Creative
Refreshing An Iconic Railroad
Overview
Verde Canyon Railroad engaged in a brand and experience refresh to modernize its visual presence while preserving the heritage and authenticity of the journey. Acting as Art Director, I led creative direction across the website refresh, print materials, and supporting brand updates to ensure a cohesive, elevated visitor experience.
The Challenge
The brand needed to feel contemporary and engaging without losing the sense of history, place, and nostalgia that defines the Verde Canyon experience. The challenge was to refresh the visual system and guest-facing materials in a way that enhanced storytelling, improved clarity, and elevated perception—without disrupting brand equity.
The Strategy
The refresh focused on refinement rather than reinvention. I guided a visual update that emphasized typography, imagery, and layout to better showcase the landscape and experience. The website redesign prioritized usability and visual storytelling, while print materials were updated to align with the refreshed digital presence, creating consistency across touchpoints.
The Outcome
The result was a cleaner, more cohesive brand experience across digital and print channels. The refreshed website and materials strengthened visual storytelling, improved user engagement, and positioned Verde Canyon Railroad with a more polished, modern presence—while staying true to the character and heritage of the destination.
$10.6M
Total Annual Giveback
Including cash rewards distributed through Relationship Rewards and community giving initiatives.
83%
Member Enrollment
Indicating widespread program adoption, product growth and credit union member satisfaction.
13%
Product Utilization
Increase in product utilization year-over-year, driven by strategic tier-based messaging and upsell paths.
From Insight to Execution
1. Discovery
Reviewed existing brand assets, website performance, and print materials to understand how guests experienced the brand before, during, and after their journey. Identified opportunities to improve clarity, storytelling, and visual consistency while preserving heritage.
2. Define
Established a refined creative direction focused on elevating the brand without reinventing it. Defined visual priorities around imagery, typography, and layout to better showcase the landscape, experience, and sense of place.
3. Design
Led art direction for the website refresh, print collateral, and supporting brand elements. Updated layouts, visual hierarchy, and design details to create a more polished, modern look while remaining authentic to the railroad’s character.
4. Launch & Optimize
Rolled out refreshed digital and print assets with a focus on consistency across touch points. Refined visual execution based on usability, readability, and overall guest experience to ensure the brand felt cohesive and elevated across channels.
Where Creative Vision Meets Strategic Growth
I believe great marketing design isn’t just about how it looks — it’s about how it works. Every decision I make is backed by purpose, driven by audience insight, and aligned with brand and business strategy. From campaign creative to UX to performance branding, I focus on building experiences that convert, connect, and scale.
My philosophy is shaped by real-world results, continuous learning, and a deep respect for storytelling as a strategic business tool.
Strategic Brand Leadership
Audience-Driven Growth
Creative Performance Execution
Cross-Functional Alignment
Silver Addy Award
Catch Larry Campaign
CUNA Diamond Award
DFCU Website Redesign
CUNA Diamond Award
Shine On Campaign
Diverse Magazine Award
UOPX "I am a Phoenix"