BRAND LEADER
I’m a senior art director and creative leader who helps organizations turn meaningful ideas into memorable brand experiences. I bring strategy, storytelling, and design together to create thoughtful, human work that genuinely connects with people.
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University (BFA-Design). Throughout my design career, I’ve shaped visual identities and led campaigns across digital, print, social, experiential, and emerging AI-enabled channels. I bring fresh thinking, encourage creative teams, and build stakeholder confidence as ambitious ideas become work we can all be proud of.
These experiences and values shape how I work:
-
Leadership & Team Development: I bring people together around a shared goal, provide clear direction, and give ideas room to grow. By putting collaboration first, I help teams create strong design and marketing experiences that serve the client.
-
Creative Technology: During my time at Caterpillar, Inc., I explored how AI could strengthen the creative process—from translation and early ideation to retouching, publication templates, and experiential themes.
-
Bringing Ideas to Life: I lead creative production, plan team capacity, and cultivate trusted partnerships with agencies, freelancers, and vendors to keep integrated initiatives moving smoothly. Throughout my career, I’ve paired strategic leadership with a hands-on commitment to producing thoughtful, high-quality design work.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. You can explore my portfolio for examples of my brand, campaign, and experiential work. I’m open to remote opportunities and would be glad to learn more about your team and what we could create together.
Warm regards,
Kurt Valenta
October 2026
STOPS ALONG THE ROAD
2024 -2026
ART DIRECTOR
Caterpillar Inc. - Ironworks
As a member of Caterpillar’s Ironworks, I contributed to high‑capacity workflows while overseeing art direction and guiding the creative process for Tier 3 designers and copywriters. Led experiential design projects for facilities and tradeshow exhibits.
2014-2024
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Advance Ohio - cleveland.com
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
Marcus Thomas / Highmark Health / EY / Synchrony / HMT
As Creative Director at Advance Ohio, I led multi‑disciplinary teams across Cleveland, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, producing RFP pitches and campaigns that helped win and produce new business for cleveland.com advertising. I oversaw the creative process from intake through execution and managed quarterly performance and salary reviews, as well as the recruitment and onboarding of new creative hires.
2003-2014
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Brunner / Elisco Creative Cafe
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
Lava New Media LLC
As Creative Director at Brunner, I worked with an amazing design team and managed end‑to‑end creative processes, while serving as creative lead on RFP pitches that drove new business wins. I also led multiple rebranding initiatives for fully integrated (360°) client accounts across Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, and Atlanta.
< 2002
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / PARTNER
Valenta Platt Design Group LLC
ART DIRECTOR
Bradley Brown Design Group LLC
Founded Valenta Platt Design Group, serving academic, banking, healthcare, heavy‑industry, start‑up, and non‑profit clients. At Bradley Brown, I served as art director on the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s signature yearbook publication, supporting the annual Induction Ceremony as well as ongoing museum exhibits and events.
A SAMPLE OF CAREER BRANDS INCLUDE
BRETT COMPTON
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
OUTDOOR FLICS
I had the opportunity to collaborate with Kurt on numerous projects over the five years we worked together at Brunner. He is exceptionally talented, detail‑oriented, and consistently dependable. Whether developing a new branding campaign or reimagining a restaurant’s guest experience—from custom coffee cups to thoughtfully designed outdoor furnishings—Kurt delivers work of the highest caliber.
MIKE TIERNO
STRATEGIC SALES EXECUTIVE
RR DONNELLEY
I attended CMU’s Design program with Kurt, and while his work was exceptional even then, he has since become a truly complete professional. Whether I need a major creative concept or a comprehensive rebranding effort, Kurt consistently delivers strategic, high‑quality design work with professional integrity.
JOHN D. PLATT
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE
BROUDY PRINTING
I regard Kurt’s capabilities as truly exceptional across strategic marketing, design, and project management. His creative vision is consistently strong, and he demonstrates a highly developed aptitude for solving complex challenges. Any organization or client would be fortunate to have Kurt directing their marketing initiatives.
