ABOUT
Ryan SEVERANCE
Classically trained, multi-disciplinary creative leader with 10+ years of experience driving global brand strategy, campaign development, and visual storytelling. Educated at the Basel School of Design (HGK) and the Art Institute of Chicago, bringing a process-driven, international perspective to modern design.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, launching award-winning campaigns, and building scalable design systems that deliver elevated, authentic, and impactful creative for Fortune 500 brands and disruptive startups alike.
I am currently based in Chicago, IL. Feel free to reach out for business inquiries and opportunities. Resume below.
Professional Experience
GLOBAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR, LIVEWIRE
SUMMER 2021 – PRESENT
At LiveWire, I led the global brand transformation following its spin-off from Harley-Davidson, overseeing all consumer-facing creative across digital, print, social, and experiential channels. I directed high-profile campaigns supporting new product launches, the company’s NYSE IPO (LVWR), and global brand partnerships. In this role, I built and managed a multidisciplinary creative team and partner network while ensuring consistency across all brand assets, and I developed and executed unified brand guidelines, voice, and storytelling frameworks.
ART DIRECTOR, HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SUMMER 2018
As Art Director at Harley-Davidson, I art-directed seasonal e-commerce campaigns and model-year product visuals, while also redesigning brand guidelines to modernize typographic and visual systems across print and digital. I collaborated closely with internal stakeholders to align marketing objectives with creative execution, ensuring brand cohesion across platforms.
SENIOR DESIGNER, AON
FALL 2013
At Aon, I created global marketing collateral and data-driven visuals for both internal and external campaigns. I art-directed sponsorship initiatives, including the Manchester United partnership, which significantly boosted global engagement. Working closely with regional marketing leads, I ensured alignment between brand standards and campaign effectiveness worldwide.
ART DIRECTOR,
MAGNANI CONTINUUM MARKETING
SUMMER 2012
In this agency role, I led creative efforts for Siemens Industry, delivering integrated print and digital campaigns that drove measurable business impact. I managed junior designers, maintained timelines, and worked directly with clients to gather feedback, secure approvals, and ensure project success.
DESIGN INTERN,
ALPHABET ARM DESIGN
SUMMER 2011
As a design intern, I executed visual identity projects from concept through delivery in a fast-paced agency setting. This role provided foundational experience in branding, print design, and direct client collaboration.
