I’m a designer who’s lived and worked in New York for over 20 years. I started out designing interactive graphics, illustration and animation for children’s media and advertising. I then moved into magazine publishing, working closely with editorial teams on integrated programs across digital, print and video for Men’s Journal, Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Playboy, and OK!.

I’ve art directed B2B and B2C video promotions in the men’s lifestyle, health and fitness, and entertainment categories for world-class brands. As creative director at JW Media, I led the redesign of the iconic Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend logo, and designed and launched two OTT videos sites, and designed a 96 page special event publication. I then moved into healthcare tech at Ro, designing DTC product landing pages, high-performing paid social videos, and 3D consumer product renders. I set up an in-house video and photo production studio, purchasing equipment and hiring junior designers.

I also paint watercolors, which can be seen on johnkitses.com or my Instagram page.

…a swiss army knife…

John was the go-to resource to not only navigate the design department but the company as a whole… John was a swiss army knife when it came to all things design related.

Kevin Falatko Senior Director, Experiential & Tentpole Events at Viacom

He was a star employee…

John did not simply execute design at Playboy, he was an integral part of the conceptualization of many proposals… He was a star employee at Playboy, and would be for any other company…

Stephen Murray Executive Director, Client Services | Meredith Travel Marketing & Custom Content Studio

…the mark of an outstanding manager.

What makes John unique is his desire to bring something fresh and new to any assignment. He presents options in terms of creative messaging, overall look & feel and also balance to any material he contributes to.… Equally impressive is how he credits his team… the mark of an outstanding manager.

Michael Nagle, CEO at Ashling Digital Inc.

…a unique ability to really hear the client…

I am always blown away by his work & dedication… John has a unique ability to really hear the client and deliver work that exceeds expectations.

Caroline Abba, Corporate Marketing Director at American Media

…beyond helpful Art Director.

John was an extremely talented, patient, full of laughs and beyond helpful Art Director. He was the perfect person to watch over me as I started my first job out of college and following through to the end of my tenure at Playboy.

Chase Farnum, Design Director at Mixlab

Thank you for seeing the potential…

John was the first person that hired me when I moved to New York City, as a fresh graduate… He allowed me to grow a lot professionally as he guided me throughout the process… Thank you John! Thank you for seeing the potential in me.

Cat Lo, UX/UI Mobile iOS Product Design

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