Kyle believes that creative ideas can be universal and have the power to transcend cultures, markets and technologies. He has a drive to find the human truth behind every idea and a passion for exploring new ways an idea can spark, connect and resonate with people. This passion inspired Kyle to challenge himself to work as a creative leader in multiple markets across the Graphic Design, Advertising and Marketing, Branding, Digital, Product and Entertainment landscapes, with the goal of promoting, storytelling, and bringing people together.
Kyle Barnes, born on the eastside of Detroit, Michigan, is the oldest of three siblings. After the tragic murder of his mother, Stephenie Barnes, at a young age Kyle was forced to evaluate his life and become a role model and leader to his siblings. Kyle gravitated towards drawing and the creative arts as therapy, so much so that his grandmother, Paula Barnes enrolled him in free citywide youth art classes. She also enrolled him in courses at the College of Creative Studies as a minor, eventually becoming a Youth Art Teacher. He attended University Prep High, while pursuing an airbrushing internship at Dragon Airbrushing at the Eastside Mall, which led him to opening his own Airbrushing Studio. Kyle graduated from Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising with a specialization in Graphic Design. In addition to this, he was awarded Gold in several Student Mid-Michigan Addy Award competitions.
Upon graduation, Kyle kick-started his career in Marketing as a Graphic Designer. He was quickly promoted to Brand Manager for CASE Credit Union where his role was creating the visual assets while developing the overall branding for the Lansing-based bank. Later, he joined the Marketing team at Lansing Community College as an Art Director, and was influential in the rebranding of their college program marketing efforts, overall promotion, and aesthetics of the campus. In this role, Kyle helped the college earn numerous Advertising awards. Kyle was then recruited by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to assist with the development of the Pure Michigan campaign, whose goal was to promote Travel and Economic business growth for the State of Michigan. He worked on projects for clients such as The North American International Auto Show and Detroit Grand Prix. Kyle shifted his career interest from business, corporate, and entertainment marketing to sports marketing. Currently, Kyle is the Director of Design for Michigan State University Athletics. His role is to visually communicate the department’s vision for Spartan sports. Kyle’s influence can be seen throughout the design and Branding / Marketing efforts of sports such as Men and Women’s Basketball, Football, Hockey, Volleyball, Gymnastics and various Olympic sports.
In addition to his career at MSU, Kyle owns a Multicultural Advertising Agency, Urban Ad Shop which specializes in developing and working with Black-owned businesses to help them thrive with efficient marketing and design strategies comparable to their competition. He has worked with clients such as McDonalds, Nike, BET, Bounce TV, Jack Daniels, Mars Bar, Voice of Hair, Motormouth Multimedia, NAACP, and Congressional Black Caucus along with projects such as The BET Awards, The Stellar Awards, Black Music Honors, Mentoring Kings and many more.
Kyle Barnes is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and currently serves as the Poelmarch (President) of the Lansing Alumni Chapter. With a passion for mentoring black youth for the past 6 years, Kyle has assumed the role of Lead Chapter Advisor for the fraternity’s undergraduate chapter at Michigan State University, Delta Pi. With all that Kyle does, nothing gives him more joy and accomplishment than raising his 5 year old daughter, Kai, with his fiance, Amina Woods
Recent
Experience
Sept. 2019 - Present
SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
MOTORMOUTH MULTIMEDIA
Anchored diverse creative teams in the creation and execution of comprehensive multimedia campaigns for clients like UPMC, Comcast, and The Pittsburgh Foundation. Integrated video, audio, and digital content, aligning with client objectives to enhance brand visibility and market presence. Pioneered innovative creative content strategies, including website design, digital media, video production, print, out-of-home, and social media campaigns for public and private sector clients. These strategies led to increased engagement and client satisfaction, particularly with organizations such as the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and the YWCA. Motivated and inspired creative teams, fostering an environment of innovation and adaptability, resulting in the development of award-winning multimedia content and elevating diverse voices in projects for clients such as Allegheny County Health Department. Established and nurtured strong relationships with a diverse client base, including nonprofits like the Women and Girls Foundation and corporate entities like PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy, understanding their unique needs and delivered tailored multimedia solutions that drove their marketing success and supported community development goals.
Aug. 2017 - Aug. 2022
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS DEPT.
Spearheaded the revitalization of both physical and digital visual elements, significantly contributing to the rebranding of the Athletic Department and major power-five athletic programs including Football, Men's and Women's Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, and Gymnastics. My portfolio showcases extensive work in fan engagement campaigns, complete facility branding, large-scale publications, player awards, and major event promotions, along with targeted direct mail and robust social media and email marketing strategies. Orchestrated the complete revitalization of branding and design across 25 collegiate and Olympic athletic programs, leading design and creative teams to develop unified and innovative visual narratives, thereby elevating brand visibility on all platforms. My holistic approach encompassed streamlining event marketing, facility branding, and consumer-focused direct marketing campaigns, coupled with the execution of wide-reaching print and digital advertising strategies, resulting in significant enhancement of brand consistency and market impact. Staying ahead of digital trends and market shifts was a constant priority, as was seeking out opportunities to elevate our brand awareness. I also took pride in mentoring designers across various programs, helping them enhance their skills and leadership abilities in various domains. Three of my design protégés have climbed to key leadership positions at prestigious institutions like Yale University, Topps Sporting Cards, and within organizations such as the Detroit Lions and the City of Detroit, showcasing the impact of my mentorship efforts.
May 2016 - July 2017
SENIOR DESIGNER & DESIGN CONSULTING LEAD
MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
As Team Lead, I spearheaded the revitalization of major Michigan business attraction websites and campaigns, including Pure Michigan, Detroit Grand Prix, PlanetM, michiganbusiness.org, and miplace.org. Collaborating with McCann-Erickson's design team, I directed the creative strategy and execution for print, digital, and out-of-home campaigns. Composed and overseen campaign/wire-frame and prototype development, content creation (including copywriting, photography, video production, and infographic design), while managing project workflow. I ensured seamless communication among the executive marketing director, board of directors, government officials, and stakeholders, effectively aligning our creative vision with organizational goals. Played a pivotal role in creating and implementing powerful branding visuals and strategies to position Michigan as a premier destination for business, job opportunities, and community growth. This involved orchestrating event marketing, designing displays, conducting both consumer and business-to-business direct marketing, executing print and digital campaigns, and managing out-of-home advertising initiatives. Acted as a visual consultant for internal teams, external vendors, and contractors, ensuring alignment in visual and strategic communication. Provided expert critique and guidance in the collaborative efforts between MEDC and advertising client McCann-Erickson for the Pure Michigan Business campaign, fostering a cohesive and effective business attraction strategy.
Aug. 2014 - May 2016
ART DIRECTOR | GRAPHIC DESIGNER
LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE
As a project manager and leader of various creative teams, I seamlessly orchestrated the creative workflow for substantial internal and external college-wide campaigns, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment. My leadership extended to a diverse team, including designers, copywriters, web developers, photographers, and print vendors, ensuring all projects met their deadlines and quality standards. Took charge of the art direction, actively participating in the hands-on creation of a wide array of design materials. This ranged from web and digital assets to print publications, outdoor advertising, and apparel for comprehensive college-wide campaigns. Engaged with various college departments, organizations, and events, ensuring a consistent and high-quality visual representation across all platforms. Played a pivotal role in campaign presentations and pitching new ideas, confidently stepping in to represent or support the Creative Director as needed. My ability to articulate creative concepts and strategies effectively ensured the success and smooth execution of various campaigns and initiatives. One of my significant achievements was spearheading the “STARPOWER” external student engagement rebranding and brand equality campaign. This initiative not only introduced a refreshed identity system but also strategically repositioned the college, capturing a substantial market share of the recent high school graduate or senior including adult learning demographics . The campaign played a crucial role in attracting and retaining students from Generations X, Y, and the Millennials.
Artwork: 2023 Campaign 2024 Campaign
1Hood partnered with the MLB's Pittsburgh Pirates
Voice Of Hair Pureflex ProductDesign
Bundles Luxury Hair Care Product Collection
