About Me
Portrait of Kevin Akins
Hello, I'm Kevin. For over 20 years, I've partnered with businesses to shape perceptions and build connections through strategic visual communication. My passion lies in that intersection where thoughtful design meets clear business objectives – crafting brand identities and graphic solutions that don't just capture attention, but also tell the right story.

I believe the most effective design emerges from a deep understanding of the 'why' behind the brand. That's why I focus on a collaborative process, diving into the core message and strategic goals before translating them into compelling visuals. Whether it's building a comprehensive brand system from the ground up or creating targeted graphic pieces, my commitment is to deliver work that is both aesthetically strong and strategically sound.

Feel free to browse my work, download my resume for more detail, or connect via social media – I'm always open to discussing new creative challenges.
My Core Values

An infographic of my core values; starting from the top and clockwise: Strategic Planning, Craftsmanship, Clear Communication, Collaborative Partnership, and Purposeful Impact.

Strategic Thinking / Strategic Design
This is my focus on understanding the 'why', aligning with business goals, and creating solutions that are more than just aesthetic.
Craftsmanship
I have a commitment to high-quality execution, attention to detail, and mastery of visual communication principles (typography, color, composition).
Clear Communication
My goal is often to translate complex ideas or brand messages into clear visuals which highlights my ability to create design that communicates effectively and my likely approach to client communication.
Collaborative Partnership
I enjoy teamwork and partnership which leads to my approach to working with clients to achieve shared goals, rather than just delivering a service in isolation.
Purposeful Impact
I aim to create design that serves a purpose and makes a meaningful difference for my client’s brand or business.
My Process
Discovery
We begin by deeply immersing ourselves in your world – understanding your business, audience, competitors, and the specific challenge at hand through research, listening, and open dialogue. The goal is to gather context and insights to build a solid foundation.
Define
Insights from the discovery phase are analyzed to clearly define the project's strategic direction, core objectives, and key requirements. This stage focuses on establishing a clear roadmap and focused brief to guide the creative process effectively.
Design
Guided by the defined strategy, we explore creative concepts and develop visual solutions through iterative design and refinement. This is where ideas take shape as we craft compelling visuals and identity systems tailored to meet the objectives.
Deliver
Final designs are polished and presented, incorporating feedback before delivering production-ready assets, style guides, or other necessary deliverables. We ensure a smooth handover for successful implementation and real-world application.
My Interests
Outside of design work, my time is often spent exploring Los Angeles and connecting with others – through industry networking events and Meetups, hiking local trails like Kenneth Hahn and Ferndell, visiting art galleries, or occasionally playing pool. I also love to revisit watching classic anime (such as Dragon Ball Z or Trigun) and enjoy discovering new food spots around the city. Visits from my daughter, who lives in Sacramento, are cherished quality time – often involving sharing those anime favorites, trying new restaurants together, and me definitely enjoying the chance to spoil her.
Let's build something great.
Currently available for freelance Design & Strategy projects.
Back to Top