Dustin Marson
Making brands more memorable, more credible, and ultimately more valuable for 20+ years
Minneapolis-St Paul Area and Remote Creative Director, Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Web Developer. Expertise in Agile Project Management, Agentic and Generative AI, Website Accessibility, GDPR, Adobe Creative Suite, HTML/CSS/JS/PHP, WordPress, Drupal, ExpressionEngine, Figma, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, PowerPoint, Google Slides, AfterEffects, Premiere, Hubspot, and many other marketing, strategic, tools, and technical areas
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Professional Profile
I’m a creative leader with more than 20 years of experience building brands, developing creative teams, and finding better ways to get good work done.
My career began in hands-on in-house graphic design, web development, and multimedia production before growing into global brand management, creative operations, and in-house creative direction. That background continues to shape how I lead. I understand the work because I’ve done the work, and I believe good creative leadership depends on knowing when to provide direction, when to collaborate, and when to roll up your sleeves.
I’m especially interested in the intersection of creativity, technology, and process. Whether developing practical systems that empower creative teams, exploring project management tools and agile methodologies, or experimenting with generative and agentic AI, I enjoy finding ways to make ambitious ideas more achievable while staying at the cutting edge of innovation. Just as important is maintaining a level of creative quality, thoughtful storytelling, and attention to domain-specific details that tools and creatives often overlook. I believe those nuances are what elevate good creative work into something truly distinctive, making brands more memorable, more credible, and ultimately more valuable in the eyes of their audiences.
My experience spans global technology companies, B2C and B2B products, software and SaaS organizations, multidisciplinary marketing environments and independent consulting projects from everything from book authors to small and large businesses. I’m comfortable collaborating with senior leadership on brand strategy, guiding designers and agencies through complex projects, or getting directly involved in design and production when the situation calls for it.
Core Competencies
Creative Leadership & Brand Strategy
In-house creative direction, brand development, visual identity systems, art direction, creative mentoring, cross-functional collaboration, agency and vendor management, brand governance.
Creative Operations & Process Improvement
Creative workflow development, project management, Agile methodologies, Monday.com, production planning, resource management, quality assurance, creative standards, process documentation, digital asset management.
Generative AI & Creative Technology
Advanced prompt engineering and iterative prompt development, AI-assisted creative concepting, generative image production, AI-assisted coding, multimodal experimentation, workflow automation, and integration of AI into creative production processes.
Platforms: ChatGPT, OpenAI Codex, FLUX, Stable Diffusion.
Professional Experience
EIS Group
Director of Brand & Creative | 2023–Present
Lead brand and creative direction for a global insurance software company, overseeing the development, execution, and consistency of creative work across marketing, digital, events, and corporate communications.
My role brings together brand strategy, creative leadership, hands-on production, and operational management. I work closely with marketing leadership, internal stakeholders, contractors, and agencies to make sure the brand is not only represented consistently but continues to evolve with the business.
- Lead the company’s visual brand direction, translating business strategy, product positioning, and marketing priorities into creative concepts and practical applications.
- Guide and execute creative work across corporate campaigns, websites, digital advertising, events, presentations, video, motion graphics, and sales enablement.
- Manage brand standards, design systems, reusable templates, and creative resources that help teams work more efficiently while maintaining consistency.
- Provide creative direction and production guidance to internal collaborators, freelance talent, and external agencies, balancing quality, timelines, and available resources.
- Oversee the brand’s digital presence, including WordPress website development, front-end design, accessibility, content presentation, and ongoing optimization.
- Partner with marketing, product, sales, and executive stakeholders to turn complex technical subjects into clear, compelling visual communications.
- Develop and refine creative workflows, prioritization methods, and production practices, including project coordination through Monday.com.
- Apply generative AI and advanced prompting techniques to creative concept development, visual experimentation, technical problem-solving, and workflow optimization, combining emerging tools with established creative and production practices.
- Remain actively involved in concept development and execution, bringing both strategic direction and technical production experience to the work.
Advanced brand consistency across 5 global markets, helping establish a more cohesive visual presence.
Led creative direction and production for 150+ deliverables annually, spanning campaigns, digital experiences, presentations, video, and sales enablement.
Developed and standardized 40+ reusable design templates and creative resources, reducing repetitive production work and improving brand consistency.
Improved creative turnaround times from 4-6 weeks to 5-10 days through streamlined workflows, project prioritization, and expanded in-house capabilities.
Supported 6+ industry events and conferences annually, developing booth experiences, presentations, promotional materials, and digital campaigns.
Integrated AI-assisted creative and development workflows, reducing production time for selected tasks by approximately 30%.
VIAVI Solutions
Senior Visual Brand Manager / Creative Services Leadership | 2016–2023
Helped shape and maintain the visual identity of a global technology company, taking an increasingly strategic role in how creative work was developed, directed, and delivered across business units and international markets.
This role was an important step in my growth from managing creative projects to building the standards, relationships, and operational practices that allow a global brand to function effectively.
- Directed creative development for corporate branding, global marketing initiatives, product campaigns, and communications supporting multiple business units.
- Helped guide the evolution of the VIAVI visual identity, refining brand standards and creating a more cohesive approach to design across channels and markets.
- Provided art direction, creative feedback, and production guidance to designers, contractors, and creative partners.
- Developed a brand certification and onboarding process for outside creative vendors, helping agencies work more effectively as extensions of the internal team.
- Established repeatable processes, design templates, and production standards that improved brand consistency and made creative resources easier to use across the organization.
- Worked directly with marketing teams and business stakeholders to turn varied requirements and competing priorities into effective, on-brand creative solutions.
- Led concept development and contributed hands-on execution for campaigns, advertising, sales materials, presentations, digital experiences, video, and motion graphics.
- Balanced creative quality with practical business needs, helping teams find solutions that were consistent, achievable, and appropriate for their audiences.
Supported consistent brand execution across 12 business units, spanning multiple technology portfolios and marketing functions.
Directed or produced 250+ creative deliverables annually, including product campaigns, digital assets, trade show experiences, and corporate communications.
Developed and maintained 100+ reusable brand assets, templates, and design resources, improving efficiency and consistency across distributed marketing teams.
Supported 30+ product launches and major marketing initiatives, translating complex technologies into clear, engaging communications.
Helped reduce creative production turnaround by approximately 20% through standardized workflows, production practices, and more efficient resource coordination.
Provided creative support for 6+ global and regional industry events annually, maintaining consistent brand presentation across physical and digital experiences.
Siteimprove
Visual Brand / Creative & Multimedia Manager | 2014–2016
Took on a broader creative leadership role at a growing software company, bringing together design, web development, multimedia production, digital marketing, and creative operations.
This was where my responsibilities expanded beyond individual creative projects into coordinating people, managing resources, establishing processes, and helping guide the company’s overall marketing presence.
- Led creative direction and execution across print, digital, web, video, and multimedia marketing initiatives.
- Directed junior designers and external development partners, providing guidance on creative quality, brand consistency, and project execution.
- Introduced creative project management practices and documented workflows to improve visibility, collaboration, and production efficiency.
- Developed and managed systems for organizing digital assets, including licensing, permissions, and retrieval.
- Established a customer testimonial video program, overseeing planning, production, interviews, videography, editing, and motion graphics.
- Managed marketing websites, landing pages, and digital experiences with attention to accessibility, usability, SEO, and brand alignment.
- Oversaw international search marketing and paid advertising activities, working with executive leadership on performance reporting and investment decisions.
- Helped bring greater consistency and professionalism to a growing company’s creative and marketing operations.
Supported the development of a consistent visual brand across 7+ software products during a period of company growth.
Created 50+ digital and print marketing deliverables annually, supporting campaigns, sales enablement, and customer communications.
Developed 25+ reusable creative assets and templates to improve consistency and reduce repetitive production work.
Supported 50+ marketing campaigns, digital initiatives, video proejcts, and web pages, helping communicate complex concepts involving web accessibility, SEO, and digital performance.
Completed 2 Website Content and Design Refreshes
Improved production efficiency by an estimated 30% through more consistent design practices and reusable resources.
Bosch Security Systems / Electro-Voice
Senior Graphic Designer | 2012–2014
Expanded my role as a senior creative contributor while taking on greater responsibility for art direction, agency relationships, and coordination across multiple product lines and brands.
Working within a large global organization gave me valuable experience balancing the needs of different teams while maintaining the integrity of established brands.
- Provided creative direction to junior designers and external advertising, design, web development, and video production partners.
- Participated in agency selection and RFP processes, helping evaluate creative partners and manage ongoing relationships.
- Developed marketing campaigns and creative materials supporting product launches, sales initiatives, trade shows, and corporate communications.
- Produced and directed work across print, digital, photography, video, motion graphics, and event environments.
- Collaborated with product marketing and communications teams across Bosch Security Systems and professional audio brands including Electro-Voice, RTS, and Telex.
- Helped connect the capabilities of external agencies with the knowledge and priorities of internal teams.
Delivered 50+ creative assets annually across product marketing, digital communications, presentations, and promotional materials.
Supported 20+ product and marketing initiatives, translating technical information into clear, customer-facing communications.
Maintained adherence to global brand standards across multiple product lines and communications channels.
Helped improve production turnaround by approximately 33% through efficient design execution, file management, and production practices.
Collaborated with 12+ internal teams and stakeholder groups to develop consistent marketing and communications materials.
IDeaS Revenue Solutions, a SAS Company
Graphic Designer / Web Designer / Multimedia Designer | 2008–2012
Grew from a multidisciplinary designer into a trusted creative resource with responsibilities extending into brand management, project direction, and coordination of external design talent.
This role helped establish the foundation for my later leadership work by giving me opportunities to own complex projects from planning through production.
- Developed and maintained the company’s visual identity across marketing communications, advertising, sales materials, events, and digital properties.
- Provided creative direction and project coordination for full-time design and web contractors supporting global marketing teams.
- Established standardized illustrations, iconography, presentation graphics, and visual systems that improved consistency across corporate communications.
- Designed and developed websites, landing pages, and email campaigns, combining visual design with front-end development and content management.
- Coordinated multilingual website development and content localization for international markets.
- Produced marketing videos, software demonstrations, webinars, and motion graphics.
- Managed print production, vendor sourcing, and quality assurance while continuing to expand my digital and multimedia skills.
Produced 50+ marketing and communications assets annually, supporting digital, print, events, and sales initiatives.
Contributed to 20+ integrated marketing campaigns and product initiatives, helping communicate complex revenue management and analytics solutions.
Developed 15+ reusable creative assets and presentation resources, improving brand consistency and production efficiency.
Supported 5+ industry events and conferences annually, delivering promotional graphics, presentations, and marketing materials.
Helped streamline creative production processes, reducing turnaround times for recurring deliverables by an estimated 15%.
Universal Promotions
Lead Graphic Artist & Website Designer | 2005–2008
Developed my early leadership and project ownership skills while remaining deeply involved in design and production.
- Served as the primary creative resource for brand identity, product catalogs, websites, and marketing materials.
- Led creative projects from initial concept through production, coordinating directly with company leadership, staff, and vendors.
- Helped improve the presentation and perceived value of the company’s products through more consistent branding and professional marketing materials.
- Researched production vendors and identified practical, cost-conscious solutions for printing and marketing needs.
- Built experience in managing deadlines, competing priorities, client expectations, and the details required to deliver finished work.
Produced 20+ company promotional projects annually, supporting promotional merchandise, branded materials, and client marketing initiatives.
Developed artwork and design solutions for hundreds of client accounts annually, adapting to varied brand standards, budgets, and production requirements.
Maintained an estimated 95% on-time delivery rate across fast-paced, deadline-driven production projects.
Improved artwork preparation and production efficiency by approximately 15% through standardized processes, proofreading strategies, and technical problem-solving.
Supported creative production across 30+ promotional product categories, balancing design quality with manufacturing requirements.
Posi Lock Puller
Marketing Communications & Graphic Design Specialist | 2000–2001
An early opportunity to take ownership of creative work and see how design supports the needs of a business.
- Independently developed marketing and sales materials supporting company operations.
- Helped establish the company’s visual identity and created a brand standards handbook.
- Gained hands-on experience balancing creative decisions, production requirements, and business objectives.
Produced 12+ marketing and product communication assets, including promotional materials, product graphics, and sales resources.
Supported visual communications across 3+ primary marketing channels, helping maintain a professional and consistent brand presence.
Contributed to the development and updating of 25+ product marketing and technical communication materials.
Improved efficiency in recurring production tasks through more organized artwork preparation, corporate identity standards, file management.
Additional Creative Experience
Independent Creative & Design Consulting
Freelance Designer / Creative Consultant | 2002–Present
Alongside my in-house career, I’ve worked independently with businesses and individuals on brand identities, websites, marketing communications, illustration, multimedia, and creative problem-solving.
These projects have given me the opportunity to work directly with clients, manage projects end to end, and keep my creative and technical skills active outside the structure of a corporate creative team.
Education
Bachelor of Science — Graphic Design
The Art Institutes International Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota | 2004
Certificate — Agile Project Management
University of Minnesota | 2022
Testimonials
Community & Volunteer Leadership
Scouting America — Northern Star Council
Cubmaster, Volunteer Leader & Leadership Trainer | 2016–Present
Longtime volunteer leader with experience supporting youth programs, adult leadership development, volunteer coordination, program administration, and community engagement.
- Serve as Cubmaster of Pack 327 in Lonsdale, Minnesota, providing leadership for the unit’s Scouting program, volunteer team, and family engagement.
- Previously served in several leadership and administrative roles, including committee and financial responsibilities, developing experience in volunteer management, budgeting, event coordination, and organizational planning.
Volunteer Instructor, University of Scouting and Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) | 2024-Present
- Sharing knowledge and practical experience with other adult Scout leaders through training and educational sessions.
- Mentor and support fellow volunteers, helping them build confidence, understand program requirements, and develop the skills to lead effective youth programs.
- Plan and coordinate outdoor activities, community service projects, youth development programs, and fundraising efforts.
Recognition
- 2025: District Award of Merit — Northern Star Council, District P
Training
- 2024: Wood Badge
- 2021: Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation
- 2022: University of Scouting
- 2016-2022: Safeguarding Youth, Youth Protection Training, Annually
- 2025: Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Cubmaster Training, Committee Chair Training, Den Leader Training
Phillippo Scout Camp — Northern Star Council
Volunteer Weekend Camp Ranger / Campmaster | 2024–Present
Serve as a weekend volunteer at Phillippo Scout Camp near Cannon Falls, Minnesota, supporting camp operations and helping provide a safe, welcoming experience for visiting Scout units and other guests.
- Assist with weekend camp operations, facility oversight, visitor support, and coordination of camp activities.
- Serve as a point of contact for visiting groups, helping address questions, logistics, and operational needs.
- Support the safe and responsible use of camp facilities, equipment, and outdoor spaces.
- Work independently and with fellow volunteers to identify and resolve problems as they arise.
Reach out
dmarson @ gmail.com
+1 612 839 6043