Sean Bishop
Brand & Visual Strategy | Creative Direction | Packaging | UX | Content
Creative Brand Strategist with 20+ years of experience transforming product stories into compelling brand experiences. Blending UX, packaging, and digital content expertise, I help brands connect with consumers across every touchpoint. Trusted by names like Swingline and Kensington to deliver elevated design that aligns with brand goals and market strategy.
EXPERTISE
Brand & Strategy: Brand Development · Visual Storytelling · Cross-Functional Collaboration · Consumer Touchpoints
Design Focus: Packaging · UX/UI Principles · Art Direction · Digital & Print Content · Campaign Creative
Tools & Platforms: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) · Figma · Adobe XD · Keynote · MS PowerPoint · Web CMS
Marketing & Communication: Consumer Touchpoint Optimization · Marketing Collateral Design · Product Launch Support · Storyboarding
Approach & Mindset: User-Centric Thinking · Strategic Creativity · Detail-Oriented Execution · Collaborative by Nature
EXPERIENCE
ACCO Brands Visual Strategist | Brand Experience & Packaging Design
June 2003 – Present | Lake Zurich, IL
Lead the creative development of brand and product experiences for Swingline, Kensington, Quartet, and more. Own visual direction across packaging, video, digital, and in-store content. Collaborate with marketing and product teams to align design execution with brand strategy and consumer insights. Known as the go-to for high-end design that elevates storytelling and brand presence.
Drove visual strategy across product lifecycles, enhancing consumer engagement and shelf impact.
Created unified brand experiences across print, digital, and physical touchpoints.
Applied UX and design thinking to packaging and content, improving clarity and emotional connection.
Developed campaign and launch assets aligned with marketing goals
Macintosh Mechanix Owner | Apple Systems Support & Troubleshooting
April 2001 – June 2003 | Chicago, IL
Founded and operated a solo tech support business specializing in Apple Macintosh systems. Provided hardware and software troubleshooting, upgrades, and consulting to individuals and small businesses. Developed client relationships through hands-on service, technical expertise, and clear communication.
Majority Strategies Art Director | Political & Public Affairs Creative
September 1999 – April 2001 | Columbus, OH
Led creative development for high-volume political and advocacy campaigns at a fast-paced startup agency. Designed direct mail, branding, and visual assets for high-profile figures, including John McCain, Steve Forbes, and George W. Bush. Managed design workflows across multiple shifts, ensuring rapid turnaround and message clarity across print and digital mediums.
Produced campaign materials contributing to over 7 billion impressions and 7,500+ campaigns.
Helped define the agency’s early creative standards during rapid growth.
Balanced strategic messaging with compelling visual communication in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.
First USA Bank Marketing Communications Officer | Design Lead
September 1995 – September 1999 | Wilmington, DE
Directed design and production for marketing communications supporting over 400 financial institution clients. Developed print and digital materials for credit card programs, ensuring regulatory accuracy, brand alignment, and strong consumer appeal. Coordinated across departments to meet high-volume demands in a deadline-driven environment.
Oversaw creative output for two design shifts, ensuring consistency and quality across campaigns.
Delivered customized marketing materials that supported client retention and growth.
Applied strategic design to complex financial products, translating technical messaging into clear, engaging visuals.
The Franklin Mint Freelance Concept Artist | Licensed Collectibles
September 1994 – September 1996 | Philadelphia, PA
Contributed to concept development and visual design for licensed collectible products across pop culture, automotive, and entertainment brands. Collaborated with over 50 artisans to bring premium collector items to life, from ideation to prototype. Demonstrated initiative and creative range, earning opportunities to work on high-profile licenses.
Developed concepts for licensed products featuring Coca-Cola, The Simpsons, Star Trek, Monopoly, The Beatles, and more.
Gained hands-on experience across sculpting, illustration, and visual storytelling.
Promoted through trust and performance in a highly competitive creative environment.