Hello! My name is Brian Rau and I’m a multidisciplinary Art Director, Graphic Designer and Illustrator.

With over 15 years of experience, I’ve focused on creating engaging and impactful designs that bring stories to life. I’ve had the opportunity to work with both small businesses and large corporations, giving me a well-rounded and ever-evolving perspective. I’m especially passionate about using my skills to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities. Beyond design, I’m an avid cyclist. (weather permitting!)

 

Contact —
Hello@brianrau.com

 
 

Select Brand Experience

 

 

Skillset

Creative Direction
Brand Identity 
Illustration
Custom Typography
Package Design
Motion Design
User Interface Design
Print Design
Web Design
Project Management

Proficiencies

Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Adobe After Effects
Figma
G Suite
Keynote

Education

Animation Bootcamp
School of Motion
2024

After Effects Kickstart
School of Motion
2023

BFA, Visual Communications
Northern Illinois University
2008 - 2012

 

 
 

Experience

Design By Brian Rau
Freelance Creative Director
April 2018 - Present | Chicago, IL

Green Thumb Industries
Art Director, Designer & Illustrator
October 2023 - August 2024 | Chicago, IL

Indeed.com
Art Director & Illustrator
September 2020 - March 2023 | Chicago, IL

VSA Partners
Senior Designer
April 2015 - April 2018 | Chicago, IL

Firebelly
Graphic Designer
November 2014 - January 2015 | Chicago, IL

Tom, Dick & Harry Creative Co.
Senior Designer
January 2014 - November 2014 | Chicago, IL

Jay’s Catering Co.
Creative Director
August 2012 - January 2014 | Garden Grove, CA

Division of Student Affairs
& Enrollment Management
Graphic Designer
May 2011-July 2012 | Dekalb, IL

The Northern Star Newspaper
Design & Production
August 2009-April 2012 | Dekalb, IL

 

Honors & Awards

Chicago Design Archive
Various Works
2024

Print Magazine
2nd Place - Advertising
Crafted & Cured Packaging Design
2023

Communication Arts
Design Annual
Crafted & Cured Packaging Design
2023

Indigo Awards
2nd Place
Crafted & Cured Packaging Design
2023

Adobe Creative Retreat
Portfolio Reviewer
2023

SEEK Conference
Presenter
2018

General Assembly
Inside the Minds of
Brilliant Designers
2017

Shutterstock - Pixels of Fury
Live Design Competition
2017

Student AIGA President
Northern Illinois University
2011-2012


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