Professional Summary
With over 25 years of experience as a practicing design and marketing professional and more than 15 years as an adjunct educator, I have dedicated my career to exploring the intersection of creativity, branding, and strategic communication. My professional journey has been enriched through roles at Miami University, and the University of Louisville, as well as the University of Cincinnati, where I have developed and taught courses that bridge theory with real-world application. Holding a BFA in Graphic Design from Bowling Green State University and an MDes from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), I have consistently sought opportunities to advance the role of creativity within academia and industry.
My academic contributions include chairing the university-wide Faculty Innovation Council at UC, coordinating faculty-driven innovation initiatives, and co-instructing multidisciplinary undergraduate courses within the University Honors Program. Currently, I am teaching DMC2150: Design for Film and DMC3101: Media and Business of Creativity, both with the School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies, Digital Media Collaborative (DMC). At University of Louisville, I restructured the advanced packaging design curriculum to emphasize consumer needs, strategic branding, and marketplace competition. At Miami University, I have instructed courses such as Introduction to Design, Image Making, Business of Design, and Senior Thesis, while also organizing interdisciplinary panel discussions to connect students with practicing professionals in design, marketing, and business. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to enhancing higher education by integrating branding and design strategies into interdisciplinary curricula.
Beyond academia, I have actively contributed to initiatives that elevate diverse communities through design and advocacy.
My rebranding work for Colorado Parents for Quality Education supported an African American grassroots initiative that empowers parents to advocate for their children’s educational rights. Additionally, I created a pro bono social media campaign for 7 Hillz Productions Foundation, supporting a scholarship initiative for film and media students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). I have served as a judge for the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference and contributed to Kiwanis International’s mission of improving children's lives. Furthermore, I acted as the event emcee for the 1N5 fundraising event, which aims to prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of mental illness and promoting optimal mental wellness.
In addition to these experiences, I bring over 25 years of professional practice, including leadership roles at Interbrand, Scoppechio Advertising, PepsiCo Frito-Lay and Procter & Gamble. I currently lead Gilmore Branding & Design, a consultancy I founded in 2008, which focuses on brand development, marketing strategy, and creative direction.
Making an emotive connection with people—by leveraging strategy and design—is at the heart of my work.
This dual perspective—as both practitioner and educator—enables me to provide students with a robust and contemporary understanding of the design industry. I believe strongly in empowering visual learners by contextualizing business theory through practical application, industry case studies, and portfolio-driven projects. My teaching philosophy is grounded in relevance, accessibility, and mentorship—helping students cultivate both strategic thinking and professional confidence.
Education
MDes: University of Cincinnati 2012 (Design)
BFA: Bowling Green 1992 (Graphic Design)
Research and Practice Interests
• Corporate Communications
• Competitive Audit
• Workshop Development
• Consumer Research
• Brand Strategy and Positioning
• Brand Character and Architecture
• Brand Identity and Guidelines
• Creative Concepting
• Photography Direction
• Package Design
• Design Implementation
• Supply Chain Management
• Presentation Design
• Marketing Strategy
• Social Media Marketing
• Advertising
• Digital Marketing
• User Experience Design (UED)
• Artificial Intellegence Content Generation
Positions and Work Experience
2008 -2020 Adjunct Instructor, Miami University,
2014 -2020 Adjunct Instructor, University of Louisville,
2008 - Creative Consultant, Gilmore Branding and Design, LLC,
1995 -2000 Graphic Designer, Interbrand,
2000 -2003 Team Leader, Interbrand,
2003 -2005 Brand Identity Manager, Interbrand,
2005 -2008 Senior Brand Identity Manager,
2008 -2009 Director of Integrated Brand Strategy , RGI,
2011 -2011 Manager, Design Research and Marketing Innovation, PepsiCo Frito Lay,
2010 -2012 Graduate Student and Instructor , University of Cincinnati,
2014 -2018 Director, Business Communications and Specialty Services , Scoppechio Advertising,
2013 -2014 Director, Design Strategy and Innovation, Scoppechio Advertising,
2020 -2024 Adjunct Instructor, University of Cincinnati,
2021 -2022 Olay Digital Design Manager, Procter & Gamble,
2025 - Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati,
Courses Taught
DMC3101: Business of Creativity
Description and Key Learning Outcomes
DMC2150: Design Skills for Film and Media
Description and Key Learning Outcomes
PD2030: Honors Inquiry to Innovation
Other Information
Contact Information
gilmorth@ucmail.uc.edu