A Branding Knight Errant

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.

Clayton Hightower drawing a dinosaur sketch in a sketchbook with a black pen at a desk, with a computer keyboard and a speaker in the background.
A pencil sketch of a person holding a spear on graph paper. The person is wearing a cloak with a hood, and their face is not detailed.
Smiling green emoji wearing a cap, surrounded by a pencil and a yellow book for Ruley.
Cartoon depiction of a bottle cap with human features, running with one hand raised and the other clenched into a fist, wearing shoes. His name is Re-Cap.
Digital artwork of a person with a dark face and white eyes, wearing a cloak with gold accents, holding a futuristic weapon, set against a cosmic background with stars and concentric circles.

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 assets that give businesses a more distinctive and memorable identity. I believe the strongest brands don't just look professional—they communicate personality, tell a story, and create lasting recognition.

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 to shape my work today.

My goal is simple: to help businesses build brands that stand out today and continue to grow with them tomorrow.

Quick Facts

Location:
Cincinnati, Ohio (working with clients locally and remotely)

Working With:
• Startups • Small Businesses
• Established Brands

Specialties:

  • Brand Identity Design

  • Logo Design

  • Brand Strategy

  • Illustration

  • Visual Identity Systems

Design Experience
10+ years

Graduate of: The Art Academy of Cincinnati
BFA in Graphic Design

Notable Brands:

  • This is L.

  • Always

  • Tampax

  • Head & Shoulders

  • Kumho Tire

Download Resume
Clayton Hightower is writing in a sketchbook with a pen. The desk has a keyboard, mouse, and drawing monitor. The background shows a window and an abstract black-and-orange artwork on the wall.
Clayton Hightower is writing in a sketchbook with a pen. The desk has a keyboard, mouse, and drawing monitor. The background shows a window and an abstract black-and-orange artwork on the wall.
A black-and-white logo of a knight on a horse holding a sword, with the text 'Clayon Hightower Design' surrounding the knight.

Mascot & Philosophy

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.

Clayton Hightower and his dog Luca.
Clayton Hightower, Flying Pig Half Marathon, stands outside among other people, some of whom are running or walking. He is smiling.

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.

Two computer monitors on a desk displaying logo design work by Clayton Hightower Design, with branding icons on a black background, an eye for logo ideas, and a website showing logo services.
A decorative animal skull sculpture resembling a wolf with prominent teeth, positioned on a black surface beside a row of books with various orange, black, and white covers, in a room with light-colored walls and framed posters.