Gary Castelli
Award-Winning Art Director
New York–based • Available for On-site and Remote Engagements
Programs and Skills
I am proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Squarespace, and have a working knowledge of After Effects, with additional expertise in SEO and metadata optimization. I also integrate AI-driven tools into my workflow—including Photoshop’s AI features, Microsoft Copilot, Canva, Adobe’s digital publishing tools, and ChatGPT—to enhance efficiency, creativity, and content performance.
Experience
Cella
Senior Designer - Remote
2023-2025
Consulted and designed for a wide range of internal and external campaigns. Among these were:
Photo Retouching: I was tasked with photo retouching a large number of photos from Chevron photoshoots. These retouched images were used in company presentations, signage, and conventions
PRIDE: Brainstormed, presented and implemented visually engaging tactics for both digital and print for Chevron's corporate campus and events during PRIDE month
Leaderpalooza: Designed digital assets for "Leaderpalooza", a key platform for sharing leadership experiences and learning, resulting in strengthened relationships, improved teamwork, and enhanced collaboration within Chevron's corporate affairs community
ENABLED (Enhancing Abilities and Leveraging Disabilities) Summit: The ENABLED campaign promotes employees for their accomplishments and not their disabilities. I designed emails, intranet posts, banners, and signage that focused on support, expansion, and accessibility across internal and external digital communications.
Leveraged InDesign, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Generative AI, Copilot, Blender, and Canva templates to devise tailored solutions addressing client creative challenges and achieving project objectives
Consulting
Senior Art Director - UX/UI - Remote
2021-2023
Designed wireframes and high-fidelity mockups in Figma for the Lancôme product page redesign, delivering a cleaner, more intuitive user experience aligned with established UX/UI best practices and brand functionality
Directed and integrated a 3D product shoot using Blender to produce final high-resolution renders for product assets
Created natural leaf elements using a blend of AI and stock photography, preserving Lancôme’s holistic, nature-inspired visual identity throughout the layout
Consulting
Senior Art Director - Branding & Digital Publishing - Remote
2018-2021
Led UX and art direction for a digital magazine platform, designing the brand identity, logo, and website to showcase curated illustration, photography, and visual inspiration. Used Adobe InDesign and Adobe Digital Publishing tools to ensure an engaging and seamless online reading experience. Incorporated video into digital publishing layouts using After Effects.
Designed wireframes and high-fidelity mockups in Figma for the Lancôme product page redesign, delivering a cleaner, more intuitive user experience aligned with established UX/UI best practices and brand functionality
Boosted XportMag.com to 145k monthly impressions and 1,050 organic clicks by analyzing Search Console data and optimizing titles, metadata, and topical relevance
Identified and capitalized on high-volume keywords to dominate SERPs and drive scalable traffic growth from emerging creative technology topics
Strengthened site authority by improving internal link architecture and aligning editorial output with Google’s content evaluation criteria
Art-directed and produced editorial content that contributed to 145k monthly impressions and 1,050 organic clicks, establishing the magazine as a growing authority in the digital art and indie game space
Omnicom Health Group
Digital Art Supervisor
2012-2017
Developed an original concept for Genentech's "LUV Your Skin" San Francisco campaign, integrating light-reactive ink on outdoor signage. This innovation earned a Silver Clio and was featured in the July 2014 issue of "Top 100 Ad Agencies" by MM&M Magazine, strengthening brand recognition and industry credibility.
Implemented Adobe Creative Cloud to develop innovative design solutions that addressed new business challenges while ensuring 100% brand consistency across all materials, elevating brand integrity
Led a cross-functional collaboration with third-party vendors, copywriters, account managers, and UX teams to develop wireframes for Celgene’s website and tablet experiences. The successful launch resulted in increased digital engagement and positively impacted sales.
Draft FCB
Digital Art Supervisor
2011-2012
Developed and launched a website and interactive digital activities for Amyvid, resulting in a 20% increase in website traffic and a 15% boost in engagement. This enhanced Amyvid's visibility and credibility among healthcare professionals, strengthening its brand reputation and market position.
Mentored and motivated fellow designers on UX/UI best practices and implementation to streamline workflow efficiency and improve deliverable quality. Collaborated with copywriters to craft compelling concepts, leading to expanded audience reach and stronger brand resonance.
Harrison and Star-22 Clicks
Sr. Digital Art Director - Research and Development
2007-2010
Designed and developed Genentech's "World of BioOncology" convention booth using 3DS Max, Photoshop, and Illustrator, increasing attendee engagement and earning positive feedback from key stakeholders
Leveraged emerging technologies across mobile, tablet, and web platforms to enhance the agency’s digital presence and set new industry standards
Honored with Harrison & Star's "Best Interactive Design" award, recognizing outstanding digital art direction and contributing to increased client satisfaction and industry recognition
Managed multiple projects and collaborated with the Account Director, Creative Director, Director of Technology, Managing Director, and Brand Team to deliver compelling designs and user experiences, ultimately driving higher user engagement and business growth.
McCann
Art Director
2006-2007
Defined and established the visual style for the U.S. Army’s "Influencer" digital campaign, leading to higher conversion rates on rich-media banners and increased time spent on the Army’s website, ultimately enhancing digital campaign performance and user engagement
Collaborated with account teams, copywriters, and third-party developers to ensure 100% alignment of all live assets with approved storyboards and Army brand guidelines, delivering a seamless and detail-oriented brand experience for the target audience.
References
Havas Health & You
Gary is the unsung hero of any team. I've worked with Gary on several digital projects, and he always impressed me with his extensive digital knowledge and experience gained over years of developing digital programs and campaigns. He is someone you can rely on in a jam, no matter what time, and he never complains or loses his positive attitude.
Nick Anthony-SVP, Operations
FCB Global
Gary is one of the most thoughtful and creative ADs that I have worked with in years. His attention to detail and understanding of the projects we worked on together produced great results. I could always count on Gary to deliver exactly what was needed on time and with meticulous attention to detail. I strongly recommend Gary to any advertising agency that wants a great team player with strong creative insight.
I look forward to being able to work with him again.
Alan Lobel-Senior Interactive Producer
Cella
I am thrilled to recommend Gary, an exceptionally talented designer whose expertise has immensely benefited both individuals and large brands. Gary's approach to design is both intuitive and innovative. He continuously embraces the challenge of learning new tools and technologies, which enables him to blend time-tested design principles with cutting-edge aesthetics. This approach not only solves complex design problems but also pushes the boundaries of what is possible in creating engaging digital experiences.
Beyond his professional capabilities, Gary is always eager to share his knowledge and is equally as enthusiastic about learning from his peers, which fosters an inspiring and collaborative environment for everyone involved. Gary is exceptionally dedicated to his team, always willing to lend a hand regardless of the hour, never losing his positive attitude. This relentless commitment and cheerfulness make working with him a genuine pleasure.
Hana Putman-Creative Director
Cella
I had the pleasure of working with Gary during his time as Senior Designer at Cella, and I can confidently say he’s one of the most dependable and production-savvy professionals I’ve worked with. Gary has a natural talent for bringing order to complex projects, no matter how tight the deadline.
He’s proactive, detail-oriented, and consistently delivers excellence with integrity and professionalism.
Any team would be lucky to have him.
Julia Austin Church-Production Lead
Cella
I want to start by saying - Gary is the big-picture guy everyone needs on their team.
Within the first week of joining Chevron, he had a simple yet big idea for a campaign that went on to create popular, shareable moments. Continually exploring newer ways to do things and looking beyond the obvious for creative solutions comes easy to him. I'd highly recommend this outstanding designer to anyone looking to elevate their brand's work and give it a New York touch!
P.S. His mad photography skills are yet another example of his passion for finding beauty in the everyday.
Tanvi Mahadkar-Lead Copywriter
Euro RSCG 4D
I had the pleasure of collaborating with Gary on several assignments at 4D. Simply put, he understands 'designing for digital' better than most ADs I've worked with. He was practicing 'Responsive Design' before it became a catchword. He was the go-to guy for mobile and tablet design while I was at 4D.
Additionally, he's a great guy to work with. Easy-going. Personable, and FAST! I have no hesitation in recommending him as a digital AD.
Michael Calligeros-ACD