Hello, I'm
TJ Cichecki
Creative Director & Brand Strategist
Translating complex missions into clear, compelling brand experiences.
Selected Projects
Resume Place
Complete brand identity system and business collateral for a leading federal resume writing service.
View Project →The Grails Exhibit
Exhibition design and environmental branding for an art gallery showcase exploring sneaker culture.
View Project →Double Exposure Film Festival
Festival branding and campaign design for DC's investigative film festival presented by The Smithsonian.
View Project →Soda Lake
Brand identity and packaging design for a health mineral water brand with a bold visual language.
View Project →Dallas Bike Ride
Destination marketing and event branding for a major city-wide cycling initiative.
View Project →Eastern Market Main Street
Community brand identity and signage system for a historic DC neighborhood commercial district.
View Project →Services
Brand Identity Systems
Strategic brand platforms, visual identity, logo design, and comprehensive guidelines that give organizations a clear, consistent voice.
Exhibition & Environment Design
Immersive spatial experiences for galleries, events, and physical spaces that bring brand stories to life.
Business Collateral
Stationery, pitch decks, business cards, and print materials that reinforce credibility at every touchpoint.
Corporate Communications & Reports
Annual reports, infographics, and data-driven publications designed for clarity and impact.
Festival & Event Branding
End-to-end creative direction for festivals, conferences, and cultural events — from identity to on-site experience.
Destination Marketing
Place-based branding and campaign design that attract audiences and strengthen community identity.
AI Consulting & Workshops
I help creative teams and organizations integrate AI into their workflows — not to replace the human element, but to amplify it.
Consulting
Strategic guidance for organizations looking to adopt AI thoughtfully. I work with leadership and creative teams to identify high-impact opportunities, build adaptive brand systems, and develop workflows that enhance consistency, scalability, and long-term brand stewardship.
- AI-enhanced brand systems & guidelines
- Creative workflow automation
- Tool selection & implementation strategy
- Content generation & quality frameworks
Workshops & Lessons
Hands-on training for teams and individuals who want to work smarter with AI. From introductory sessions to deep-dive workshops, I teach practical skills that creative professionals can apply immediately — no hype, just useful tools and techniques.
- AI for designers & creative teams
- Prompt engineering for brand work
- Building intelligent workflows
- 1-on-1 coaching & team sessions
Experience
Founder & Creative Director
WRKHRS.CO (Workhorse Collective)
Leading branding, exhibition design, and digital product initiatives for startups, nonprofits, and established brands. Crafting brand identities and high-impact projects with a reputation for innovative, strategic design.
Board Member — Director of Engagement
AIGA DC
Led community engagement initiatives and served as Design Week Advisor. Conceptualized and contributed to the promotion and success of annual DC Design Week events over six years.
Design Associate, UI/UX Designer
PBS Digital
Collaborated with multiple teams to design audience-facing digital products. Utilized agile methodologies and worked directly with product owners, stakeholders, and overseas dev teams.
Designer
David All Group
Led design initiatives for web and mobile projects. Worked with global brands including Intel, Lenovo, and Google, producing high-quality designs for Fortune 500 companies.
B.A. Visual Communications
Northern Illinois University
Graduated top of class, specializing in traditional print design, editorial publication, and digital media.
About Me
I'm a creative director and brand strategist who believes great design should feel effortless. When it works, you don't notice it — you feel it. With over 15 years of experience across branding, systems design, and storytelling, I focus on creating work that is clear, purposeful, and built to last.
My approach is rooted in strategy and simplicity. I strip away the unnecessary to reveal what matters most, translating complex ideas into intuitive brand experiences across digital, print, and physical spaces. Every project begins with understanding the people behind it — and the people it's meant to serve.
Alongside my creative work, I actively explore AI and emerging technologies to build smarter workflows, adaptive brand systems, and tools that help organizations grow with clarity and consistency.
When I'm not working, you'll find me organizing community events, playing competitive pool, teaching workshops, or experimenting with new ways to merge creativity and technology.