What I Do

I realize creative ideas using graphic design, creative technology, and innovative thinking to connect companies with their customers. I thrive in collaborative environments where we identify and implement cutting-edge applications of technology to build lasting relationships with customers.

With over 30 years in graphic design, web development, and digital marketing, I specialize in creating value-driven digital solutions through engaging storytelling and immersive experiences. I excel in leading diverse, cross-disciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, and pioneering innovative applications of technology, including AI integration in design. My blend of creative vision, technical acumen, and leadership skills drives projects that consistently exceed expectations and push industry boundaries.

Creativity

  • Creative direction and strategy
  • Graphic design and art direction using Adobe Creative Suite
  • Responsive web site/app design (desktop, tablet, mobile)
  • Interactive design implementation
  • Video editing and animation (Adobe After Effects, Premiere, Animate)
  • AI integration in design processes

Technology

  • Front-end web development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) implementation
  • AI tools for automation and content creation
  • Code-driven animation
  • Agile methodology

Leadership

  • Building, recruiting, and retaining talented, diverse teams
  • Creating a positive and safe work environment
  • Facilitating training and exploration
  • Communicating effectively with teams and upper management
  • Driving cross-team collaboration

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.
Lumen web site on a phone

Design Samples

Unified communications and collaboration (UCC) ads and web page

Lumen

Recent Lumen site redesign

Static and animated infographics

Lumen

Static and animated infographics

Examples of illustration style

Lumen

Examples of illustration style

Internal presentation for fixtures group

Macy's

Internal presentation for fixtures group

The POWER ISSUE presentation resulted in a record number of advertisers

Vogue

The POWER ISSUE presentation resulted in a record number of advertisers

Fashion on Demand presentation

Vogue

Fashion on Demand presentation

Paywall ad design

The New York Times

Paywall ad design

Crisp - Best Buy Demo

Shake ad to get next "deal"

Video Samples

A fun way to show local weather and weather at some popular vacation spot

John Ryan - Airstream

A fun way to show local and destination weather

A template demo created at John Ryan

John Ryan

Template demo

A video that greets you when you enter JohnRyan

John Ryan

"Old timey" video greeting for office visitors

Another video that greets you when you enter JohnRyan, with a wink and nod to 'The Twilight Zone.'

John Ryan

Another video greeting for office visitors, with a wink to "The Twilight Zone."

Work Stats

75+

Websites

10

Departments Built/Led

47+

People Hired

Lots!

Online Ads

Created, designed, animated, built

11

Classes taught

University-level and independant

2

Bachelor Degrees

Dual Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering and Music/Media Studies

Companies I've Worked With

  • Airstream
  • Anthem
  • Atlantic Records
  • Barclays
  • Bayer
  • Best Buy
  • CBS
  • Chase
  • DDB New York
  • Discovery Channel
  • Disney
  • Estée 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

What People Say About Me

A few words from recent managers, colleagues and team members. See the complete recommendations on LinkedIn

“[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 Designer/ Developer; Marina reported to me as an Art Director at Lumen

“I was particularly impressed that he can distill complex technical concepts into their constituent parts, and recognize commonalities that could then be applied across a wide array of specialties.”

Rod Boev — Front-end and full stack web development; I reported directly to Rod at Cosgrove Associates

“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; was senior to me at Hook & Loop/Infor

“One thing that consistently impressed me was Ted's ability to see possible future problems or roadblocks for a project that no one else could see, even very senior developers.”

Raleigh Daniel Froeber — Senior Software Engineer; reported directly to me at Hook & Loop/Infor

"You can tell that he really understands usability, design, and the related technical concepts. Having Ted on the team immediately reduced the burden on other developers."

Andrew Stephens — Consultant at Solution Design Group; worked with me at Connexions Loyalty

"The rare quality that Ted has as a manager is he brings people of all departments and disciplines together."

Aliya Robinson — Front-End Developer; reported directly to me at Hook & Loop/Infor

"Ted is an incredible resource in the creative & technology sector."

Keith Gulbro — Developer; reported directly to me at John Ryan

Contact Me