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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Companies I’ve Worked With