About me
Hello, I'm Joseph Runnion, a graphic designer based in the chicagoland area. I specialize in building thoughtful, concept-driven visual systems that connect cultural insight with design clarity. My work spans brand identity, mockups, product packaging, UI/UX and typographic experimentation. Each project I've completed is rooted in the belief that design is not just aesthetic, but ethical and narrative-driven.
My favorite picture of myself, at the faraglioni.
Design Philosophy
My design process is research-informed, structured, and intentional. I believe strong design systems begin with meaningful ideas-ones that reflect cultural contexts, challenge assumptions, or uplift underrepresented perspectives. Whether critiquing power structures through gameplay or reimagining commerce in beer and chocolate branding, I aim for work that is visually sharp and intellectually grounded.
Tennis has been a live long hobby of mine. If its sunny, you can expect me to be playing.
Selected Project Themes
- Ethical commerce storytelling - "Buonavia", a chocolate brand bridging Italian refinement with direct farmer support for community education.
- Inclusive language learning - UI/UX design for "Your Dictionary", an English-learning app using visual media and video content to aid non-native speakers.
- Social critique through design - "American Chess" a board game combining Chess and Monopoly along with an accompanying app to explore and critique American imperialism.
- Regionally grounded branding - Identity and packaging for "Maismagno", an Italian beer crafted exclusively from Illinois corn.
- Typographic experimentation - "Brazen Brackets", a bespoke display typeface built from bracket forms with a carved, architectural feel.
My garden, and particularly my basil plants. You can never have too much basil, ever.
Tools & Expertise
- 3D Modeling for Mockups
- Visual Identity & Packaging
- UI/UX Design for Mobile & Web
- Typography & Typeface Design
Proficient in:
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign | Figma | Blender
Shopping at the Vatican clothing store has been a highlight for me.
Aesthetic Values
If a serif typeface were a person, I'd be it- measured, structured, with a subtle sense of character. My work is deliberate and detail-oriented, yet always driven by a larger idea behind it. I value systems, storytelling and the unseen decisions that make design feel inevitable.
I'd like to take one picture every day, just so that I can remember every day of my life.