Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Kerry Franz is an accomplished Sr. Art Director with extensive experience in marketing and signage design. Leveraging over a decade of industry expertise, they excel in delivering visually captivating solutions that drive brand engagement and customer experience.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Sr. Art Director of Marketing & Signage at Sur La Table, Kerry is responsible for spearheading the creative direction and execution of all marketing collateral and in-store signage. They lead a team of designers in developing innovative concepts that align with the company's brand identity and strategic objectives. Under Kerry's guidance, the marketing and signage materials have received critical acclaim, contributing to a significant increase in customer engagement and brand affinity.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Sur La Table, Kerry co-founded Wildforth Creative, a boutique design agency, where they served as the Creative Director. In this role, they successfully grew the business, overseeing a diverse portfolio of clients and projects across various industries. Before that, Kerry held design leadership positions at prominent organizations such as Creative Retail Packaging, Filson (a Bedrock Manufacturing Company), and Fossil, showcasing their versatility and ability to drive design excellence in both agency and in-house settings.
Throughout their career, Kerry has consistently demonstrated a keen eye for design, a deep understanding of customer behavior, and a passion for delivering impactful, visually compelling solutions. Their work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including the AIGA Design Excellence Award and the Graphis Design Annual.
Academic Background
Kerry holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the University of Washington, where they graduated with distinction.
Areas of Expertise
- Branding and identity development
- Marketing collateral design (print and digital)
- Retail signage and environmental graphics
- User experience (UX) and interface design
- Creative team leadership and mentorship
- Collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders
Professional Impact
As a respected industry leader, Kerry has made significant contributions to the design community. They have been invited to speak at design conferences, sharing their insights and best practices with fellow professionals. Additionally, Kerry has served on the advisory board of a prominent design school, providing guidance and mentorship to aspiring designers.
Conclusion
With a proven track record of delivering innovative, award-winning design solutions, Kerry Franz continues to push the boundaries of creative excellence. As the Sr. Art Director at Sur La Table, they are poised to further elevate the brand's visual identity and drive impactful customer experiences.
