Top Talent like Matthew 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.

Matthew Wengerd

Creative & Brand Strategist
Brand Designer
UX Designer
Lakeland, FL, US
Design Strategy
Print Design
Invitation Design
Critical Thinking
Design
Promotional Marketing
Strategic Design
Creative Strategy
Brand Strategy
Brand Identity
Branding
Adobe Creative Suite
Ideation
Brand Design
Brand Development
Visual Identity
Business Development
Adobe Illustrator
Marketing
Marketing Strategy
Strategy & Business Development
Creative Marketing
Art Direction
Creative Direction
Available for hire fromNegotiable
Contracts
Creative Director | I create unforgettable experiences for bold brands and brave hosts.
Most people think of invitations, packaging, or event collateral as paper. I think of them as catalysts. The right object — placed in the right hands at the right moment — can deepen relationships, shift perception, and leave someone saying, “I’ll never forget that.” That’s what I do. As a creative director and founder of A Fine Press, I design and produce high-impact physical experiences for brands, private clients, and event producers who want to be known for something more than good taste — they want to connect. My work combines: Empathy-driven design thinking (how will someone feel when they receive this?) Conceptual clarity (what is this really trying to say?) Fearless execution (from wild ideas to flawless delivery) From launch kits and event invitations to tactile brand moments and out-of-the-box (hey-o!) promotional pieces, I bring both the vision and the craft to transform ideas into unforgettable realities — often in ways no one saw coming. I’ve created holy sh*t moments for: Global luxury brands, Artists and architects, Destination hosts, and daring individuals celebrating life’s biggest thresholds. While I lead A Fine Press, I occasionally step into other rooms — as a creative partner, collaborator, or instigator — when the challenge is too good to ignore. Curious where this could go? So am I. Let’s get on a call.

Work History

A

Founder + Creative Director

A Fine PressI create unforgettable physical experiences for brave brands and bold individuals — combining strategy, empathy, and unexpected materials to transform the way they’re known and remembered. From disruptive brand activations to luxury event stationery, I lead every project from concept to final production — bringing together creative direction, storytelling, and hands-on craftsmanship. Clients don’t just get beautiful objects; they get connection, impact, and the kind of moment people talk about long after the event. Projects have included: • High-concept promotional pieces for luxury brands • Destination event invitations that break the mold • Limited-edition print runs for launch events and brand campaigns • Physical storytelling objects that live on past the event All work is done through A Fine Press — a studio I founded for people who refuse to be forgettable.
J

Freelance Musician

Jazz BassistLed ensembles of 2–9 musicians for live performances and private events. Handled musical direction, scheduling, venue coordination, and finances — balancing creative leadership with logistical execution. Known for creating emotionally resonant musical experiences that felt intentional, dynamic, and perfectly in tune with the moment.
S

Marketing Director

Saunders Real EstateApr 2012 - Oct 2013 • 1 yr 7 mosLed brand, media, and marketing strategy for a national commercial real estate firm. Oversaw graphic design, social media, content creation, and national ad placements — blending strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Developed campaigns that elevated perception, built trust, and delivered clear value in a high-stakes, high-touch industry.
P

Membership Manager

Polk Museum of ArtSep 2009 - Apr 2012 • 2 yrs 8 mosProduced member and guest events that deepened connection between the Museum and its community. Managed constituent relationships and helped grow a loyal, engaged support base through intentional experiences and strategic communication. Designed printed and digital materials for the Membership department — including event invitations and promotional pieces — and supported the Marketing Manager with overflow design work. Also contributed to WordPress website maintenance and content updates.
L

Membership Account Executive

Lakeland Area Chamber of CommerceMay 2008 - Oct 2009 • 1 yr 6 mos• Developed programs to train small businesses in the implementation of social media resources in their marketing • Taught Social Media strategies to members of the LAR, ABWA, and other professional organizations • Focused on initiating B-to-B connections for small businesses, including the creation of a 40+member leads group • Maintained relationships with business owners, executives, and client-facing staff
W

Late Night Jazz Host

WUSF Public BroadcastingOct 2006 - Oct 2009 • 3 yrs 1 moHost of a weekly late-night jazz program.
C

Administrative Assistant

Center for Jazz CompositionAug 2006 - Jul 2008 • 2 yrsManaged the 17-piece professional big band, the Jazz Surge. Produced the Bi-Annual International Jazz Composers' Symposium.
P

Strings Specialist

Polk County School BoardAug 2005 - Aug 2006 • 1 yr 1 moTeach 4-8 grade orchestra.
O

Development Coordinator

Orlando Philharmonic OrchestraApr 2004 - Feb 2005 • 11 mosServed as Primary Grantwriter and Production Assistant for multiple events.

Education

U

University of South Florida

MM, Jazz Studies2006 - 2008
S

Southeastern University

BS, Music2000 - 2004

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
Creative Director | I create unforgettable experiences for bold brands and brave hosts.
Most people think of invitations, packaging, or event collateral as paper. I think of them as catalysts. The right object — placed in the right hands at the right moment — can deepen relationships, shift perception, and leave someone saying, “I’ll never forget that.” That’s what I do. As a creative director and founder of A Fine Press, I design and produce high-impact physical experiences for brands, private clients, and event producers who want to be known for something more than good taste — they want to connect. My work combines: Empathy-driven design thinking (how will someone feel when they receive this?) Conceptual clarity (what is this really trying to say?) Fearless execution (from wild ideas to flawless delivery) From launch kits and event invitations to tactile brand moments and out-of-the-box (hey-o!) promotional pieces, I bring both the vision and the craft to transform ideas into unforgettable realities — often in ways no one saw coming. I’ve created holy sh*t moments for: Global luxury brands, Artists and architects, Destination hosts, and daring individuals celebrating life’s biggest thresholds. While I lead A Fine Press, I occasionally step into other rooms — as a creative partner, collaborator, or instigator — when the challenge is too good to ignore. Curious where this could go? So am I. Let’s get on a call.

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 Matthew 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.

Matthew Wengerd

Creative & Brand Strategist
Brand Designer
UX Designer
Lakeland, FL, US
Design Strategy
Print Design
Invitation Design
Critical Thinking
Design
Promotional Marketing
Strategic Design
Creative Strategy
Brand Strategy
Brand Identity
Branding
Adobe Creative Suite
Ideation
Brand Design
Brand Development
Visual Identity
Business Development
Adobe Illustrator
Marketing
Marketing Strategy
Strategy & Business Development
Creative Marketing
Art Direction
Creative Direction
Available for hire fromNegotiable
Contracts

Work History

A

Founder + Creative Director

A Fine PressI create unforgettable physical experiences for brave brands and bold individuals — combining strategy, empathy, and unexpected materials to transform the way they’re known and remembered. From disruptive brand activations to luxury event stationery, I lead every project from concept to final production — bringing together creative direction, storytelling, and hands-on craftsmanship. Clients don’t just get beautiful objects; they get connection, impact, and the kind of moment people talk about long after the event. Projects have included: • High-concept promotional pieces for luxury brands • Destination event invitations that break the mold • Limited-edition print runs for launch events and brand campaigns • Physical storytelling objects that live on past the event All work is done through A Fine Press — a studio I founded for people who refuse to be forgettable.
J

Freelance Musician

Jazz BassistLed ensembles of 2–9 musicians for live performances and private events. Handled musical direction, scheduling, venue coordination, and finances — balancing creative leadership with logistical execution. Known for creating emotionally resonant musical experiences that felt intentional, dynamic, and perfectly in tune with the moment.
S

Marketing Director

Saunders Real EstateApr 2012 - Oct 2013 • 1 yr 7 mosLed brand, media, and marketing strategy for a national commercial real estate firm. Oversaw graphic design, social media, content creation, and national ad placements — blending strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Developed campaigns that elevated perception, built trust, and delivered clear value in a high-stakes, high-touch industry.
P

Membership Manager

Polk Museum of ArtSep 2009 - Apr 2012 • 2 yrs 8 mosProduced member and guest events that deepened connection between the Museum and its community. Managed constituent relationships and helped grow a loyal, engaged support base through intentional experiences and strategic communication. Designed printed and digital materials for the Membership department — including event invitations and promotional pieces — and supported the Marketing Manager with overflow design work. Also contributed to WordPress website maintenance and content updates.
L

Membership Account Executive

Lakeland Area Chamber of CommerceMay 2008 - Oct 2009 • 1 yr 6 mos• Developed programs to train small businesses in the implementation of social media resources in their marketing • Taught Social Media strategies to members of the LAR, ABWA, and other professional organizations • Focused on initiating B-to-B connections for small businesses, including the creation of a 40+member leads group • Maintained relationships with business owners, executives, and client-facing staff
W

Late Night Jazz Host

WUSF Public BroadcastingOct 2006 - Oct 2009 • 3 yrs 1 moHost of a weekly late-night jazz program.
C

Administrative Assistant

Center for Jazz CompositionAug 2006 - Jul 2008 • 2 yrsManaged the 17-piece professional big band, the Jazz Surge. Produced the Bi-Annual International Jazz Composers' Symposium.
P

Strings Specialist

Polk County School BoardAug 2005 - Aug 2006 • 1 yr 1 moTeach 4-8 grade orchestra.
O

Development Coordinator

Orlando Philharmonic OrchestraApr 2004 - Feb 2005 • 11 mosServed as Primary Grantwriter and Production Assistant for multiple events.

Education

U

University of South Florida

MM, Jazz Studies2006 - 2008
S

Southeastern University

BS, Music2000 - 2004

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.