In my CURRENT role

As Chief Creative Officer, I bring the full weight of interdisciplinary design, systems-level thinking, and intuitive brand vision to the forefront of innovation. Recruited to lead the naming, brand strategy, and creative build of an emerging fintech company, I currently serve at the intersection of storytelling and scalability—crafting frameworks that speak to investors, resonate with users, and endure in a highly competitive market.

I operate as both strategist and synthesizer: mapping business intent to creative clarity, folding technical nuance into elegant user experiences, and shaping brands that hold their own in highly competitive sectors. I excel in bridging the gap between creative vision and technical execution—leveraging my fluency in complex systems, emerging technologies, and product dynamics to drive cohesion and momentum across disciplines.

With deep roots in traditional fine art and a global career leading creative initiatives within innovative technology and AI startups, I’ve consistently delivered user-centric design solutions and strategic brand systems that engage stakeholders and spark growth. I am an inclusive, collaborative leader passionate about crafting compelling narratives and building brands that inspire trust, connection, and action.

My ability to hold the macro vision while directing micro-execution—whether architecting a product experience, refining a narrative arc, or managing global teams—allows me to guide creative operations with precision, humanity, and a relentless belief in the power of design to move people and markets.

I don’t just lead creative—I build resonance, translate complexity, and forge brand systems that scale.

In my Previous role

At an innovative artificial intelligence startup, I was recruited to build and lead the global Creative Department as Senior Creative Director from the ground up—spearheading brand development, product design, and cross-functional creative strategy across teams in three countries and five time zones.

A core part of my work involved partnering with Product, Engineering, and Applied Research to conceptualize, name, and design AI-driven tools and experiences. I developed comprehensive UI/UX design systems, user personas, and functionality frameworks while leading initiatives that bridged brand storytelling with technical execution. My team and I collaborated on advanced projects including synthetic data generation and 3D reconstruction of real-world environments, delivering stylized and photorealistic data sets that accelerated model training and improved product outcomes.

I also led design efforts in partnership with Strategic Innovation, Marketing, and Business Development—overseeing the creation of all external-facing assets such as brand identity systems, websites, high impact sales tools, investor decks, marketing collateral, and immersive trade show experiences. I directed the development of a 3D contextual sales platform that translated our AI capabilities into an executive-facing visual narrative, helping secure high-value client partnerships and distinguishing our firm within a highly competitive space.

Equity and inclusivity were embedded into every layer of our creative practice. I championed DEIB-centered initiatives both internally and externally—conducting accessibility reviews, managing a feedback-informed working group, and shaping materials that reflected our commitment to inclusive design.

Under my leadership, the Creative Department delivered strategic, high-caliber work that elevated our brand presence, increased client acquisition, and helped position the company as a credible player in the AI ecosystem. My role demanded both strategic oversight and tactical agility—grounded in systems thinking, cross-disciplinary fluency, and a deep belief in the power of design to drive engagement and measurable growth.

artistic concentrations

From the age of three, I have been immersed in a world of creativity. My journey began at our local institute of arts, where I attended several classes a week for over 15 years. There, I explored a diverse array of mediums—from pottery, sculpture, and painting to figure drawing, illustration, en plein air, stained glass, jewelry, and weaving. Witnessing my instructors, who were accomplished fine artists, work and evolve in their craft laid the foundation for my enduring passion for creative exploration. From my earliest years, I was immersed in group studio settings, accustomed to collaboration, critique, and a dynamic exchange of ideas.

After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts, I expanded my practice in both traditional fine art and digital mediums, working in cultural hubs such as New York, London, Singapore, Brussels, Toronto, Miami, and the Caribbean. At the age of 23, I sold my first company—a creative agency—to a tech company, marking an early milestone in my journey as an entrepreneurial creative leader.

Through sculpture, I channel a distinctive artistic vision that bridges traditional techniques and contemporary innovation. My current collection, New Growth—featured in ten group exhibitions across the United States and Europe—embodies my belief in the subtle beauty of intricate details and the interconnected network of our choices and our world. You can view my work here: audreyzahraafranklin.com

As a gender non-conforming artist, I am deeply committed to promoting inclusivity and sparking transformative engagement in every endeavor. Whether I am sculpting or orchestrating integrated creative projects that challenge conventional narratives, I bring an unwavering dedication to innovation and authentic storytelling. My work stands as a living testament to the enduring power of creativity—a force that not only shapes our individual journeys but also redefines the landscape of our collective future. By embracing vulnerability and amplifying diverse voices I strive to foster transformative connections that inspire.

core competencies