Dean Sauls
Designer
About Me
dean@deansauls.com
(919) 616-2885
A Multi-Disciplinary Creative Professional with 25+ years of experience in Interactive Design, Creative Direction, and Brand Management. I specialize in user-centric design, leveraging Design Thinking and AI collaboration to create innovative solutions and impactful experiences.
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Brand Manager and Design Lead
Cary Academy - NC
Led brand development and web management at Cary Academy. Created microsites, shaped brand assets, and executed campaigns. Implemented AI-enhanced creative prompting to drive innovation and efficiency. Developed sibling branding, logos, campus signage, and print media materials.
1998 - Present
Freelance Design
Sauls Creative - NC
Since 1998, I have provided innovative design solutions through Sauls Creative. Specializing in branding, web design, and interactive media, I collaborate with diverse clients to create impactful visual identities and user experiences across various industries.
2009- 2012
Senior Art Director and Digital Designer
AFK Interactive - NC
Directed creative projects, including brand identity and UI design. Managed design teams and collaborated with QA and development. Developed GUI for mobile apps, and led marketing efforts including web, print, and video. Focused on creating cohesive visual strategies.
2008 - 2009
UI/UX and Packaging Designer
Lenovo - NC
Developed brand identity and retail packaging for Lenovo products. Designed UI and packaging concepts for ThinkPad and IdeaPad. Worked closely with design and marketing teams to ensure cohesive branding. Contributed to the development of store designs and in-store displays.
2007 - 2008
Digital Designer
Body Shop - NC
Designed user interfaces for web-based applications to promote new products. Created engaging marketing emails and digital content. Improved user experience and visual appeal. Collaborated with marketing and development teams to ensure consistency across web and digital media.
Skills & Expertise
Interactive Design
Proficient in creating user-centric interfaces that enhance user experience.
Skilled in using design tools to develop interactive prototypes.
Creative Direction
Experienced in leading design teams to produce cohesive and compelling visual strategies.
Strong ability to conceptualize and execute creative campaigns.
Brand Management
Developed and maintained brand identities across various platforms.
Ensured consistency in brand messaging and visual aesthetics.
AI-Enhanced Creative Prompting
Utilized innovative prompting techniques to drive ideation and collaboration.
Collaborated with AI tools to enhance creative processes and efficiency.
Design Thinking
Applied Design Thinking principles to solve complex problems and innovate solutions.
Focused on user empathy, prototyping, and iterative testing.
Web Design
Designed and managed websites using web standards, and responsive design.
Developed microsites and ensured responsive design across devices.
Software Proficiency
Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Microsoft 365 and Figma: Skilled in using Teams, OneDrive, and other MS productivity tools. Proficient in creating design prototypes with Figma.
UX Research and Testing
Conducted user research and usability testing to inform design decisions.
Improved user experiences through iterative testing and feedback analysis.
Project Management
Experienced in managing design projects from concept to completion.
Skilled in using tools like Monday.com for tracking progress and meeting deadlines, and Slack for communications.
Education
1991 - 1994
Multimedia and Graphic Design Certification
School of Communication Arts - Raleigh, NC
Completed a comprehensive program focusing on multimedia and graphic design, honing skills in visual communication, design principles, and the latest design software. Gained expertise in both traditional and digital media, preparing for a dynamic career in design.
Projects
Cary Academy
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Sauls Creative
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AFK Interactive
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Lenovo
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