WHO

I’m Benjamin Kinzer. I started as an intern with Bill Chiaravalle, learning print production, branding, and book design, and somehow worked my way up to Design Director, collaborating with clients like Microsoft, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and Baker Books. Dreaming of designing beer labels, I joined TBD, where I quickly realized I couldn’t sketch and had no idea what advertising really meant—but over six years, I grew into an Art Director, shaping brands like Deschutes Brewery, Odell Brewing, and 21st Amendment Brewery.

After that, I ran my own agency for a few years, learning what it takes to keep a business afloat while working on everything from local restaurants to an iPhone app called JUJU. Eventually, I wanted to see what it was like guiding a brand from the inside. I started in-house as a Senior Designer and grew into Creative Director, leading a marketing team, mentoring talent, building brands, throwing events, and partnering with Bay FC, the Bay Area’s first professional women’s soccer team. The biggest lesson? Steering a brand is like turning a massive ship—you have to get everyone on board before you can make the turn, but when you do, it moves beautifully.

Through it all, what I’ve learned is this: it’s never about the title—it’s about the people you create with. I’m looking for a team that values collaboration, growth, and making great work together. My story is just one piece—what matters most are the stories we build as a team.