Vara Pappas
Creative Director
Austin, TX, USAI have 20 years of experience as a conceptual creative in graphic design, photography, and creative direction.
Work Experience
Vara Pappas
Creative Director
I collaborate with a diverse range of clients including creative agencies, advertising agencies, corporate companies, universities, startups, and independent artists. Building strong relationships with clients, I bring their visions to life through creative design solutions. My expertise encompasses brand development, digital design, package design, social media content creation, illustration, and animation.
Within my role as a freelance photographer, I specialize in working with clients across various industries such as fitness, health and beauty, retail, jewelry, fashion, entertainment, and food. I photograph editorials, campaigns, advertisements, lookbooks, catalogs, products, food, events, sports, and portraits. From capturing images to post-production, I handle all aspects of the photography process, including editing and retouching, ensuring the delivery of exceptional final deliverables.
Within my role as a freelance photographer, I specialize in working with clients across various industries such as fitness, health and beauty, retail, jewelry, fashion, entertainment, and food. I photograph editorials, campaigns, advertisements, lookbooks, catalogs, products, food, events, sports, and portraits. From capturing images to post-production, I handle all aspects of the photography process, including editing and retouching, ensuring the delivery of exceptional final deliverables.
October 2001
- Present
United Kingdom
Tilted Chair
Senior Art Director
Currently, I excel in leading art direction for graphic design and marketing, while also managing photography and video production projects. I collaborate with multiple teams to develop captivating brand concepts and compelling storytelling. A dedicated mentor, I provide guidance to junior team members to help them realize their full potential. With a strategic mindset, I conceptualize and design brand identities, marketing collateral, engaging content, packaging solutions, and digital materials. Additionally, I actively contribute to photoshoots by overseeing production, conceptualization, and direction, and lend support to video shoots.
September 2021
- Present
Austin, Texas, United States
Sip Creatives
Director of Brand Design
At Sip Creatives, I directed comprehensive branding, marketing, and social media strategies for a diverse range of clients. I designed brand identities, packaging, interactive media, digital media, and social media content. I executed all copywriting tasks and provided photography services as required.
August 2019
- January 2020
Texas, United States
Onnit
Senior Photographer
I collaborated with the marketing team as an Art Director, overseeing photoshoots. I was responsible for team coordination, mentorship of junior members, and capturing various subjects including sports and athletics, products, food, social media imagery, and campaigns. I photographed multiple celebrity collaborators, resulting in increased visibility of campaigns. Additionally, I captured viral content for social platforms, driving significant engagement and expanding brand reach. I performed retouching on final imagery and produced short video content to enhance the visual appeal of marketing materials.
May 2018
- May 2019
Texas, United States
Petit Vour
Art Director
In this role, I had the privilege of designing and overseeing the photography department at Petit Vour. Working closely with the design team, I provided strategic guidance to direct the creative aspects of photo shoots. I skillfully captured captivating imagery for campaigns, catalogs, products, and social media content. As a meticulous manager, I handled various responsibilities, including team coordination, talent booking, wardrobe styling, set construction, location scouting, and final image retouching. By leveraging my expertise, I ensured the delivery of stunning visuals that aligned with the brand's vision and consistently upheld its standards.
May 2017
- March 2018
Texas, United States
Acumen Design
Senior Graphic Designer
At Acumen, I played a pivotal role in designing brand identities and revitalizing existing brands. These projects encompassed a wide range of disciplines, including brand development, brand applications, environmental graphics, interior design, digital design, mobile applications, package design, infographics, copywriting, print design, and production. Working closely with clients, I embraced a hands-on approach to bring their visions to life across various mediums, including print, digital, environments, and interiors. By effectively translating their aspirations into visually compelling outcomes, I successfully met client expectations and delivered impactful design solutions. As a result of our collaborative efforts, multiple clients experienced generous revenue growth, directly attributing it to the branding and design work we created together.
August 2011
- August 2016
Texas, United States
The M Line
Graphic Designer
Worked under a creative director designing print, advertisements, branding and identity, packaging, and web design.
April 2007
- April 2008
San Francisco, California, United States
Education
Academy Of Art University (AAU)
BFA, Graphic Design
Major in Graphic Design with extended education in Photography
September 2002
- December 2006
San Francisco, California, United States
Savannah College Of Art And Design (SCAD)
N/A
Double majors in Graphic Design and Photography with minor in Illustration. Recipient of portfolio scholarship.
September 2000
- June 2002
Georgia, United States
Languages
English (Native),
German (Beginner),
Skills
Capture One,
CSS,
HTML,
Illustrator,
Indesign,
InVision,
Photoshop,
Powerpoint,
Premiere,
Retouch,
Retouching,
Sketch,
Studio Lighting ,