Ted Kusio - Creative Technology Leadership

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Ted Kusio

Creative Technology Leader who bridges design and code to build digital experiences that actually work.

ABOUT

What I do

Creating ideas using graphic design, technology, and innovation to connect companies with their customers.

With decades of experience bridging creative and technical disciplines, I solve problems others call impossible. I specialize in creating value-driven digital solutions by crafting engaging stories and immersive experiences. Leading diverse teams with deep cross-disciplinary collaboration, I excel in pioneering innovative applications of technology, including AI integration in design. My blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and collaborative approach drives projects that consistently exceed expectations and push industry boundaries.

Creativity

Design systems that scale across enterprise platforms, like defining Lumen's illustration style that shipped across hundreds of pages
Brand transformations from concept to implementation—led CenturyLink's evolution to Lumen across all digital touchpoints
Interactive design that drives conversions, including guided-buying tools and product selectors that contributed to an $18M revenue increase
Motion design using After Effects, Lottie animations, and code-driven frameworks (GreenSock, Anime.js)
AI integration for rapid prototyping, asset generation, and workflow optimization
Adobe Creative Suite power user (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, Figma)

Front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) that bridges designer intent and developer reality
Prototyping solutions in CodePen, like teaching flexbox through working demos
Solving "impossible" integrations—cracked ION interactive embedding when the vendor said it couldn't be done
Responsive design that actually works across devices—not just "looks good in Photoshop"
WCAG AA accessibility compliance without sacrificing design vision
Agile workflows, AEM expertise, and comfort in cross-functional technical environments

Technology

Leadership

Transforming dysfunctional teams into collaborative partners—turned a 3-year siloed workflow into genuine creative-dev partnership
Strategic hiring of "unicorn" designer-developers who become force multipliers for entire teams
Building cohesive remote teams across time zones through initiatives like Friday Dance Parties and technical show-and-tells
Upskilling entire teams through hands-on training programs I designed and delivered over six years
Navigating organizational politics to amplify overlooked voices, particularly women in design and UX roles
Translating technical constraints into creative opportunities—teaching designers when to push back and when to pivot

EXPERIENCE

What I've done

Over my three-decade career, I've worn many hats and pushed many pixels.

Spearheaded the complete rebranding of Lumen Technologies, orchestrating a comprehensive overhaul of all assets
Pioneered the integration of AI in design processes, enhancing creative output and streamlining workflows
Developed innovative interactive elements for websites, boosting user engagement and conversions
Created a record-breaking digital presentation for Vogue
Launched a highly effective online ad campaign for The New York Times paid digital subscription
Guided a traditional Flash agency through the transition to HTML, ensuring relevance in an evolving digital landscape
Shared my expertise through university-level classes and corporate training sessions
Presented at numerous conferences and industry events, establishing myself as a thought leader in creative technology

My journey began with self-taught web development skills and a passion for digital design. Today, I continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the digital realm, always learning, evolving and striving to create impactful digital experiences that resonate with audiences and drive results.

Design Samples

Selected designs and art direction for enterprise, retail, and media clients including Lumen Technologies, Vogue, Macy's, and The New York Times, featuring website designs and redesigns, digital ads, infographics, and interactive presentations.

Lumen

Lumen - Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) ads and web pages

Lumen - Secure access service edge (SASE) ads and web pages

Lumen - Static and animated infographics

John Ryan (digital signage)

Macy's, Vogue, New York Times

Macy's - Internal presentation for fixtures group

Companies I Worked With

Airstream
Anthem
Atlantic Records
Barclays
Bayer
Best Buy
CBS
Chase
DDB New York
Discovery Channel
Disney
EstÃ©e Lauder
Infor (Hook & Loop)
Intermix
Lumen Technologies
Macy's
New York Lottery
New York Times
Nick at Nite
Nike
Pepperidge Farm
PNC Bank
Sprint
TBWA\Chiat\Day
Trico
Vogue
Warner Bros. Records

CASE STUDIES

My work in depth

Detailed case studies showcasing my approach to solving complex challenges.

Reinventing CenturyLink as Lumen From Legacy Telco to Modern Enterprise Technology Company
From Silos to Partnership Building Technical Literacy and a Creative-Dev Partnership at Lumen

RECOMMENDATIONS

What people say about me

Ted's creativity elevated our work on the Lumen rebrand—he has a rare ability to turn complex ideas into clear, compelling designs. He doesn't just make things look great—he ensures they function beautifully, bridging design and technology thinking.

David Ashton — ACD Copy, Lumen Technologies; David worked with me on the Creative Team
Ted is a fantastic creative mind and fast learner. He didn't just push our project forward—he kept generating new ideas that improved every product in the portfolio. A genuinely strong creative force.

Callahan Krivanek — Director of Marketing, Lumen Technologies; Callahan was senior to me but didn't manage me
Ted excelled at turning creative concepts into reality. His Campaign-in-a-Box toolkit wasn't just creative execution—it required strategic thinking about real-world partner needs, and Ted delivered.

Victoria Quintana — Marketing Leader, Lumen Technologies; Victoria worked with me but on different teams
Ted created space for exploration and encouraged ideas that helped the work grow. His leadership style taught me a lot about how to be a manager myself—he made me feel heard and supported.

Tracy Zahn — Creative Design Manager, Lumen; Tracy reported to me, later became a peer
Ted constantly encouraged curiosity and pushed me to explore new ways to tell a story through design. His mentorship got me into motion design. He has that rare balance of creative vision and technical know-how.

Ana Rivas — Senior Web & Visual Designer, Lumen; Ana reported directly to me
[Ted] excelled in implementing marketing and advertising campaigns from concepting designs to delivery. His reliability and organizational skills made him an indispensable asset to our entire Marketing team.

Marina Carpenter — Web Art Director, Lumen; Marina reported to me
The rare quality that Ted has as a manager is he brings people of all departments and disciplines together.

Aliya Robinson — Front-End Developer, Hook & Loop/Infor; Aliya reported directly to me
Ted possesses a unique combination of technical skill, creativity, curiosity, and general pleasantness. These traits made him a great manager, developer, and coworker.

Lindsey Drake — Sr Director, Operations, Hook & Loop/Infor; Lindsey was senior to me

View complete, and more, recommendations on my LinkedIn profile.

Contact me

You can also reach me through LinkedIn.

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