RAY ELFERS // CREATIVE DIRECTOR
I like to create things: if something is interesting to me, I want to share it with others. For me, it started as a photographer shooting live music in the local Cincinnati music scene, and in the darkroom watching black and white photos develop. I was instantly hooked on the story that images could tell, and the emotions evoked while capturing sound in one simple picture. I had to share my work with anyone that was interested, and some that might not have been.
Now I bring my experience in storytelling to advertising, working with some of the most well-know global brands, and I am always looking for opportunities to express myself while providing value for people in creative and unexpected ways.
I am a Creative Director and storyteller with a passion for creating desirable brands and immersive interactive experiences.
With over 15 years commercial agency experience, I have built a reputation for consistently delivering exceptional work, whether it’s leading a team on a global website, creating a winning new business pitch, or developing a high profile campaign launch.
Combining brand and business thinking with expert technical knowledge of UI design, storytelling and creative leadership, my work is always highly crafted, emotionally engaging, and strategically sound.
At A Glance
Quickly sees the 30,000ft view without losing sight of the details
Develops brand strategy, positioning and image—while driving for consistency
Concepts creative campaigns for print, broadcast, digital, social media
Mentors and inspires creative colleagues and partners
Presents (and negotiates) creative ideas with clients
Oversees production, including estimates, budgets, and external vendors
Builds lasting client relationships
Throws down on new business pitches
Creates environments and processes that foster collaboration
WORK EXPERIENCE
Senior Manager Product Design
KROGER
04/22 - PRESENT
Manages and leads the product design of all customer facing digital properties for Kroger Health and Wellness including their B2B service portal, the Kroger Health App, and CRM programs. Collaborates across all product pillars and business stakeholders to bring the most useful and effective digital products to life, while constantly iterating to make them better. Leads the UI and visual UX for the Health and Wellness Team and creates new innovations and processes within the wellness domain to make the products highly engaging and the team as efficient as possible.
Group Creative Director
GREY
07/15 - 04/22
Leads entire commerce and traditional group of creatives while ensuring the best work and strategic implementation for global brands. Responsible for creating awarding winning work, innovative campaigns, and communication that speaks to consumers in an authentic way while challenging clients and partner agencies to tell compelling stories that connect emotionally with their target audiences. Created and leads the commerce practice at Grey Midwest including eCommerce, shopper marketing, in-store display, activation, and social commerce. Responsible for creating and implementing a vision for the group while promoting capabilities and inspiring internal stakeholders and clients.
Creative Director
POSSIBLE
02/12 - 07/15
Created design concepts, implemented marketing strategies and developed digital campaigns. Supervised and directed team of artists, designers, and copywriters while participating in the strategic shaping of agencyʼs business goals. Experience leading campaigns and new business teams, traditional, digital, and social advertising, merging the worlds of art and science to build clientʼs brands.
Senior Interactive Art Director
POSSIBLE
06/11 - 02/12
Responsible for shaping the design and creative vision for the visual direction and user experience of all digital properties for clients. Addressed marketing and communication challenges by leading teams to bring ideas to life creatively. Implemented best-in-class design and interaction principles to ensure the integrity and success of all consumer facing and internal client products.
Senior Experience Planner (UX)
Bridge Worldwide
07/10 - 06/11
Provided strategic and creative experiences for all websites and consumer interactions within the digital ecosystem for the world's largest, and most famous brands. Collaborated across disciplines, while providing best-in-class experiences by advocating for the consumer and creating systems for successful interactions. Conducted user testing, facilitated stakeholder interviews, and managed rapid prototyping to ensure the highest level of learning was applied to the product.
Creative Director
Systems Insight, Inc.
5/02 - 7/10
Led all aspects of the creative product including the design, copywriting and development of all products. Responsible for the creative integrity of all deliverables, as well as client presentations, and new business pitches.
CLIENT LIST
P&G
Unstopables
Febreze
Safeguard Soap
IAMS
Eukanuba
Charmin
Bounty
Olay
Herbal Essences
Cafe Bustello
Amazon
Abbot Nutrition
Curate
Volkswagen
Saputo
McDonalds
Pringles
Duracell
Prilosec OTC
Metamucil
Smuckers
ConAgra Foods
Microsoft
WHY ME
Vision
I see digital design as an art and a driver of customer delight. I'm the catalyst that mixes ideas, pushes concepts and finds the best way to energize brands through sophisticated visual design.
Problem Solver
I don't believe in design without purpose. I see digital design as a science and believe that design plays a role in solving problems that improve the consumer experience.
Strategic
I think like a business owner and identify opportunities to grow the business, the brand, whether indirectly or directly related to design.
Collaborative
I have high regards for team building, I work exceptionally well across all key functional areas including account, strategy, UX, production and customer service.
Relentless
I'm always looking for opportunities and aren’t afraid to take risks for the sake of making things better.
Hands-On
I enjoy rolling up my sleeves and getting into the nitty gritty of design, yet my goal is ultimately to be a 'thought-leader' and provide more than ideas, but inspiration.