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Rob Harrigan
Principal Creative | Brand & Product
Professional Background
Rob Harrigan is a highly experienced designer, boasting over 20 years in the industry, with a strong focus on brand design and conceptual thinking. His career has taken him through numerous prestigious organizations and agencies, where he has honed his skills in strategic design, narrative development, and design craftsmanship. As a hands-on senior design leader, Rob has made a significant impact at every organization he has been a part of, showcasing his diverse skill set and passion for creating visual identities that resonate with audiences.
Throughout his career, Rob has held various leadership roles, most recently as the Digital Brand Design Lead at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he implemented innovative design strategies that elevated the company's brand presence in the digital landscape. Previously, he served as Creative Director and Design Lead at Rob Harrigan Design, where he shaped the creative vision for a wide array of projects, while also establishing himself as an influential voice in the design community.
Rob’s journey also includes pivotal roles at major tech companies, such as Meta, where he contributed to cutting-edge design initiatives as the Communication Design Lead. His tenure at Y Media Labs as Product Design Lead further solidified his expertise in delivering engaging user experiences that blend creativity with functionality.
His long-standing career at IBM saw him rise through the ranks to serve as Global Design Director and Creative Director. During this time, he spearheaded projects that revolutionized the design approach within the organization, ensuring that IBM maintained its status as a leader in technological design. His creative direction at Ogilvy & Mather and Liquidnet also allowed him to explore brand integration and innovative marketing strategies, creating memorable campaigns that left a lasting impact on consumers.
Rob's freelance work at HarriganWorks is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his craft. It provided him the opportunity to work closely with various clients, allowing him to create tailored design solutions that meet specific needs and challenges in an ever-evolving market.
Education and Achievements
Rob Harrigan's educational background strongly supports his extensive experience in design. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the School of Visual Arts, solidifying his foundational knowledge in design principles and aesthetics. This rigorous training provided him with the skills necessary to excel in his career.
Additionally, Rob pursued further education in specialized areas to enhance his skill set significantly. He studied Advanced Typography as part of the Continuing Education program at the School of Visual Arts. This addition allowed him to refine his typographic skills, which are crucial in creating compelling visual narratives. Moreover, his training in Hand Lettering and Signpainting at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art demonstrates his commitment to mastering diverse techniques and staying updated on design trends.
These academic achievements, combined with his professional experiences, have positioned Rob as a thought leader in design, contributing to discussions around brand strategy and user experience. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development has enabled him to consistently push boundaries in his creative work, further solidifying his reputation as a design leader.
Achievements
Throughout his extensive career, Rob Harrigan has accumulated an impressive array of achievements that highlight his expertise and dedication to the design field. He is particularly recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between creativity and strategic thinking, ensuring that every design solution not only captivates audiences but also aligns with broader organizational goals.
At JPMorgan Chase & Co., Rob led the digital design team in developing integrated solutions that enhanced user engagement across various platforms. His contributions significantly improved the company’s brand visibility in the competitive finance sector.
During his time at Meta, Rob played a key role in launching innovative product features that harmonized with the overall brand narrative, resulting in more cohesive customer experiences. His ability to connect design with storytelling has enabled him to work successfully on high-impact projects that resonate with users.
As a Global Design Director at IBM, Rob inspired and nurtured design teams, instituting processes that enhanced collaboration and creativity. His vision and leadership significantly influenced the company's design culture, elevating the significance of design in all aspects of business strategy and implementation. Rob’s impactful designs there didn’t just focus on visuals; they encompassed how users interacted with technology, fostering an alignment between product design and user needs.
Rob Harrigan’s multidisciplinary approach to design has earned him respect and recognition in the design industry. He has a unique ability to intertwine various elements of design principles with the latest trends, ensuring that his work remains both relevant and compelling.
