Kieran Delaney Logo
DESIGN LEADERSHIP RESUME CONTACT

ABOUT ME

I love design

I'm in love with design—not for the wealth, but for the sheer joy of creation. Always experimenting, learning, and evolving, I tell my students that designers are perpetual learners, exploring new depths with every project.

My journey spans decades, from leading departments and creating groundbreaking curriculums to founding initiatives that push creative boundaries. Mentoring students and working with professional organizations like AIGA are about fostering a diverse and collaborative industry.

At the core, my passion lies in leadership and empowering others. I’m committed to nurturing the next generation of creatives, fostering environments where innovation thrives, and inspiring teams to make a lasting impact through the power of thoughtful, purposeful design.

EXPERIENCE

Design Manager / HPTuners, Buffalo Grove IL
05/2021 - 10/2024

As HP Tuners’ Design Manager, I spearheaded an award-winning creative team honored with a Gold Davey Award and three Telly Awards (two silvers and a bronze) for impactful campaigns. I directed omni-channel marketing initiatives spanning digital content, advertising, campaigns, product design, and graphic design, while orchestrating front-end web development, photography, and video production. Partnering with the Sales & Marketing Director and Communication Manager, I mentored and empowered my team to execute HP Tuners’ brand vision flawlessly across diverse platforms. This included managing logo creation, package design, brochure and product literature development, social media asset production, and leading product photography and video shoots to ensure brand consistency across all channels.

My print brokering efforts generated annual cost savings approaching $500,000 while maintaining top-tier quality. Collaborating with our front-end web developer and copywriter, I revitalized the website, enhancing the user interface and launching new product and service pages to elevate the user experience and amplify HP Tuners’ market presence. These initiatives not only cultivated a collaborative, high-performing team but also strengthened HP Tuners’ brand influence and drove success across omni-channel marketing efforts.


Department Chair, Graphic Design Interactive Media and VFX/Animation / Flashpoint Chicago a Campus of Columbia College Hollywood, Chicago IL
02/2014 - 07/2021

At Flashpoint Chicago, I advanced from adjunct instructor to Department Chair, where I spearheaded the development of Associate and Bachelor’s programs and pioneered an “Inclusive” Project-Based Learning curriculum to empower students with essential traditional and contemporary design expertise. Overseeing the Graphic Design/Interactive Media, and VFX/Animation departments, I optimized scheduling, allocated budgets, and cultivated faculty development, mentoring both students and staff. During COVID, I drove the implementation of the Multi-Platform Delivery (MPD) program, which was adopted college-wide, facilitating a seamless transition to remote learning across all programs without student attrition. My contributions to the Retention, Admissions, and Student Success committees shaped transformative policies that bolstered students’ academic and professional achievements while fostering an inclusive and inspiring environment for emerging designers.


Graphic Design Program Director / Fox College, Bedford Park IL
07/2008 - 08/2013

At Fox College, I directed the development of an accelerated Graphic Design Associate’s Degree Program as Program Director, engineering the curriculum for nearly 20 courses to equip students with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical expertise for a robust, industry-ready education. Alongside managing the program, I instructed as the lead faculty member, cultivating an engaging learning environment and guiding students through externships and portfolio refinement to prepare them for the competitive design field. I strengthened the college’s growth by driving committee initiatives, including efforts that secured re-accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, underscoring my dedication to educational innovation and fostering a supportive, dynamic community for emerging designers.


Lead Creative & Founder / diversedesign, inc., Chicago IL
10/2000 - 01/2022

As the founder and creative lead of diversedesign—a studio born from a lifelong ambition—I directed a full-time team in delivering cutting-edge design and consulting services for clients such as Oscar Mayer, Metra, the Chicago Blackhawks, Sharpie, Kraft, and M&M. Our work spanned a variety of industries, including transportation, healthcare, legal, environmental, PR, media, food, and education.

I guided the creation of a wide array of projects, including catalog design, promotional materials, print advertisements, web design, logo creation, media kits, custom illustrations, and print brokering. With a focus on building cohesive client branding, we developed impactful marketing materials such as brochures, direct mail campaigns, posters, annual reports, point-of-sale displays, and websites.

In addition to driving creative direction, I nurtured strong client and vendor relationships, expertly managed project timelines, negotiated print production costs, and coordinated talent to ensure the seamless delivery of each project. Through this comprehensive approach, I built a reputation for providing exceptional design solutions that exceeded client expectations and elevated their brands.


Team Lead / Grayscale, Chicago IL
01/2000 - 10/2000

Directed a small team of graphic artists, spearheading the creation of national marketing and communication campaigns for high-profile clients, including Philip Morris, Allstate, and Midas. Designed and executed impactful print advertisements, posters, promotional mailers, and custom packaging that resonated with target audiences. Collaborated with cross-functional teams on creative pitches, brainstorming sessions, and concept development to deliver innovative solutions aligned with client objectives.

Oversaw the end-to-end design process, from initial ideation to final execution, ensuring high-quality results across a variety of mediums. Responsibilities included photo retouching, print production, and delivering polished, market-ready assets. Consistently maintained a strategic focus on elevating brand identity and creating memorable campaigns that reinforced client messaging and drove results.


Graphic Designer / Trisect, Broadview IL
11/1998 - 01/2000

Collaborated with renowned clients such as Bosch, Barton Brands, and Mario Tricoci, serving as the lead creative resource for design, photography, retouching, production, and print management. Delivered a range of impactful projects, including promotional materials, web design, brochures, and trade show posters, while directing photo shoots to ensure visually cohesive campaigns that aligned with client objectives.

Spearheaded branding initiatives such as logo development, media kits, and marketing materials, leveraging meticulous print brokering and vendor negotiations to ensure premium quality within budget constraints. By driving innovative design strategies, I elevated the studio’s creative output, resulting in a $250,000 revenue increase in a single year. This success solidified the studio’s reputation for delivering exceptional results and strengthened client relationships through a seamless alignment of creative vision and business goals.


Graphic Designer / Graphix!, Schaumburg IL
01/1998 - 11/1998

Excelled in a fast-paced studio, creating high-impact designs for clients in the hospitality and music industries, including bars, nightclubs, DJs, bands, and rappers in the Chicago area. Delivered a wide range of promotional materials such as logos, flyers, posters, business cards, and album art, ensuring each project aligned with the unique branding and marketing goals of diverse clients.

Managed the entire design and production process, from concept development to print delivery, while fostering strong client relationships and overseeing vendor negotiations to secure cost-effective print solutions. Consistently produced visually compelling, brand-appropriate designs under tight deadlines, earning a reputation for creativity and reliability across multiple demanding projects.


EDUCATION

Harrington College of Design, Chicago IL
05/2016

MFA Communication Design

University of Illinois at Chicago
05/1998

BFA Graphic Design

BFA Industrial Design

HONORS/AWARDS

Davey Award - Gold - 2024


Telly Awards - Two silver - One Bronze - 2024


Nominated for the VP of Education position of the Chicago Chapter of the AIGA


Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society


Graduated with High Honors from Harrington College of Design


Harrington Service & Leadership Scholarship for Academic Excellence


CERTIFICATIONS

Adobe Certified Instructor


Web Development and Multimedia Certifications - Mac University

SKILLS

Graphic Design, Web Design, Branding, Packaging Design, Art/Creative Direction, Illustration, Photo Retouching, Photography, Print Brokering, Production, Project Management, Typography, Color Theory, Leadership, Teaching, Mentoring, Curriculum Development, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, InDesign, HTML, CSS, w3.css, After Effects, Lightroom…