About Adrian
Adrian Sims is a multidisciplinary Senior Designer and Creative Director with over 17 years of expertise driving brand innovation across corporate, government, and entertainment sectors. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Adrian blends high-level strategic vision with an unyielding standard for creative excellence.
His portfolio is a testament to his versatility. Adrian is an Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop whose creative reach extends globally. His graphics have been featured on Netflix, his photography has graced the pages of People Magazine, and he has designed dynamic visuals for nationwide tours with LiveNation.
Adrian’s design journey began in 1999 aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) serving in the United States Navy, where his work on mission-critical assets earned him the Navy Achievement Medal. He translated this discipline into the civilian sector, eventually serving as the Graphic Design Lead for the City of Tacoma, where he directed a historic citywide rebrand, and as Senior Talent Brand Designer at Zillow, where he elevated employer branding through inclusive storytelling.
Today, Adrian is as much an educator as he is a creator. As a public speaker at venues such as Seattle University, he empowers audiences on design thinking and creative technology. He is deeply committed to mentoring aspiring designers and partnering with business leaders to ensure their collateral is not only visually stunning but strictly adherent to brand guidelines and accessibility standards.
I'm a multi-disciplinary creative leader with over 17 years of expertise in graphic design, 3D artistry, and photography, bringing strategic vision to the intersection of brand innovation and digital storytelling. My creative mission centers on creating accessible, purpose-driven designs that captivate, inspire, and excite!
Discliplines
Art Direction & Brand Strategy
Social Media Strategy
Expert Level Presentation Decks
User-Centered Digital, Print, & AI Design
Talent Brand Design
Accessibility
Design Education
Multimedia Production
3D
Photography
Government Communications
Design Systems
Digital Asset Management
Brand Guidelines Development
Data-Driven Design
Vendor Management
Soft Skills
Detail-oriented
Resourceful
Patience
Excitement
Empathic Listener
Motivated
Team-builder
Confident
Decision-making
Adaptability
Reliability
Communication
Analytical Thinking
Ambitious
Management Skills
Team Leadership
Mentoring & Teaching
Bridging Departments
Sharing Knowledge
Workflow Optimization
Project Management
Cross-Functional Team Management
Strategic Planning
Workshop Facilitation
Budgets
Kind words from some pretty cool folks.
I'm so grateful to have been working with Adrian Sims for almost 20 years now. His skill and meticulous approach to each graphic design or website build is impressive and above board! He approaches every engagement with the highest level of commitment. He truly cares about building your brand and visual identity and is always excited to work with you.
Michelle Lang
Founder, Acts on Stage
Adrian's expertise and artistry are truly a gift. His ability to translate our vision into a stunning reality is a testament to his skill and passion for his craft. We are immensely grateful for his contributions and look forward to collaborating with him on future projects.
Tony Doble
Financial Coach, Author
Adrian demonstrated skill in both design, writing and programming of our website. He was hugely valuable helping us nail down our branding with color schemes and working to apply it throughout our website and collateral marketing materials. I highly recommend him.
Chris Dunayski
Owner, Gordon T Jacob LLC
Adrian is an amazing graphic artist. For the past 6 years we have entrusted Mr. Sims to produce “All” graphic design needs and each time Mr. Sims has exceeded our expectations.
Tony Mobley
Bass, Surround Sound Band
I have worked closely with Adrian since late 2018 and I have confidence in his abilities as a graphic designer, web designer, and leader. Adrian has been tried and tested by the complexity of the projects we did together and prior to that he has led teams and executed projects in his own capacity.
Simon Javan Okelo
Founder & Executive Director of One Vibe Africa
I’m so thankful for Adrian Sims, CEO of Create and Blend, for his incredible expertise in capturing the heart of Dignity for Divas’ work. His creative vision and professionalism have brought our mission to life in a way that truly moves and inspires. Adrian, your talent has elevated our storytelling, and we’re grateful for the powerful way you’ve helped us share our impact with the world.
Nikki Gane-Butler
Founder, Dignity for Divas
Got a project?
I love to connect with like-minded creatives. If you have a cool project in mind, or just want to geek out and talk tech, give me a shout!