Top Talent like Ben are on Pangea

Pangea, a YC company, connects companies with fractional talent. Fractional hiring allows companies to move faster and work with more specialized talent, while giving talent more flexibility and independence. If you are talent open to fractional work, apply here. If you’re a company looking for high-quality fractional talent, learn more here.

Ben Fogarty

Brand Designer
Product Designer
UX Designer
Cleveland, OH, US
User-Centered Design
Storytelling
Creative Direction
Design Thinking
Visual Identity
Transportation Design
Data Visualization
Augmented Reality
Brand Strategy
Information Architecture
UX
Business Development
Brand Design
Design Research
Team Management
Management
UX Writing
Teaching
UI/UX Design
Brand Identity
Human-centered design
Product Design
Team Building
Recruiting
AI
Design Systems
Available for hire fromNegotiable
Contracts
Founder & Chief Design Officer at Council; Adjunct Faculty at Cleveland Institute of Art; Design Leader in Brand, Product, and Spatial Computing
I am a design leader and founder with 25+ years of experience guiding product, brand, and digital innovation. As the Founder & Chief Design Officer of Council, I built a nationally recognized design practice and led cross-disciplinary teams to deliver growth-driven outcomes for startups and global brands. I also contribute to the next generation of designers as Adjunct Faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Art, mentoring students and shaping curricula that blend craft with strategic thinking. My work spans partnerships, product strategy, and brand systems across collaborators including Spotify, Washington Post, Google Looker Connect, Store No. 8, Twitch, Niantic Spatial, and Mozilla.\n\nI believe design is both craft and compass—an approach that connects people, drives growth, and strengthens communities. I strive to build inclusive, high-performing teams and to create work that endure, leveraging storytelling, research, and hands-on experimentation to turn complex challenges into meaningful solutions.\n\nI’m committed to expanding culture and opportunity through design leadership, collaboration, and mentoring, helping teams co-create products, platforms, and brands that resonate in today’s evolving tech and media landscape.

Projects

Washington Post Solutions

The Washington Post transformed a transactional partner site into a narrative-driven platform that helps the world’s greatest storyteller tell their story. The experience was reframed around creativity, trust, and strategic collaboration, with an editorially inspired design system that brings newsroom authority into a modern, digital-first environment. The new platform elevates the Post from media vendor to creative ally, guiding visitors through layered stories with clear hierarchy, refined motion, and a bold visual language. It strengthens perception, deepens engagement with brand leaders, and gives internal teams a unified way to communicate value and spark new partnership conversations.See More

Spotify Data Tool

Spotify set out to give its sales teams a clearer way to see opportunity in real time, turning scattered data into insight that feels alive and ready to act on. The work brought simplicity to complexity, shaping an analytics tool that reveals audience behavior through clean visual stories and intuitive flow. What once took hours of spreadsheets became moments of clarity, helping teams move faster, pitch with precision, and build stronger narratives for advertisers. It is a tool that changes pace and perspective, transforming raw information into a daily source of confidence, connection, and momentum.See More

Google Looker

Departure designed a learning experience that grows with the user and the product. Looker Connect transformed a fragmented set of resources into a modular, role-based system embedded directly in the platform. We created a clear and intuitive interface, a visual language that supports discovery, and a socially connected layer that brings community insight into the flow of work. The result was faster onboarding, reduced support strain, and stronger product fluency across a global customer base. The work increased user confidence, accelerated adoption, and earned the TSIA Star Innovation Award for Learning.See More

Livabl

Livabl emerged from Zonda’s acquisition of BuzzBuzzHome as an opportunity to rethink what home discovery could feel like for a new generation. The work transformed a fragmented brand into a clear, modern identity built for scale, warmth, and long-term evolution. Strategy, storytelling, and system design came together to create a platform that feels intuitive and human, connecting data-driven intelligence with a sense of possibility. The result is a future-forward experience that helps buyers and builders explore with confidence, and a brand strong enough to grow with the industry it serves.See More

Niantic Spatial

Niantic Spatial entered the world as a signal of what becomes possible when breakthrough spatial technology meets real business value. The work shaped a brand that bridges vision and utility, translating high-precision VPS into clarity for enterprise leaders who need confidence rather than hype. The identity draws from the physical world itself, using light, pigment, and dimensionality to create a language that feels native to the spaces this technology inhabits. It is a brand built for scale and evolution, giving Niantic a clear and credible way to lead the arrival of a new spatial era and helping enterprises imagine what they can build next.See More

Phenology

Phenology reimagined menopause as a journey that deserves understanding, not silence. Together with Hologram Sciences, the experience was shaped around empathy and science, meeting Gen X with a voice that felt honest, modern, and grounded in care. Education and assessment became pathways to clarity. Storytelling brought an invisible life stage into the light. The result was a wellness brand that felt less like a transaction and more like a companion, offering a sense of recognition and a clearer way forward for millions who have long been overlooked.See More

Work History

C

Adjunct Faculty

Cleveland Institute of ArtTeaching Design for Communication to broaden students' perspective of design by teaching abstract design concepts, layout, symbols, systems, strategy, and process. Developed full syllabi and curricula covering typography, color theory, layout, branding, information design, and digital tools. Structured hands-on projects, critiques, and a capstone portfolio assignment to prepare students for professional practice. Mentored students individually and in teams, guiding design work, critical thinking, and career development.
A

VP of Partnerships

AIGA ClevelandFeb 2023 - May 2024 • 1 yr 4 mosFostering relationships between AIGA Cleveland and representatives from allied fields to support the design community and working closely with board Directors and Chairs to establish potential sponsorships and partners for Chapter events and activities.
P

Co-Founder

PastedMar 2016 - Nov 2020 • 4 yrs 9 mosCo-Founder of Pasted; built the company and led early product, branding, and growth initiatives.
C

Founder & Chief Design Officer

CouncilFounded Council and grew it into a nationally recognized design practice, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver brand, product, and platform work. Notable engagements include Spotify, Washington Post, Google Looker Connect, Store No. 8 (Walmart), Niantic Spatial, and more. Built scalable systems and cultures emphasizing craft, collaboration, and strategic impact.
W

Creative Director

WebtrendsSep 2009 - Sep 2010 • 1 yr 1 moCreative direction for product and digital initiatives, shaping customer experiences and leading cross-functional teams across brand and product design.
S

Art Director

SaltmineAug 2008 - Apr 2009 • 9 mosArt Direction, design and planning of websites, applications and video spots for global brands.
P

Art Director

PopArt Inc.Aug 2005 - Jul 2008 • 3 yrs
P

Art Director

Pop Art, Inc.Jan 2005 - Jan 2008 • 3 yrs 1 mo
S

Web Designer

SctoomJan 1999 - Jan 2000 • 1 yr 1 mo

Education

M

Maryland Institute College of Art

Bachelor of Arts, Painting1995 - 1999

How Pangea Works

Effortlessly discover top talent

We've distilled the candidate search from endless hours down to just a few minutes. Using Pangea's AI-powered search tools, you can find top fractional talent able to take on your next project. Our system looks at your company's niche and your needs to find the perfect match faster than any traditional hiring platform.

Start working with talent today

The top talent on Pangea is ready to get started with you right now. You can message or hire a candidate right from their profile page and start assigning work as soon as they respond. And the best part? Pangea's fractional contract structure lets you start small and ramp up as your needs change, keeping your costs manageable and your team's capabliities flexible.

Track work and invoices in one place

Assign tasks, track progress, and complete invoices all on Pangea. We've combined every part of the hiring process into one platform to eliminate the miscommunication that's unavoidable on other freelance platforms. We even send out 1099s to your contractors at the end of the year!

Talk with a Talent Expert

Members of our team are available to help you speed through the hiring process.
Available Now
Book a Call
Founder & Chief Design Officer at Council; Adjunct Faculty at Cleveland Institute of Art; Design Leader in Brand, Product, and Spatial Computing
I am a design leader and founder with 25+ years of experience guiding product, brand, and digital innovation. As the Founder & Chief Design Officer of Council, I built a nationally recognized design practice and led cross-disciplinary teams to deliver growth-driven outcomes for startups and global brands. I also contribute to the next generation of designers as Adjunct Faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Art, mentoring students and shaping curricula that blend craft with strategic thinking. My work spans partnerships, product strategy, and brand systems across collaborators including Spotify, Washington Post, Google Looker Connect, Store No. 8, Twitch, Niantic Spatial, and Mozilla.\n\nI believe design is both craft and compass—an approach that connects people, drives growth, and strengthens communities. I strive to build inclusive, high-performing teams and to create work that endure, leveraging storytelling, research, and hands-on experimentation to turn complex challenges into meaningful solutions.\n\nI’m committed to expanding culture and opportunity through design leadership, collaboration, and mentoring, helping teams co-create products, platforms, and brands that resonate in today’s evolving tech and media landscape.

Talk with a Talent Expert

Members of our team are available to help you speed through the hiring process.
Available Now
Book a Call

Top Talent like Ben are on Pangea

Pangea, a YC company, connects companies with fractional talent. Fractional hiring allows companies to move faster and work with more specialized talent, while giving talent more flexibility and independence. If you are talent open to fractional work, apply here. If you’re a company looking for high-quality fractional talent, learn more here.

Ben Fogarty

Brand Designer
Product Designer
UX Designer
Cleveland, OH, US
User-Centered Design
Storytelling
Creative Direction
Design Thinking
Visual Identity
Transportation Design
Data Visualization
Augmented Reality
Brand Strategy
Information Architecture
UX
Business Development
Brand Design
Design Research
Team Management
Management
UX Writing
Teaching
UI/UX Design
Brand Identity
Human-centered design
Product Design
Team Building
Recruiting
AI
Design Systems
Available for hire fromNegotiable
Contracts

Projects

Washington Post Solutions

The Washington Post transformed a transactional partner site into a narrative-driven platform that helps the world’s greatest storyteller tell their story. The experience was reframed around creativity, trust, and strategic collaboration, with an editorially inspired design system that brings newsroom authority into a modern, digital-first environment. The new platform elevates the Post from media vendor to creative ally, guiding visitors through layered stories with clear hierarchy, refined motion, and a bold visual language. It strengthens perception, deepens engagement with brand leaders, and gives internal teams a unified way to communicate value and spark new partnership conversations.

Spotify Data Tool

Spotify set out to give its sales teams a clearer way to see opportunity in real time, turning scattered data into insight that feels alive and ready to act on. The work brought simplicity to complexity, shaping an analytics tool that reveals audience behavior through clean visual stories and intuitive flow. What once took hours of spreadsheets became moments of clarity, helping teams move faster, pitch with precision, and build stronger narratives for advertisers. It is a tool that changes pace and perspective, transforming raw information into a daily source of confidence, connection, and momentum.

Google Looker

Departure designed a learning experience that grows with the user and the product. Looker Connect transformed a fragmented set of resources into a modular, role-based system embedded directly in the platform. We created a clear and intuitive interface, a visual language that supports discovery, and a socially connected layer that brings community insight into the flow of work. The result was faster onboarding, reduced support strain, and stronger product fluency across a global customer base. The work increased user confidence, accelerated adoption, and earned the TSIA Star Innovation Award for Learning.

Livabl

Livabl emerged from Zonda’s acquisition of BuzzBuzzHome as an opportunity to rethink what home discovery could feel like for a new generation. The work transformed a fragmented brand into a clear, modern identity built for scale, warmth, and long-term evolution. Strategy, storytelling, and system design came together to create a platform that feels intuitive and human, connecting data-driven intelligence with a sense of possibility. The result is a future-forward experience that helps buyers and builders explore with confidence, and a brand strong enough to grow with the industry it serves.

Niantic Spatial

Niantic Spatial entered the world as a signal of what becomes possible when breakthrough spatial technology meets real business value. The work shaped a brand that bridges vision and utility, translating high-precision VPS into clarity for enterprise leaders who need confidence rather than hype. The identity draws from the physical world itself, using light, pigment, and dimensionality to create a language that feels native to the spaces this technology inhabits. It is a brand built for scale and evolution, giving Niantic a clear and credible way to lead the arrival of a new spatial era and helping enterprises imagine what they can build next.

Phenology

Phenology reimagined menopause as a journey that deserves understanding, not silence. Together with Hologram Sciences, the experience was shaped around empathy and science, meeting Gen X with a voice that felt honest, modern, and grounded in care. Education and assessment became pathways to clarity. Storytelling brought an invisible life stage into the light. The result was a wellness brand that felt less like a transaction and more like a companion, offering a sense of recognition and a clearer way forward for millions who have long been overlooked.

Work History

C

Adjunct Faculty

Cleveland Institute of ArtTeaching Design for Communication to broaden students' perspective of design by teaching abstract design concepts, layout, symbols, systems, strategy, and process. Developed full syllabi and curricula covering typography, color theory, layout, branding, information design, and digital tools. Structured hands-on projects, critiques, and a capstone portfolio assignment to prepare students for professional practice. Mentored students individually and in teams, guiding design work, critical thinking, and career development.
A

VP of Partnerships

AIGA ClevelandFeb 2023 - May 2024 • 1 yr 4 mosFostering relationships between AIGA Cleveland and representatives from allied fields to support the design community and working closely with board Directors and Chairs to establish potential sponsorships and partners for Chapter events and activities.
P

Co-Founder

PastedMar 2016 - Nov 2020 • 4 yrs 9 mosCo-Founder of Pasted; built the company and led early product, branding, and growth initiatives.
C

Founder & Chief Design Officer

CouncilFounded Council and grew it into a nationally recognized design practice, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver brand, product, and platform work. Notable engagements include Spotify, Washington Post, Google Looker Connect, Store No. 8 (Walmart), Niantic Spatial, and more. Built scalable systems and cultures emphasizing craft, collaboration, and strategic impact.
W

Creative Director

WebtrendsSep 2009 - Sep 2010 • 1 yr 1 moCreative direction for product and digital initiatives, shaping customer experiences and leading cross-functional teams across brand and product design.
S

Art Director

SaltmineAug 2008 - Apr 2009 • 9 mosArt Direction, design and planning of websites, applications and video spots for global brands.
P

Art Director

PopArt Inc.Aug 2005 - Jul 2008 • 3 yrs
P

Art Director

Pop Art, Inc.Jan 2005 - Jan 2008 • 3 yrs 1 mo
S

Web Designer

SctoomJan 1999 - Jan 2000 • 1 yr 1 mo

Education

M

Maryland Institute College of Art

Bachelor of Arts, Painting1995 - 1999

How Pangea Works

Effortlessly discover top talent

We've distilled the candidate search from endless hours down to just a few minutes. Using Pangea's AI-powered search tools, you can find top fractional talent able to take on your next project. Our system looks at your company's niche and your needs to find the perfect match faster than any traditional hiring platform.

Start working with talent today

The top talent on Pangea is ready to get started with you right now. You can message or hire a candidate right from their profile page and start assigning work as soon as they respond. And the best part? Pangea's fractional contract structure lets you start small and ramp up as your needs change, keeping your costs manageable and your team's capabliities flexible.

Track work and invoices in one place

Assign tasks, track progress, and complete invoices all on Pangea. We've combined every part of the hiring process into one platform to eliminate the miscommunication that's unavoidable on other freelance platforms. We even send out 1099s to your contractors at the end of the year!

Talk with a Talent Expert

Members of our team are available to help you speed through the hiring process.
Available Now
Book a Call
Pangea empowers fractional work across the world for marketing and design roles.