BIO

Adrian Sims is a multidisciplinary creative leader who brings over 17 years of expertise in graphic design, 3D artistry, and photography/videography to the intersection of brand innovation and digital storytelling. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Adrian’s work focuses on creating accessible, purpose-driven designs that captivate and inspire.

Adrian’s journey in digital design began in 1999 while serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). As the lead designer for critical digital assets and marketing campaigns, his exceptional work earned him a Navy Achievement Medal from the Secretary of the Navy for excellence in design.

Following his military service, Adrian built a comprehensive design portfolio serving both government and private sector clients for more than twelve years. In 2018, he advanced to become the Graphic Design Lead for the City of Tacoma’s Media and Communications Team. In this role, he spearheaded citywide art direction and managed design services across multiple platforms, including television, print, digital, and social media. A highlight of his tenure was redesigning and rebranding the official City of Tacoma logo while establishing comprehensive design standards for broader accessibility and impact.

Most recently, Adrian served as the Senior Talent Brand Designer at Zillow until June 2024, where he provided strategic art direction and multimedia support for global recruiting initiatives and internal communications. His work focused on creating inclusive, engaging content that attracted diverse, top-tier talent to the organization. Following his departure from Zillow, Adrian has dedicated himself full-time to expanding Create & Blend, his entrepreneurial venture.

As the Founder of Create & Blend, a creative studio and online educational company  established in 2023, Adrian is fulfilling his vision of empowering underrepresented communities through creative technology education. Through this platform, he provides mentorship, workshops, and resources to help aspiring creatives thrive in the digital space.

Throughout his career, Adrian has demonstrated mastery of the complete design process, from initial concept to final deployment. His systematic approach begins with in-depth discovery sessions and stakeholder workshops to uncover core project requirements and business objectives. Drawing from his extensive technical expertise, Adrian guides projects through strategic planning, wireframing, iterative design development, and rigorous user testing phases. His proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools enables seamless handoffs to development teams, while his experience managing cross-functional teams and external vendors ensures successful implementation across diverse platforms. This end-to-end project oversight, combined with his commitment to data-driven decision making and user-centered design principles, consistently delivers impactful solutions that exceed client expectations and drive measurable results.

Adrian approaches each project with a dedication to innovation, accessibility, and authentic storytelling. As both a mentor and lifelong learner, he continues to explore new digital horizons while sharing his expertise to inspire the next generation of creative professionals.