Hello! I am
Gregory M. Yates
Designer & Artist
About me
A creative in Pittsburgh, PA
Passionate designer and artist weaving innovation and strategy into captivating visual narratives
With over 15 years of experience, I’ve excelled as both an individual contributor and a team leader in the creative design industry, consistently advancing and shaping brand identities. As a seasoned Creative Director, I’ve collaborated with Marketing and Engineering to craft captivating visual narratives for websites, print materials, and brand voices. My extensive history as a Designer showcases expertise in Graphics, Logo Design, Branding, User Experience, and Photography, all infused with an innovative philosophy that seamlessly merges artistic expression and design acumen, creating a truly distinct approach.
Experience
Founder & Designer
Elephant in the Room, Productions
2014 – Present
- Specialize in Fine Arts Advertisement, blending artistic interpretation with strategic design to engage a new type of potential client.
- Led branding and website development projects for up-and-coming startups in the San Francisco Bay Area, creating distinctive logos, icons, and marketing materials that shaped the overall brand identity.
- Designed both the visual aesthetic and functionality of client websites, ensuring a cohesive brand experience across all platforms.
- Enhanced the online presence and profitability of several rebranded businesses through strategic design and marketing efforts.
- Utilize such tech as Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, XD, Indesign, Github, WordPress, Figma, HTML, JQuery, CSS, SVG, and Google Analytics to deliver high-quality results and monitor performance.
Lead Designer
Zazzle.com. Inc.
2010 – 07/2014
- Managed a team of 5 to 10 designers, leading key projects in website design, advertising, product design assets, and branding for prominent brands like Star Wars, Marvel, The Knot, Barbie, and DC Comics.
- Partnered with the marketing department on email campaigns and Facebook ads, and collaborated with the engineering department to develop and implement product assets.
- Spearheaded internationalization efforts leading a team of 8, translating and designing culturally appropriate visual assets for i18n sites across multiple regions, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Brazil, Spain, France, and more.
- Assisted in photography for the “real views” featured on the website, ensuring high-quality visual representations of products.
Image Team Lead Manager
Zazzle.com. Inc.
2007 – 07/2009
- Managed a team of 5 full-time employees and up to 25 contractors, overseeing the production and editing of real views assets.
- Spearheaded the creation of a dedicated photo room and utilized advanced equipment to enhance product images for the website.
- Reworked assets from top brands, including Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and Getty Images, to create a wide array of marketable products.
Digital Restoration & Design
Zazzle.com. Inc.
- Performed digital restoration of historical photographs and lithographs for prestigious institutions, including The Library of Congress, The Bancroft Library, and Hoover Institute.
- Utilized Photoshop to restore and prepare images for official use and sales on The Library of Congress website.
Photographer, Intern
Oakland Raiders
08/2002 – 02/2003
- Captured photos and videos of all team practices at the Alameda headquarters as well as home games at the Network Associates Coliseum; providing essential visual content for the Raider’s official team’s website.
- Documented off-site events, including Raiderette cheerleader performances, football player events, and appearances by players’ wives during concerts, benefits, school speeches, and community outreach programs.
- Assisted with website layout, ensuring seamless integration of visual content.
I’ve gotten to work with some amazing brands!
Education & SKills
Skills
Creative Direction
Graphic Design
Branding & Identity
UX/UI Design
Logo Design
Tufts University, Medford, MA
Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts
Immersing in artistic theories, design principles, and collaborative endeavors that refined a distinctive artistic philosophy. Explored a wide spectrum of creative realms, setting the stage for a career marked by merging creativity with strategic design thinking.
Boston School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Diploma in Graphic Design
Specializing in Graphic Design with a focus on crafting compelling visual narratives. Acquired hands-on expertise in Graphic Design, Logo Design, and Branding.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
The MIT Exchange Program in Sculptural Design
Recent Work
Discovery Inc.
Burberry
McDonalds
Quba & Co.
References
Let’s Start Something new
Say Hello
I’m always seeking new creative projects, commissions, and career opportunities. Please, do not hesitate to contact me.