John Paolini
John Paolini is a Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Sullivan, a brand engagement firm known for doing work with consequence. In his role, John helps lead the agency, its clients, and a team of deeply talented creatives who build brands, marketing programs, and experience design systems for some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including American Express, IBM, Bank of America, Barnes & Noble, Human Rights Watch, Weill Cornell Medicine, the University of Chicago, and Yale.
John’s approach to Brand and Experience Design has always been about building belief—connecting with people, creating a sense of belonging, and, most importantly, giving them a reason to belong. He brings a deeply human, honest, and compelling perspective to every organization, institution, and product he has the good fortune to touch.
Under John’s creative direction, Sullivan has been awarded and recognized by organizations such as Wired, Fast Company, Communication Arts, Graphis, ID, and Print; received Webby Awards, FCS honors, and recognition from the Information Design Workbook and American Design Award; and was named to the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and the Inc. 5000 “Fastest Growing Companies.”
John earned a BFA in Graphic Design and Art History from Ohio University and an MFA in Communication Design from VCUarts. He also serves the future of the industry through his roles on the board of the VCU Foundation and the Leadership Council for the Ohio University School of Fine Arts.