Drake Newkirk

who am i?

Professionally,  I am a visual, graphic designer, and Artist.

Simply a cre­ative individual who loves the analytical and logical process. Contradictory? Maybe, but I’ve never been one to be expected. I’m psyched to leverage my experience working with companies across a broad spectrum of industries to help others define their vision. Hopefully, we can do it together.

LET’S CREATE SOMETHING!

My Resume.

My career blends creative direction, game design, and technical execution to deliver digital experiences that empower brands and engage audiences. From leading large‑scale rebrands to designing interactive campaigns, I thrive at the intersection of storytelling and technology. For a detailed overview of my background, skills, and project history, you can download my full resume here, or browse through it online further down this page.

CAPABILITIES.

DIGITAL • CREATIVE • ILLUSTRATION • BRAND IDENTITY • BRANDED CONTENT • PACKAGING • WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT • UI

  • Creative Leadership
  • Brand Strategy & Identity
  • Digital Marketing & Campaigns
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Client Relations
  • Team Building & Mentorship
  • Sales and Communications
  • Project Management
  • DEI-Centered Design
  • Illustration
  • Adobe CC | Photoshop | Illustrator
  • Figma | CMS

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE.

Visionary Creative Director with 15+ years leading award-winning brand strategy, design, and innovation across digital, print, and experiential platforms. Expert in developing cohesive corporate identity programs and translating bold ideas into scalable, culturally resonant campaigns. A trusted partner to Fortune 500s and disruptive startups, with deep capabilities in illustration, visual storytelling, and brand systems that drive consistency and impact. Known for building and mentoring high-performing creative teams, fostering inclusive collaboration, and delivering work that moves culture—and business—forward.

  • Behavioral Change
  • Construction
  • CPG and Food Service
  • Energy Environmental
  • Financial
  • Fitness
  • Franchise
  • Healthcare
  • Human Resources
  • Insurance
  • Non-Profit
  • Manufacturing
  • Merchandising
  • Municipal
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Sports and Entertainment
  • Technology
  • Transportation

Skills.

  • Extensive experience in strategic planning, user experience, and wireframing for online and offline projects with an applied understanding of ADA web compliance.
  • Extensive knowledge in designing digital experiences that are highly engaging and persona-driven
    Strong and effective creative skills in developing graphic and advertising design campaigns, including corporate id packages and merchandising materials.
  • Thrive on collaborating in a cross-functional team and understand the importance of the entire digital landscape, including search, digital media, and lead tracking.
  • Experienced managerial skills, project and team management, organization, budgeting, purchasing, and client interfacing.
  • Good understanding of agile development mythology and principles of scrum development.
  • Expansive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Suite, Figma, Jira, and various other program management systems.
  • Expert knowledge of various mediums such as photography, pen, ink, watercolor, and airbrush.

Work Experience.

MANTIKI Creative
Philadelphia, PA
January 2020 – Present
Chief Creative Director

Founded and built Brown Girl Gifts into a culturally resonant lifestyle brand—celebrating diversity through apparel, home décor, and curated accessories.

  • Conceived, designed, and launched an end-to-end product line rooted in inclusive storytelling and aesthetic integrity.
  • Developed the brand identity, voice, and visual system—transforming personal passion into a thriving business and cult-following community.
  • Led creative, operational, and financial strategy, overseeing everything from tradeshow activations to e-commerce experiences.
  • Secured retail partnerships, including Wegmans, expanding reach and elevating brand visibility through strategic collaborations.
  • Maintained a laser focus on cultural relevance and design excellence, ensuring every touchpoint reflected the brand’s mission and values.

Brown Girl Gifts
Morrisville/Philadelphia, PA
May 2011 – December 2015
Owner, Creative Director

Founded and built Brown Girl Gifts into a culturally resonant lifestyle brand—celebrating diversity through apparel, home décor, and curated accessories.

  • Conceived, designed, and launched an end-to-end product line rooted in inclusive storytelling and aesthetic integrity.
  • Developed the brand identity, voice, and visual system—transforming personal passion into a thriving business and cult-following community.
  • Led creative, operational, and financial strategy, overseeing everything from tradeshow activations to e-commerce experiences.
  • Secured retail partnerships, including Wegmans, expanding reach and elevating brand visibility through strategic collaborations.
  • Maintained a laser focus on cultural relevance and design excellence, ensuring every touchpoint reflected the brand’s mission and values.

LevLane Advertising
Philadelphia, PA
July 1998 – May 2021
Senior Vice President, Creative Director, Digital

Launched the agency’s digital department and was part of the primary new business team. As the digital department lead, with a staff complement of 5+—I supervised and produced projects from concept through production and delivery. The product list included web interface design/consulting, computer-based training, interactive trade show demos, games, screensavers, video animations, and more.

Clients included Clemens Food Group, Sunoco, KFC, Taco Bell, Twirla, Mylabology, Kennedy Health, Greater Philadelphia Select, Philadelphia Streets Department, MDVIP, Meridian Bank, Pivot Physical Therapy, Cano Health, PIDC, The Navy Yard, Center City District, and Regional GI

CoreStates Financial Corporation
Philadelphia, PA
December 1995 – est. July 1998
Assistant Vice President, Multimedia Team Leader, Creative Resources Department

Senior Manager, Creative Services – Graphics, Video, Multimedia & Photography. Led multidisciplinary creative departments with a team

of 15, driving innovation across brand development, user experience, and multimedia production.

  • Directed cross-functional teams in graphics, video, multimedia, and photography, optimizing workflows and elevating creative output across enterprise initiatives
  • Partnered with software developers—including Microsoft—to reimagine offline applications (e.g., cash management, check imaging), transforming UX for web-based portals and improving usability across financial platforms
  • Led end-to-end project delivery from initial concept to launch, consistently meeting deadlines, aligning with business goals, and achieving high stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Designed and executed brand identity systems, uniforms, and merchandising for high-profile events, including the Philadelphia Phantoms and CoreStates Bike Race, amplifying brand visibility and audience engagement

Selected Freelance.

Ché Creative

New York, NY
Designed and developed various social media animated banners assets for Comcast and NBC

Kitchen Table

Brooklyn, NY
Designed and developed various for Madam CJ Walker brand

Intandem Capital Partners

New York, NY
Designed and developed various websites within the company’s portfolio

The Clearbridge Branding Agency

Philadelphia, South Jersey, Chicago
DMGgo, Big Brothers and Big Sisters , Eric Kris Electrical, and XpanseHR

Additional clients include

  • Campari
  • Santa Familia Tequila
  • RowZone Indoor Rowing & Fitness
  • Ardent Credit Union
  • Ketchum Communications
  • Medical Broadcasting Company
  • Smithkline Beecham
  • Rap Snacks, Inc.
  • Pepboys, Inc.
  • Million Man March Inc.­

Relevant Experience

PIDC Marketing Board Member
2015 – 2022

Institute of Advanced Advertising Studies (IAAS) Mentor
2012 – 2014

Education

University of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA
May 1996
Continuing education program – GPA 4.0

Art Institute of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA 1992 – 1993
Major: Visual Communications
Specialization: Graphic Design – GPA 3.98

Temple University/Tyler School of Arts
Elkins Park, PA 1987 – 1988
Major: Visual Communications

Philadelphia College of Art
Philadelphia, PA Summer 1986 – Fall 1986
Major: Visual Communications

Drake Newkirk

‭484.845.4881‬

LET’S CONNECT.