About
Kurt Houghton
Creative Director · Phoenix, AZ
I am a creative leader with extensive expertise in design, animation, and video, fluent in the visual language of diverse aesthetics. I specialize in translating complex creative concepts into clear, persuasive narratives for key stakeholders. My work has driven measurable success across industries ranging from medical and high-tech to retail, delivering impactful solutions that connect brands with their audiences.
Download resume (PDF)
- Creative Leader
- Team-Builder
- Lifelong Learner
- Collaborator
- Graphic/Motion Designer
- Editor
- Dad
- Pizza Eating Outdoorsman
Targeting outdoor companies
The other half of the resume
I run competitively as a member of the HOKA sponsored Aravaipa Race Team, covering distances and training at paces that only make sense to people who have stood at a start line in the dark wondering why they signed up.
Running has shaped the way I approach design. Training is not about doing more for the sake of it. It is about building a system that is intentional, repeatable and reliable under pressure. The same is true of a strong brand. Individual assets may get attention, but a thoughtful system is what creates consistency and continues to perform over time.
That connection is why I want to spend the next chapter of my career working with outdoor and adventure brands. I have spent years making semiconductors, retail operations and surgical products clear and compelling to the people who need to understand them. Now I want to bring that experience to the products, communities and experiences that have shaped my own life.
The track record
Fifteen years making complex things legible.
Fifteen years of it — the roles, the brands, the awards, and the work that is not on this site — sits in the resume above.
See the projectsWhat people are saying
Testimonials
“I was fortunate to work with Kurt at PetSmart and he is such a talented creative professional. His combination of strategy and creativity elevated PetSmart’s brand identity both internally and externally. Kurt’s collaborative workstyle motivated those around him and led to a consistent high standard of work. What I loved most about working with Kurt is his desire for continued learning — he was the first to identify new skills he wanted to add and he is a great example of the growth mindset.”
Rob Litt
VP, Corporate Communications & Brand Strategy — Republic Services
“Kurt is an amazing designer. He understands the principles of color, typography and composition at the highest levels. He studies and utilizes the latest trends in motion graphics and design. His motion design work has enhanced the storytelling on many of my projects. He is an empathetic collaborator that brings amazing ideas to the table. I can’t recommend him enough as a creative!”
D. Bacik
Sr. Creative Direction — JUNK Brands
“Kurt’s amiable personality and persistent smile are complimented with a high-level graphic/motion talent. I was lucky enough to work with him at onsemi at a time when the company was going through a major branding transition. I was impressed with his level of talent, diligent work ethic, and willingness to dive in on any project. He has experience working on high-level illustrations, newsletters, reports, invitations, posters, displays, videos, and brochures. Kurt is proficient in all of the latest versions of the most cutting-edge design software and is always eager to learn new skills. Clients and team members are impressed with his range of knowledge, ability to meet tight deadlines, and excellent quality of his work. We would not have been able to rebrand a $6 billion global corporation with a small in-house team without Kurt’s contributions.”
Wayne Gaylord
Sr. Creative Director — Amkor Technology
Clients include
Off the clock
