HELLO
I'm Clayton Hightower, a freelance graphic designer and brand identity designer, specializing in logo design, brand identity systems, and visual branding, partnering with startups, growing businesses, and established companies to build brands that are distinctive, cohesive, and designed for long-term success.
My experience spans both entrepreneurial businesses and nationally recognized brands. From This is L., a $100M brand carried in more than 5,000 retail stores, to global brands like Always, Tampax, Head & Shoulders, and Kumho Tire, I've helped create branding that reaches millions of customers. Today, I bring that same strategic thinking and attention to detail to every project—whether I'm helping launch a new startup or evolving an established brand.
Graduate of: The Art Academy of Cincinnati
BFA in Graphic Design
I’m a designer at heart—and a proud nerd. The Cyborg Knight Errant mascot is a nod to my love of fantasy and science fiction, and it reflects how I approach every project: as a creative, forward-thinking guide stepping into the unknown with curiosity, strategy, and a clear sense of direction.
Every brand has its own landscape to navigate—competitors, audience expectations, and untapped opportunities. My role is to explore that terrain with you, cut through the noise, and chart a path that’s both bold and intentional.
If I am not designing, I am spending time with my wonderful wife, two children, and my dog Luca. Running, music, and gaming are big hobbies that all inspire my work as a designer.
In addition to brand strategy and identity design, I have a strong background in illustration, allowing me to create custom visuals, mascots, icons, and brand a
I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, where I developed the strategic and creative foundation that continues
My goal is simple: to help businesses build brands that stand out today and continue to grow with them tomorrow.