Chris Blanz, Designer in Nashville, TN, United States
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Chris Blanz

Verified Expert  in Design

Bio

Chris Blanz designs user-friendly (web) experiences that inform, instruct, and inspire. He also designs integrated mixed-media campaigns ranging from branding and sales presentations to website designs and fully functioning Webflow development, all with a user-centric focus on utility, product innovation, and brand continuity.

Portfolio

Work Experience

User Experience Designer

2013 - PRESENT
Freelance Clients
  • Designed and developed a new site in Webflow for Sam The Cooking Guy with more than 1,800 recipes in the CMS to serve his 3.75+ million YouTube subscribers. This is the 3rd iteration I designed for him. The 1st was back in the early 2000s.
  • Rebranded the teambonding.com website for the 4th time over the past two decades. I also continue to design other properties for this client, including bondingbus.com.
  • Redesigned the user experience for Dataswift's (dataswift.io) user and developer platforms, plus the internal admin UX. Enhanced brand standards and a "best practices" process to bring multiple products under a single visual and vocal identity.
  • Designed and managed the development of a message management system UX and UI for the WNBPA that allowed management to tactically message individuals, teams, special groups, or the entire league with announcements, polls, or special alerts.
  • Enhanced the user experience, recruited an elite team of creatives to accelerate the brand's evolution, and developed investor presentations for SportsBlog.com. Momentum grew from 5,000 visitors in the 1st month to one million after 11 months.
  • Designed and developed a fresh brand strategy, company identity, and graphic standards library for Kythera Labs.
  • Organized the content, wrote the copy, designed the web/brand standards, and developed this small responsive site in Webflow. As a startup, the logo was the closest thing CPG Digital had to brand standards at the time.
Technologies: Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Experience Design (XD), Sketch, Webflow, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Apple Keynote, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Advertising, Product Design, Graphic Design, Writing & Editing, Creative Direction, Logo Design, Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Microsoft Office, Statistics, Analytics, Basketball, Sports, Coaching, Product Strategy, Brainstorming, UX Strategy, iOS App Design, Android App Design, App Design, Mobile UX, Mobile App UI, Facilitation, Art Direction, Education, K-12 Education, Early Childhood Education, Education Technology (Edtech), SaaS, SaaS Design, Enterprise SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Healthcare, Health & Wellness, Health, Digital Health, Healthcare Management Systems, Wellness, Web Design, Web UX, Web App UX, Web UI, Web UI Design, Web Animation, UX Design, UI Design, iOS UI Design, Mobile UI, Mobile, iOS, Design Leadership, Web Platforms, Online Platform, Copywriting, Platform Design, Websites, Landing Page Design, Landing Pages, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Web Marketing, B2B, Branding, Illustration, Mobile Design, Brand Logos, UX Writing, Newsletter Design, Blog Posting, Complex Application User Interfaces (UI), Web, User Personas, Design Systems, Digital Product Design, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Brand Design, Brand Guidelines, Brand Books

VP | Creative and User Experience

2018 - 2019
Perception Health
  • Designed enhancements for the flagship SaaS platform's interface with a multiphased approach that provided minor incremental but tactical improvements to the user experience.
  • Refined the company brand and the existing SaaS product identities.
  • Wrote new copy for all public-facing products and services and promotions for the web, print, and sales presentations.
  • Designed and developed a new website, including a full CMS-driven blog using Webflow.
Technologies: Sketch, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Webflow, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Experience Design (XD), Apple Keynote, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Advertising, Product Design, Graphic Design, Writing & Editing, Creative Direction, Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Principle, Statistics, Analytics, Product Strategy, Brainstorming, UX Strategy, Facilitation, Art Direction, Education, SaaS, SaaS Design, Enterprise SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Healthcare, Health & Wellness, Health IT, Health, Digital Health, Healthcare Management Systems, Wellness, Web Design, Web UX, Web App UX, Web UI, Web UI Design, Web Animation, UX Design, UI Design, iOS UI Design, Mobile UI, Mobile, iOS, Design Leadership, Web Platforms, Online Platform, Copywriting, Platform Design, Websites, Landing Page Design, Landing Pages, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Web Marketing, B2B, Branding, Illustration, Mobile UX, Mobile Design, Brand Logos, UX Writing, Newsletter Design, Blog Posting, Complex Application User Interfaces (UI), Web, User Personas, Design Systems, Digital Product Design, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Rebranding, Brand Identity, Visual Identity, Print Design, Brand Design, Brand Guidelines, Brand Books, Logo Design

UX/UI Product Designer | Co-Founder

2013 - 2018
PHY.net SDK
  • Invented a new patented process to securely manage and remotely control Bluetooth beacons, NFC tags, and QR code touchpoints using Google's Physical Web protocol.
  • Designed a comprehensive user experience strategy that took concepts through an iterative process of design, including wireframes and high-fidelity comps based on user-testing and feedback.
  • Strategized a browser-based user experience and managed a team of developers (React, Redux, Node.js, MongoDB, AWS) to build a modern SaaS platform to remotely control Physical Web touchpoints.
  • Designed and managed the development of native iOS and Android apps that included QR code scanning, reading NFC tags, and scanning for Bluetooth Beacons. Based on these apps, multiple white label versions were developed.
  • Designed multiple iterations of identity, web, print packaging, investor presentations, sales support material/presentations, and user interface designs (responsive web and mobile apps) that provided continuity across the breadth of the brand.
  • Designed physical hardware products (Bluetooth beacons) and worked with hardware engineering and production teams in the US and China regarding the external look and feel, as well as the internal electronic features and functions for each product.
Technologies: Sketch, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Webflow, Microsoft Office, Principle, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Keynote, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Advertising, Product Design, Graphic Design, Writing & Editing, Creative Direction, Logo Design, Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Adobe Experience Design (XD), Statistics, Analytics, Product Strategy, Brainstorming, UX Strategy, iOS App Design, Android App Design, App Design, Mobile UX, Mobile App UI, Facilitation, Art Direction, Sports, Education, K-12 Education, Early Childhood Education, Education Technology (Edtech), SaaS, SaaS Design, Enterprise SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Healthcare, Health & Wellness, Health IT, Health, Digital Health, Healthcare Management Systems, Wellness, Web Design, Web UX, Web App UX, Web UI, Web UI Design, Web Animation, UX Design, UI Design, iOS UI Design, Mobile UI, Mobile, iOS, Design Leadership, Web Platforms, Online Platform, Copywriting, Platform Design, Websites, Landing Page Design, Landing Pages, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Web Marketing, B2B, Branding, Illustration, Mobile Design, Brand Logos, UX Writing, Newsletter Design, Blog Posting, Complex Application User Interfaces (UI), Web, User Personas, Design Systems, Digital Product Design, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Rebranding, Brand Identity, Visual Identity, Print Design, Brand Design, Brand Guidelines, Brand Books

Contract Creative Director | Product Innovation

2012 - 2013
MōBLS
  • Designed a comprehensive UX and UI strategy for RecruitTalk, a "LinkedIn equivalent for high school athletes." No small feat, the UX had to accommodate mismatched stats from multiple sports being administered by novice web/app users. bit.ly/cab-rt.
  • Developed an easy-to-follow eCommerce user experience and enhanced brand for non-technical senior citizens to purchase hearing aids online. Included design, copywriting, photography, illustration, and development team management.
  • Mentored entrepreneurs participating in jfs.co and ec.co accelerator programs, helping enhance product offerings, user experiences, and brand messaging for on-line, mobile, and offline retail products and services.
  • Developed investor pitch deck for Zingfin that included copywriting, design, animation, and pitch coaching.
  • Developed investor pitch deck for KaraoQ that included copywriting, design, animation, and pitch coaching, but absolutely no public singing.
Technologies: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Microsoft Office, Adobe Lightroom, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Advertising, Product Design, Graphic Design, Writing & Editing, Creative Direction, Logo Design, Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Adobe Premiere Pro, Analytics, Basketball, Sports, Coaching, Product Strategy, Brainstorming, UX Strategy, Facilitation, Art Direction, Education, K-12 Education, Education Technology (Edtech), SaaS, SaaS Design, Enterprise SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Healthcare, Health & Wellness, Health, Digital Health, Wellness, Web Design, Web UX, Web App UX, Web UI, Web UI Design, Web Animation, UI Design, iOS UI Design, Mobile UI, Mobile, iOS, UX Design, Design Leadership, Web Platforms, Online Platform, Copywriting, Platform Design, Websites, Landing Page Design, Landing Pages, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Web Marketing, B2B, Branding, Illustration, Mobile UX, Mobile Design, Brand Logos, UX Writing, Newsletter Design, Blog Posting, Complex Application User Interfaces (UI), Web, User Personas, Digital Product Design, Rebranding, Brand Identity, Visual Identity, Print Design, Brand Design, Brand Guidelines, Brand Books

Founder | CEO | Creative Director

2001 - 2012
cabedge
  • Founded and served as CEO and hands-on Creative Director for an interactive agency of designers, writers, developers, web strategists, and public relations strategists with yearly revenues averaging $1.5 million before selling the agency in 2012.
  • Designed and developed branded user experiences for brands like Band-Aid, Cracker Barrel, ExxonMobil, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, The Washington Post, LEGO, National Geographic, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), among others.
  • Recruited and led a team of talented designers and creative contributors to innovate and lead key email, banner advertising, and animation design trends for over a decade.
  • Received more than 75 American Advertising Federation awards.
  • Honored with more than 50 American Graphic Design awards.
  • Won 5 AIGA CASE Awards (including 2 "Best Of..." awards).
  • Awarded a Telly Award for the only video we ever produced.
  • Featured twice in the Music City Future 50 Awards by the Nashville Business Journal.
  • Named Nashville Business Journal's Best in Business for two consecutive years.
  • Honored as one of the Best Places to Work from the Nashville Business Journal. By far, it was one of the most fulfilling awards I have ever received.
Technologies: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Adobe Lightroom, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Advertising, Product Design, Graphic Design, Writing & Editing, Creative Direction, Logo Design, Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Analytics, Basketball, Sports, Coaching, Product Strategy, Brainstorming, UX Strategy, Facilitation, Art Direction, Education, K-12 Education, Early Childhood Education, Education Technology (Edtech), SaaS, SaaS Design, Enterprise SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Healthcare, Health & Wellness, Health IT, Health, Digital Health, Healthcare Management Systems, Wellness, Web Design, Web UX, Web App UX, Web UI, Web UI Design, Web Animation, UI Design, iOS UI Design, Mobile UI, Mobile, iOS, UX Design, Design Leadership, Online Platform, Copywriting, Platform Design, Websites, Landing Page Design, Landing Pages, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Web Marketing, B2B, Branding, Illustration, Mobile UX, Mobile Design, Brand Logos, UX Writing, Newsletter Design, Blog Posting, Digital Product Design, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Rebranding, Brand Identity, Visual Identity, Print Design, Brand Design, Brand Guidelines, Brand Books

Creative Director

2000 - 2001
Weberize
  • Recruited and managed a team of top-tier designers.
  • Innovated early web UX with enhanced interfaces using Flash. Yes, there were a few "skip intros," but it was a policy that we did not have "Flash for the sake of Flash" on any website. All animation was required to form that followed function.
  • Managed a team of staff designers and project managers in Nashville, New York, and Cairo, Egypt.
Technologies: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Advertising, Product Design, Graphic Design, Writing & Editing, Creative Direction, Logo Design, Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Analytics, Product Strategy, Brainstorming, UX Strategy, Facilitation, Art Direction, Education, K-12 Education, SaaS, SaaS Design, Enterprise SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Health & Wellness, Healthcare, Health, Digital Health, Wellness, Web Design, Web UX, Web App UX, Web UI, Web UI Design, Web Animation, UI Design, Mobile UI, iOS, UX Design, Design Leadership, Copywriting, Websites, Landing Page Design, Landing Pages, Web Marketing, B2B, Branding, Illustration, Brand Logos, UX Writing, Newsletter Design, Blog Posting, Digital Product Design, Rebranding, Brand Identity, Visual Identity, Print Design, Brand Design, Brand Guidelines, Brand Books

Partner | Creative Director

1995 - 1999
Edgenet Media
  • Invented, designed, and managed the development of a unique "moderated chat" function for the Grand Ole Opry that allowed celebrities to chat with fans without fear of fans going rogue and exposing the Opry to certain legal liabilities.
  • Created the first website for Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and enhanced the webmaster's experience with an "Assisted responder" that allowed her to field questions faster and more accurately. The estimated ROI was well over $50,000 per year.
  • Designed and managed the development of one of the first news aggregator sites on the internet. (Think Google News, but focused on regions of the US with custom summaries.) This tool became the foundation of one of the first CMSs on the internet.
  • Sold the company to a New York investment firm in 2004.
Technologies: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Advertising, Product Design, Graphic Design, Writing & Editing, Creative Direction, Logo Design, Design, Analytics, Product Strategy, Brainstorming, UX Strategy, Facilitation, Art Direction, Education, Early Childhood Education, SaaS, SaaS Design, Enterprise SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Healthcare, Health & Wellness, Health, Healthcare Management Systems, Wellness, Web Design, Web UX, Web App UX, Web UI, Web UI Design, Web Animation, UI Design, UX Design, Design Leadership, Copywriting, Platform Design, Websites, Landing Pages, Web Marketing, B2B, Branding, Illustration, Brand Logos, UX Writing, Newsletter Design, Digital Product Design, Rebranding, Brand Identity, Visual Identity, Print Design, Brand Design, Brand Guidelines, Brand Books

Art Director

1994 - 1995
Creative Syndicate
  • Designed and managed the development of several of the first multimedia (print and CD-ROM) campaigns at the beginning of the rise and eventual boon of tourism in Nashville.
  • Partnered with rocket scientists (literally) to win the very first website design and development contract for the State of Tennessee, which led to a merger of the two companies.
  • Designed one of the first legitimate rock-star websites for John Kay and Steppenwolf.
Technologies: Adobe Photoshop, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Advertising, Graphic Design, Writing & Editing, Creative Direction, Logo Design, Design, Brainstorming, UX Strategy, Facilitation, Art Direction, SaaS Design, Software as a Service (SaaS), Web Design, Web UX, Web App UX, Web UI, Web UI Design, Web Animation, UX Design, Copywriting, Websites, B2B, Branding, Illustration, Brand Logos, Newsletter Design, Digital Product Design, Rebranding, Brand Identity, Visual Identity, Print Design, Brand Design, Brand Guidelines, Brand Books
1988 - 1992

Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design

Western Kentucky University - Bowling Green, KY

Tools

Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Apple Keynote, Sketch, Microsoft Office, Principle, Adobe Experience Design (XD), Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro

Platforms

Webflow, Mobile, iOS, Web, Salesforce, Webflow CMS

Industry Expertise

Health, Advertising, Education, Education Technology (Edtech), Healthcare, Health & Wellness, Sports

Other

Graphic Design, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Creative Direction, Design, Writing & Editing, Product Design, Logo Design, Platform Design, Brainstorming, UX Strategy, Mobile UX, Mobile App UI, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Art Direction, SaaS, SaaS Design, Enterprise SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Web Design, Web App UX, Web UI, Web UI Design, UX Design, UI Design, iOS UI Design, Mobile UI, Design Leadership, Web Platforms, Online Platform, Websites, Landing Page Design, Landing Pages, Visual Design, Web App Design, Branding, B2B, Illustration, Mobile Design, Brand Logos, UX Writing, Newsletter Design, Blog Posting, Complex Application User Interfaces (UI), Brand Design, Digital Product Design, Rebranding, Brand Identity, Visual Identity, Print Design, Brand Guidelines, Brand Books, Analytics, Product Strategy, iOS App Design, Android App Design, App Design, K-12 Education, Early Childhood Education, Health IT, Digital Health, Healthcare Management Systems, Wellness, Web UX, Web Animation, Copywriting, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Web Marketing, Facilitation, User Personas, Design Systems, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Statistics, Basketball, Coaching, Squarespace to Webflow, Content Management Systems (CMS), Consumer Privacy, Data-level Security, Purple, Web App UI

Experience

  • User Experience (UX) - 20 years
  • User Interface (UI) - 20 years
  • UX Design - 20 years
  • UI Design - 20 years
  • Responsive Web Design (RWD) - 20 years
  • Graphic Design - 20 years
  • Product Design - 20 years
  • Figma - 5 years

Tools

  • Figma
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