Francesco Izzo

Senior Visual & UX Designer specializing in translating complex ideas into clear, engaging experiences across editorial, digital, and physical media.

Independent Designer & Author at Independent Designer & Author (2026-06 – Present)

• Developing an independent design initiative and writing a newsletter, currently kept private, drawing on a background in visual design, UX, and storytelling.

Senior Designer at City ID (2024-08 – 2026-06)

• Designed end-to-end environmental branding at LAX, including graphic layouts for signage applications, from wall-mounted signs to DVLEDs, simplifying complex navigation across physical and digital touchpoints.
• Presented work-in-progress designs to stakeholders, gathering feedback and building team alignment.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to translate design into implementation.

Freelance Visual & Communication Designer at Independent Designer (2023-05 – 2024-07)

• Partnered with organizations including IDEO.org, Aclima, and Out of Office Network to develop communication strategies, visual systems, campaigns, and UX initiatives informed by user research and prototype testing.
• Integrated AI into creative workflows (ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, QoQo) to accelerate research, ideation, content development, and design production.

Principal Experience Designer at frog, Part of Capgemini (2022-08 – 2023-04)

• Designed end-to-end digital product experiences including flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity UI.
• Effectively communicated strategic visions to stakeholders through compelling visuals, branding, and video content, supporting leadership alignment.
• Co-led stakeholder workshops and presentations, aligning cross-functional teams around creative direction.

Senior Communication Designer at Ford Motor Company (2019-07 – 2022-07)

• Designed communication systems, research frameworks, and service design tools supporting innovation teams across Ford.
• Developed user-centered frameworks, journey maps, and design artifacts to improve cross-team alignment.
• Created visual systems, prototypes, and storytelling assets turning research into actionable insights.
• Supported and reviewed junior designers' work and contributed to team critiques and design direction.

Senior Designer & Art Director at Nautilus magazine (2013-09 – 2019-05)

• Designed compelling editorial layouts and visual narratives for a broad audience across print and web.
• Built cohesive visual systems ensuring clarity, consistency, and strong brand expression.
• Directed illustrators and photographers, maintaining high-quality creative output.
• Collaborated with editorial and engineering teams on digital UX improvements.

MFA in Design – School of Visual Arts, NY

BFA in Industrial Design – Sapienza University, Rome, Italy