Ian McDonough
Bird’s-eye strategy.
Brick-layer discipline.
Based in
WEST Michigan
specialties
design strategy,
BRAND MAINTENANCE,
process improvement
fuel MIX
2:1 black coffee/oreos
quick intro
Hi, it's Ian. The guy from the photo. Since you're here, you should know I'm a senior designer building brands, product flows, and every kind of visual asset for industrial enterprises and SaaS startups. Also you have to keep scrolling, or I made this for no reason.
[01]
quick intro
[01]
Hi, it's Ian. The guy from the photo. Since you're here, you should know I'm a senior designer building brands, UX/UI flows, and all kinds of strategic assets for industrial enterprises and SaaS startups. You have to keep scrolling, or I made this for no reason.
quick intro
Hi, it's Ian. The guy from the photo. Since you're here, you should know I'm a senior designer building brands, product flows, and every kind of visual asset for industrial enterprises and SaaS startups. Also you have to keep scrolling, or I made this for no reason.
[01]
Projects
[02]
Case studies walking through ideas that led to impact.
Projects
[02]
Case studies walking through ideas that led to impact.
Campaign Design
View
3 weeks
Sustainable aviation fuel campaign
Sustainable aviation fuel campaign
Brand & Web Refresh
View
8 weeks
Managed services provider rebrand
Managed services provider rebrand
Logo Design
View
1 week
SaaS startup logo and brand
SaaS startup logo and brand
Brand Refresh & Client Management
View
4 weeks
IT provider brand refresh
IT provider brand refresh
These are just a few highlights. I'll add more as availability allows.
These are just a few highlights. I'll add more as availability allows.
Skills
[03]
My design experience is pretty broad, and I'm happy to advise on a range of topics.
Skills
[03]
My design experience is pretty broad, and I'm happy to advise on a range of topics.
01
ART DIRECTION
Visual direction
Inspiration
Layout systems
I can guide the visual direction for a brand or a project. That includes references, layout rules, stylistic choices, and the overall look and feel. Brand trust happens when every page and asset follows the same logic.
02
BRANDING
Color palettes
Typeface choices
Brand personality guidelines
I can build or refine a brand into something clear, consistent, and practical. Get the essentials done properly: foundations, usage rules, and a system that can grow with your needs.
03
MARKETING
Campaign assets
Landing pages
Content templates
I design marketing assets that communicate quickly and look consistent across channels. This can include campaign concepts, landing pages, social content, and a repeatable system for team use.
04
WEB AND PRODUCT DESIGN
Component libraries
Responsive builds
Thoughtful UX
I design websites and apps that are fast, responsive, and simple to maintain. Structure comes first, followed by visual org in a polished final product that can send traffic smoothly to the right places.
05
PROCESS MANAGEMENT
System development
Communicaton Improvements
Efficiency Studies
My career has taken many turns, through agencies, print shops, freelancing, nightclubs, and factories. One thing has remained invaluable, regardless of setting: systems thinking. So much can be unlocked when you truly understand why you're doing what you're doing, and the best way to get it done.
01
ART DIRECTION
Visual direction
Inspiration
Layout systems
I can guide the visual direction for a brand or a project. That includes references, layout rules, stylistic choices, and the overall look and feel. Brand trust happens when every page and asset follows the same logic.
02
BRANDING
Color palettes
Typeface choices
Brand personality guidelines
I can build or refine a brand into something clear, consistent, and practical. Get the essentials done properly: foundations, usage rules, and a system that can grow with your needs.
03
MARKETING
Campaign assets
Landing pages
Content templates
I design marketing assets that communicate quickly and look consistent across channels. This can include campaign concepts, landing pages, social content, and a repeatable system for team use.
04
WEB AND PRODUCT DESIGN
Component libraries
Responsive builds
Thoughtful UX
I design websites and apps that are fast, responsive, and simple to maintain. Structure comes first, followed by visual org in a polished final product that can send traffic smoothly to the right places.
05
PROCESS MANAGEMENT
System development
Communicaton Improvements
Efficiency Studies
My career has taken many turns, through agencies, print shops, freelancing, nightclubs, and factories. One thing has remained invaluable, regardless of setting: systems thinking. So much can be unlocked when you truly understand why you're doing what you're doing, and the best way to get it done.
If you don't see the specific skill you need, don't worry—I'm a quick learner.
Process
[04]
How I break big bad problems into teeny tiny easy ones.
Process
[04]
How I break big bad problems into teeny tiny easy ones.
Process:
4 steps
Duration:
IT DEPENDS
Context
Understanding the challenge, the audience, and what success metrics look like. We draw conclusions based on tracked data, and attack the problem with what we know and can reasonably assume. Focus on the problem to solve, and don't fall in love with just one solution.
25%
Ideation
The roadmap to success takes shape. This is where I explore directions, test concepts, and refine until it feels right.
50%
Execution
With context and intentions in mind, I am able to create a polished product with attention to every detail and technical precision.
75%
Review
Polished does not always mean final. Frequently, teams cross the finish line with thoughtful collaboration on final tweaks. Beyond that, continuous improvement is always on my mind. I strongly encourage data tracking so future updates can start right back at step one.
100%
More about me
In 2018, I quit my design career to run logistics for a bike parts factory. I thought I'd found a different strength in the manufacturing world, working in process improvement. What actually happened was they needed help back in the marketing department. Turns out, process improvement thinking helps in design world too. Who knew?
[05]
More about me
[05]
In 2018, I quit my design career to run logistics for a bike parts factory. I thought I'd found a different strength in the manufacturing world, working in process improvement. What actually happened was they needed help back in the marketing department. Turns out, process improvement thinking helps in design world too. Who knew?
[06]
Nice Things People Said
[06]
Nice Things People Said
[06]
Nice Things People Said
manager/coach
"Ian's design strategy is thoughtful and grounded. He approaches every project with a clear point of view and a deep commitment to doing things the right way, not just the fast way. His creativity feels boundless, yet never undisciplined. And with clients, he is equally impressive: articulate, trustworthy, and the kind of person people feel immediately at ease with."
Kelsey Arras
Sr. Designer, Webstacks
client
"I actually really like the outcome. I was one of the ones that didn't really understand it at the beginning. It's not how my mind works. But now I can see it, and I appreciate it. I like it."
Chris Brandvik
COO/Owner, Bridgehead IT
client/collaborator
"Ian's got this rare combo we don't see enough of in the workplace today. He's got genuinely elite design chops, he gets to the good stuff fast, and he's gonna give it to you straight—but never in a way that makes you feel dumb for having ideas."
Madison Willard
Founder/Fractional CMO
coworker/collaborator
"He digs into the client: their pain points, IA issues, audience, everything. Ian's a believer in experience and isn't afraid to assert his views as a professional. That alone has made working with him empowering. He speaks when he believes something needs saying, and he’s always willing to own his decisions. Beyond the professional, his enthusiasm’s infectious and he’s just a fun guy!"
Christopher Kelly
Sr. Web Developer, Ironpaper
coworker/collaborator
"I've had the pleasure of working with Ian for many years, and he brings a genuine sense of fun and positivity to everything he does. He also brings a rare combination to design work: real strategic depth paired with an exceptional eye for detail. He's always asking the right questions and pushing past the obvious to get to the thinking that actually makes a design work."
Eleanor Grazzini
Sr. Web PM, Intuitive Health
manager/coach
"Ian's design strategy is thoughtful and grounded. He approaches every project with a clear point of view and a deep commitment to doing things the right way, not just the fast way. His creativity feels boundless, yet never undisciplined. And with clients, he is equally impressive: articulate, trustworthy, and the kind of person people feel immediately at ease with."
Kelsey Arras
Sr. Designer, Webstacks
client
"I actually really like the outcome. I was one of the ones that didn't really understand it at the beginning. It's not how my mind works. But now I can see it, and I appreciate it. I like it."
Chris Brandvik
COO/Owner, Bridgehead IT
client/collaborator
"Ian's got this rare combo we don't see enough of in the workplace today. He's got genuinely elite design chops, he gets to the good stuff fast, and he's gonna give it to you straight—but never in a way that makes you feel dumb for having ideas."
Madison Willard
Founder/Fractional CMO
coworker/collaborator
"He digs into the client: their pain points, IA issues, audience, everything. Ian's a believer in experience and isn't afraid to assert his views as a professional. That alone has made working with him empowering. He speaks when he believes something needs saying, and he’s always willing to own his decisions. Beyond the professional, his enthusiasm’s infectious and he’s just a fun guy!"
Christopher Kelly
Sr. Web Developer, Ironpaper
coworker/collaborator
"I've had the pleasure of working with Ian for many years, and he brings a genuine sense of fun and positivity to everything he does. He also brings a rare combination to design work: real strategic depth paired with an exceptional eye for detail. He's always asking the right questions and pushing past the obvious to get to the thinking that actually makes a design work."
Eleanor Grazzini
Sr. Web PM, Intuitive Health
manager/coach
"Ian's design strategy is thoughtful and grounded. He approaches every project with a clear point of view and a deep commitment to doing things the right way, not just the fast way. His creativity feels boundless, yet never undisciplined. And with clients, he is equally impressive: articulate, trustworthy, and the kind of person people feel immediately at ease with."
Kelsey Arras
Sr. Designer, Webstacks
client
"I actually really like the outcome. I was one of the ones that didn't really understand it at the beginning. It's not how my mind works. But now I can see it, and I appreciate it. I like it."
Chris Brandvik
COO/Owner, Bridgehead IT
client/collaborator
"Ian's got this rare combo we don't see enough of in the workplace today. He's got genuinely elite design chops, he gets to the good stuff fast, and he's gonna give it to you straight—but never in a way that makes you feel dumb for having ideas."
Madison Willard
Founder/Fractional CMO
coworker/collaborator
"He digs into the client: their pain points, IA issues, audience, everything. Ian's a believer in experience and isn't afraid to assert his views as a professional. That alone has made working with him empowering. He speaks when he believes something needs saying, and he’s always willing to own his decisions. Beyond the professional, his enthusiasm’s infectious and he’s just a fun guy!"
Christopher Kelly
Sr. Web Developer, Ironpaper
coworker/collaborator
"I've had the pleasure of working with Ian for many years, and he brings a genuine sense of fun and positivity to everything he does. He also brings a rare combination to design work: real strategic depth paired with an exceptional eye for detail. He's always asking the right questions and pushing past the obvious to get to the thinking that actually makes a design work."
Eleanor Grazzini
Sr. Web PM, Intuitive Health
I've worked with dozens of clients who trust me with their brand, local-sized to enterprise. I bet I can help you, too.
I've worked with dozens of clients who trust me with their brand, local-sized to enterprise. I bet I can help you, too.
Setup an intro call
Tell me what we're building
Let's cut through the noise and bring real strategy to your project.
Setup an intro call
Tell me what we're building
Let's cut through the noise and bring real strategy to your project.
Setup an intro call
Tell me what we're building
Let's cut through the noise and bring real strategy to your project.