skills and how to motivate them better than any I’ve worked with before or since. He cares deeply about the work, the team and the people who comprise it. If you’re part of a small company, Brad’s the guy to help build an art department. If you’re part of a large one, Brad will help you get the most from your staff. Go for it!”
I’m an interaction designer, artist, musician, and storyteller, using technology and user experience to craft compelling narratives for museums, cultural institutions, and corporate partners. I’m fascinated by the creative process, universal design principles, and the emotions that drive experiences—no matter the platform.
I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and have always been drawn to storytelling in all its forms. I have an undergraduate degree in Graphic Design and a master’s degree in Data Visualization, which shaped the way I think about communication, engagement, and design. My career actually started as a political cartoonist for the Western Herald, the university newspaper at Western Michigan University. That experience—writing, illustrating, and publishing a cartoon every single weekday with no backup plan—taught me discipline, creative problem-solving, and the power of visual storytelling.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work on some incredible projects. I was the Director of Creative Media at the Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, where I worked on the FUTURES exhibit and consulted on the award-winning Cellphone: Unseen Connections exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Before that, I was Project Director for Digital Experiences at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, where I led research on digital immersive experiences and helped develop a digital strategy guide. I’ve also had the privilege of consulting on master planning and interactive storytelling for cultural institutions across the U.S. and internationally, leading workshops on iterative design and user engagement at ECSITE, Balboa Park, and beyond. I’ve spoken at Art Basel (Miami), SXSW, ECSITE, AAM, FITC, and more.
Before museums, I spent 14 years in the gaming industry, working at Large Animal Games as Lead Artist and Art Director, contributing to over 100 mobile, online, and PC games. I’ve also taught game design, interactive media, and experimental storytelling at Parsons School of Design, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and the China Academy of Art.
Outside of design, I’ve always been passionate about music. My band Djinn released two albums and toured the U.S., often improvising material live. That experience—trusting the process, experimenting in real-time, and responding to the energy of the moment—influences the way I approach design: prototype, test, iterate, and refine.
I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible clients over the years, including LEGO, MTV Networks, Universal Studios, Nickelodeon, the Sci-Fi Channel, Sony Records, and Nascar. My approach to design is all about "Tools, Not Rules"—I believe in flexible frameworks that empower teams to create meaningful experiences while questioning assumptions. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about engagement, empathy, and iteration.
When I’m not designing, teaching, or making music, you’ll probably find me exploring new foods, playing games, reading, or thinking about the future of storytelling.