About

 

My son Alec and I at the Guinness Brewery in Chicago.

Rob Dunbar

Art Director

I’m Rob. I’m a freelance Art Director from the Chicago ‘burbs, and I’ve been turning ideas into visual reality for… well, let’s just say over 30 years. (Yes, I started young. No, I won’t tell you exactly how young.)

Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, I had the incredible good fortune to study under some true design giants—Saul Bass, Milton Glaser, and Bob Peak. At the time, I don’t think I fully grasped just how rare that opportunity was, but looking back, I realize those moments were pure creative gold. The lessons they shared still guide me today, and their influence can be seen everywhere.

I love making things that not only look great, but actually do something — branding that tells a story, websites that feel easy to use, apps that make life simpler. I’ve worked with scrappy startups, community organizations, and big-name companies, but my favorite projects are always the ones where I get to roll up my sleeves and really dig in.

I work small on purpose. No big teams. No endless approvals. Just me, you, and a clear goal — getting something awesome out into the world without all the corporate fluff.

Tools of the trade? Adobe Creative Cloud is my second language, Caspio is my secret weapon, and I’ve got a weird love for automation. Basically, if it involves design, tech, and problem-solving, I’m in.

Outside of work, I’m usually sketching ideas, tinkering with side projects, or finding new ways to blend tech and creativity. If you’ve got a vision, let’s make it happen — and let’s have some fun doing it.

Whether I’m working with emerging startups or legacy brands, I bring a deep understanding of visual storytelling and a relentless drive for excellence. I value authenticity, clarity, and creativity, and I believe that design should do more than look good. It should provoke thought, evoke emotion, and inspire action.

Mindset

I bring a playful spark and a sharp strategic eye to every project—like a designer who can see the whole chessboard and still enjoys coloring outside the lines. Curiosity keeps my mind wandering, craftsmanship keeps me polishing the details, and collaboration keeps the magic electric. Whether I’m shaping a brand identity, building a digital world, illustrating a spark of imagination, snapping a moment through my lens, or weaving a story through visuals, I create things that make people feel—and deliver results that actually matter.

Inspiration

Inspiration shows up in strange places. For me, it often starts with the spirit of late-’60s American muscle—machines built with an unapologetic attitude and colors that refused to be ignored. Think electric blues that feel like open sky at full throttle, fiery corals that glow like sunset on hot pavement, and crisp whites that cut through everything with clean confidence. These weren’t just paint jobs; they were declarations.

That same energy drives the way I approach my work. Bold choices up front. Details dialed in with mechanical precision. A little bit of vintage rebellion under the hood. Because if you’re going to show up, you have to show out.

Every project is built with that same philosophy: strong lines, purposeful design, and execution that feels powerful without trying too hard. The goal isn’t to blend in—it’s to arrive with presence.

Self portrait

Soft Skills

  • Creative Leadership & Vision
  • Decision-making
  • Taste & judgment
  • Clear communication
  • Storytelling
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Mentorship
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Conflict resolution
  • Big-picture thinking
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Receiving feedback
  • Client or stakeholder management
  • Curiosity
  • Resilience
  • Confidence without arrogance

My Toolbox (Mac & PC)

Adobe Creative Cloud

Design & Layout

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign

Branding & Collaboration

  • Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • Adobe XD
  • Adobe Dreamweaver

Video & Motion

  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Adobe After Effects

Collaboration & Asset Management

  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Adobe Bridge
  • Adobe Lightroom
  • Adobe Firefly (AI tools)
  • Adobe Substance 3D
Email & Social Media

Email

  • ConstantContact
  • iContact
  • MailChimp

Ads & Analytics

  • Google Analytics
  • Google Ads
  • Hubspot
  • SproutSocial
MS Office / Management
  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Publisher
  • SharePoint
  • Visio
  • Project
  • Trello
UX/UI/AI Website
  • Caspio
  • Figma
  • InVision
  • SQL
  • WordPress
  • Wix
  • Joomla
  • HMTL5
  • CSS3