Eavan Cleary

About Eavan Cleary

Design, to me, is more than making something beautiful—it’s about making something matter. As a designer, director, and strategist, I craft brand identities and experiences that invite attention and meaningful connections. My background in psychology and the arts gives me a unique perspective on human nature, guiding me in designing systems and spaces—and telling stories—that resonate. Over the past two decades, I’ve shaped brands across industries as varied as food, luxury, health, and technology—bringing strategy, creativity, and clarity to each assignment. Whether I’m guiding a team, shaping a design system, or evolving a brand, my focus remains the same: to delight—by distilling ideas into compelling visuals, bringing brands and products to life, and fostering collaboration that nourishes both the process and the outcome. Beyond the work, I’m a lifelong learner and a wholehearted believer in the power of play. You’ll often find me biking, lost in a book, at a live show, or exploring the intersections of design, personal growth, and creativity.

Experience

1. Design Director Brand Builder Thought Partner

   Independent Consultant

   Aug 2000 — Present · Brooklyn, NY, US

   I work with brands and agencies to build identities and experiences that are strategic, story-driven, and invite continued connection. With a background in psychology, the arts, and early retail management, I bring a human-centered approach to design—one that connects business goals to creative clarity. Remarkable branding doesn’t just speak - it connects, evokes, and endures. I translate ideas into visual systems and campaigns that express a brand’s essence across digital, print, and experiential landscapes. From color and typography to launch, every decision is made in service of connection, recognition, and affinity- I’ve created and evolved brand identities across beauty, food, luxury, financial services, education, tech, and non-profits. My work spans visual identity across digital, motion, print, physical, and spatial experiences—often integrating these into seamless ecosystems. My insight grows with the ever-evolving landscapes of industry and storytelling. & I lead with clarity, curiosity, and collaboration—mentoring designers, partnering with marketing and product teams, and ensuring strategy, storytelling, and design stay tightly aligned. • Berlin Cameron – Gilt.com, Capital One• Burns Group / Tombras – Rite Aid• JWT – Centrum, Halls• Kraftworks – Aldo, Cointreau, Playtex• WME – Nutrisystem, Revlon• Additional: Big Arrow Group, LWD, Publicis, Rain, Ricciardi Group • The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers• Ann Taylor Loft • Lucky Chick • Restorsea• The Interdependence Project• Williams-Sonoma (Pottery Barn Catalogs) • Agency work: Fallon, Ogilvy, Riney – brands incl. American Express, IBM, Timberland, Saturn• Retail: Macy’s (Sales Mgr, Special Events Mgr, Assoc. Buyer)

Education

• University of California, Berkeley

  Continuing Education, Creative Writing

• The George Washington University

  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

• Harvard University

  ALB

• School of Visual Arts

  MFA