Charles Johnson
A broad creative thinker and problem solver. A catalyst for innovation who seamlessly integrates design into various facets of the business, effectively guiding relevant functions towards success. By leveraging cross-functional knowledge and research insights to drive iterative design solutions and detailed deployment executions, ensuring all projects remain firmly anchored to key strategic frameworks and the demands of the consumer.
Expertise
Leading design development and driving cohesion between marketing and production : ensuring strong visual equities and building unified brand experiences along the consumer journey.
Design Development
Brand building, Strategic Design, Design versioning.
Developing creative strategy and leading deployment.
Aligning creative vision with stakeholders.
Rapid prototyping gleaned from customer research and data analytics, to validate concepts and accelerate development.
Production
Color target development, mock-up creation, handover, commercial press support, on-press review and decision.
Evaluating finishes, inks, and materials -following the Brand brief – taking into account cost and sustainability.
Post production: retouching, rendering, output color adjusting.
Design Management
Cross-functional collaboration with program and project leads, engineers, CMF, R&D, and supply chain.
Leading design reviews
Team dynamics and ways-of-working.
Supplier alignment and procurement
Creative and production timings and processes.
Stage gate development and approvals.
Innovation
New materials research, development, and patents.
Driving user-centric design visions.
Creative problem solving and applied FFWD ideation
About
I’m Charles, a designer who brings strategy and creativity together to solve business challenges. With experience at international creative agencies and leading global brands, I specialize in designing solutions that are practical, consumer-focused, and aligned with broader business goals.
Raised in Philadelphia, trained in New York City, and now based in Switzerland, I’ve built a career on adaptability and results. My work spans concept development, production, and execution, with a strong focus on delivering clear and effective outcomes.
I thrive on turning insights into actionable designs, ensuring every project stays grounded in strategy while addressing real-world needs. Whether leading teams, managing complex projects, or refining details, I’m committed to creating work that drives impact.