BROWN NAFF PITTS

creative director

As Creative Director for BNPO, the parent company overseeing Azer Creative, Washington Blade, Los Angeles Blade, Baltimore Beat, and Washington Blade Foundation, I led the creative strategy, branding, and design direction across a diverse portfolio of publications. In this multifaceted role, I developed and implemented cohesive visual identities for each brand, ensuring they aligned with their unique audiences and missions while reinforcing BNPO’s overarching brand presence.

My responsibilities spanned from establishing branding guidelines to crafting marketing collateral and digital assets, as well as overseeing editorial layouts that amplified each publication’s voice. Collaborating closely with editorial, marketing, and design teams, I managed and mentored creative staff, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in design. My strategic approach extended beyond design; I engaged in data-driven decision-making to enhance audience engagement, streamline processes, and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality visual content across all media platforms. Through these efforts, I strengthened BNPO’s visual identity, increased its reach, and elevated its position in the media landscape.

core design competencies

Design & Marketing
With a focus on delivering cohesive and compelling brand experiences, I led a variety of branding, advertising, and digital design initiatives, from concept to execution. My work included the development and management of assets across web, email, and social media platforms, all tailored to maximize audience engagement and convey brand messaging effectively. By blending creative strategy with data-driven insights, I crafted visually engaging campaigns that increased brand awareness and drove measurable impact.

Event & Publication Design
I directed the creative process for high-profile events and publication design, overseeing everything from marketing collateral and layout to print production. My expertise ensured that all materials met stringent quality standards and maintained brand cohesion across print, digital, and in-person experiences. This involved coordinating with internal teams and external vendors to produce polished, on-brand visuals that enriched the audience’s experience and supported the event’s objectives.

Team & Client Management
I built and nurtured strong relationships with clients and vendors, ensuring seamless collaboration and consistent project outcomes. Leading a cross-functional creative team, I fostered a collaborative environment that prioritized excellence and creativity. Additionally, I presented strategic creative pitches and design concepts to key stakeholders, effectively aligning teams on a shared vision and driving buy-in on complex, high-stakes projects. My approach to management emphasized both innovation and client satisfaction, resulting in a record of successful projects and strong partnerships.

in this role,

I had the opportunity to significantly refine and enhance BNPO’s brand identity across a diverse portfolio of publications. By developing and implementing clear branding guidelines, I established a cohesive visual language that resonated with each brand’s unique audience while reinforcing BNPO’s overarching presence. This position allowed me to elevate publication design standards, focusing on layout sophistication, readability, and engaging visuals that captured each publication’s voice and mission.

I directed content creation with an emphasis on aligning design and messaging across print, digital, and social platforms, ensuring that each piece of content was impactful and cohesive. Working closely with editorial, marketing, and production teams, I streamlined workflows to produce consistent, high-quality materials that met strategic objectives. This role enabled me to integrate creative strategy with practical execution, driving brand cohesion and delivering content that deeply resonated with BNPO’s diverse audiences.