About >

Growing up, my notebooks were filled with scribbles of cartoon characters, spaceships, fat graffiti letters, hot rods and hair metal band logos. I wanted to be a cartoonist, but didn’t think I had any good stories to tell. Then I heard about Graphic Design and everything changed.

I have worked as a designer around Minneapolis for over a dozen years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work across many industries, and have worked with clients both big and small. I have helped brand small, local start-ups and rebrand those with an international presence. My passion is print design, whether it is identity development, collateral, packaging, or whatever else the client may need.

I believe that the best design is a combination of a good strategic foundation, a strong concept and attention to details in the design. I am currently freelancing and am always looking for new opportunities. Whether you just need a few extra directions for a logo, are looking to completely overhaul a brand, or even if you just need an extra hand when getting ready for that big pitch, please feel free to contact me.

Work >  
   
       
   
             
     
             
     
               
         
Experience > Download Resume
Download Work Samples

Sean Lien Design LLC, Principal

September 2008 - Present
Freelance design for various agencies, including Spyglass Creative, The Creative Group, Wingnut Advertising and Creatis
Clients have included; Lifetouch Studios, Nestle Nutrition, OptumHealth, NorthMarq, Wolters Kluwer, American Craft Council, Caribou Coffee and Phoenix Endeavors

Brainco - The Minneapolis School of Advertising, Instructor
July 2001 - April 2003, May 2007 - Present
Helped establish curriculum and plan assignments
Taught classes of up to sixteen students, including: Typography I, Typography II, CD/Book Cover Design, Packaging/Poster/Retail Design, Logo Design, Advanced Layout, Portfolio Prep and Graduation Prep

Morsekode, Senior Art Director
April 2007 - September 2008
Worked on direct mail campaigns for United Healthcare that pulled a 20% increase in response over previous efforts
Lead designer on rebrand of Audio-Technica, an international producer of microphones, headphones, and phonograph cartridges. Project included establishing brand guidelines, collateral and promotional materials, website redesign, print advertising and packaging for headphones and microphones.
Oversaw hiring and day-to-day workload of interns and junior designers

Parachute Design, Senior Graphic Designer
May 2004 - February 2007
Lead designer on the rebrand of Capella University, an online university based in Minneapolis
Lead designer from concept through execution on branding of various loft and condo developments, including Track 29, Westin Edina Galleria, Bridges of St. Paul, 1016 Marquette and 24 Chicago

Group One, Senior Graphic Designer
September 2003 - May 2004
Lead designer on promotional materials for Jennie-O Turkey Store
Worked on rebranding Group One, including design of new logo, business system, promotional materials and website

Initio, Senior Graphic Designer
March 1998 - September 2003
Lead designer from concept through execution on relaunch of The Depot, a downtown Minneapolis hotel and recreation complex
Worked on collateral and marketing materials for Red Wing Shoes
Helped rebrand Bailey Nurseries, one of the United States' largest wholesale nurseries
Oversaw hiring and day-to-day workload of interns

John Ryan Company, Intern/Freelance Graphic Designer
May 1997 - March 1998
Worked on design of in-store campaigns for national banks
Assisted with layout of design directions for in-store signage, collateral and motion graphics

Contact >
email sean@seanlien.com
phone 612.293.LIEN (5436)
 
 

Work Featured >

Logo Lounge: Animals & Mythology, Rockport Publishers, 2010
The Aster Awards, 2008
The Global Awards, 2007
Graphis Poster Annual 2007, Graphis, 2007
AIGA/MN Design Show 2007
HOW, October 2006 - Self-Promotion Annual
The Show, Minneapolis, 2006
Logo Lounge 3, Rockport Publishers, 2006
Logo Lounge 2, Rockport Publishers, 2005
Colossal Design, HOW Design Books, 2003
Graphis Corporate Identity 4, Graphis, 2001
HOW, October 2001 - Self-Promotion Annual
Print, September/October, 2001 - Regional Design Annual
HOW, October 2000 - Self-Promotional Annual
Print, September/October, 1999 - Regional Design Annual
HOW, April 1999 - International Design Annual
Print, January/February, 1999 - New Visual Artists Review
Twelve Identities, French Paper Company Promotion 1999
The Show, Minneapolis, 1999
AIGA/MN Design Show 1999

 
                   
 

Education >

Minneapolis College of Art + Design
1995-1998
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design

University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
1994-1995

Normandale Community College
1992-1994
Associate of Arts with High Honors

 
                   
 
© 2009 Sean Lien Design, LLC