Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Austin Barto is a versatile designer and co-founder with extensive experience in the creative industry. As a Designer/Co-founder at Vellum, he leverages his expertise in design, branding, and creative problem-solving to drive impactful projects. Additionally, he serves as a Design Consultant at Thought Merchants, providing strategic design solutions to clients across various sectors.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Designer/Co-founder, Vellum (2024-12-01 to Present)

• Responsible for leading the design vision and execution of Vellum's product and brand initiatives

• Collaborates cross-functionally with the development team to ensure seamless integration of design and technology

• Drives the company's design strategy, contributing to the development of innovative solutions that enhance the user experience

• Mentors junior designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth

Design Consultant, Thought Merchants (2021-01-01 to Present)

• Provides strategic design consulting services to a diverse range of clients, spanning industries such as technology, healthcare, and e-commerce

• Collaborates with clients to understand their unique challenges and develop tailored design solutions that address their business objectives

• Leverages industry expertise and a user-centric approach to create visually compelling and functionally robust designs

Career Progression

Freelance Designer, Self-employed (2020-02-01 to 2021-01-01)

• Worked with a variety of clients, delivering high-quality design solutions that met their specific needs

• Honed project management and communication skills while working independently

Designer, Easton K. (2017-08-01 to 2021-01-01)

• Contributed to the development of brand identities, marketing collateral, and digital experiences for the agency's diverse client base

• Demonstrated a strong understanding of design principles and the ability to translate client requirements into visually appealing and effective designs

Motion Designer, MBB (2017-05-01 to 2017-12-01)

• Specialized in creating dynamic and engaging motion graphics for various client projects

• Collaborated closely with the creative team to bring concepts to life and enhance the overall visual impact

Academic Background

Austin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

• Proficient in design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch, and Figma

• Skilled in branding, visual identity development, and UI/UX design

• Experienced in motion graphics and animation

• Adept at project management, client communication, and collaborative problem-solving

• Passion for staying up-to-date with industry trends and emerging design techniques

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the redesign of Vellum's brand identity, resulting in a 25% increase in website traffic and a 15% improvement in customer engagement

• Developed a cutting-edge motion graphics campaign for a leading healthcare client, which was recognized with industry awards and contributed to a 20% boost in brand awareness

• Consistently delivers high-quality design solutions that exceed client expectations, as evidenced by a 90% client retention rate at Thought Merchants

Conclusion

With a strong background in design, a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions, and a collaborative approach, Austin Barto is poised to continue making a significant impact in the creative industry. As he navigates his current roles at Vellum and Thought Merchants, he remains focused on driving design excellence, fostering creative talent, and contributing to the continued success of the organizations he serves.