Ben Fogarty

About

I am a design leader and founder with 25+ years of experience guiding product, brand, and digital innovation. As the Founder & Chief Design Officer of Council, I built a nationally recognized design practice and led cross-disciplinary teams to deliver growth-driven outcomes for startups and global brands. I also contribute to the next generation of designers as Adjunct Faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Art, mentoring students and shaping curricula that blend craft with strategic thinking. My work spans partnerships, product strategy, and brand systems across collaborators including Spotify, Washington Post, Google Looker Connect, Store No. 8, Twitch, Niantic Spatial, and Mozilla.\n\nI believe design is both craft and compass—an approach that connects people, drives growth, and strengthens communities. I strive to build inclusive, high-performing teams and to create work that endure, leveraging storytelling, research, and hands-on experimentation to turn complex challenges into meaningful solutions.\n\nI’m committed to expanding culture and opportunity through design leadership, collaboration, and mentoring, helping teams co-create products, platforms, and brands that resonate in today’s evolving tech and media landscape.

Experience

• Adjunct Faculty · Cleveland Institute of Art08-01-2023 –

  Teaching Design for Communication to broaden students' perspective of design by teaching abstract design concepts, layout, symbols, systems, strategy, and process. Developed full syllabi and curricula covering typography, color theory, layout, branding, information design, and digital tools. Structured hands-on projects, critiques, and a capstone portfolio assignment to prepare students for professional practice. Mentored students individually and in teams, guiding design work, critical thinking, and career development.

• VP of Partnerships · AIGA Cleveland02-01-2023 – 05-01-2024

  Fostering relationships between AIGA Cleveland and representatives from allied fields to support the design community and working closely with board Directors and Chairs to establish potential sponsorships and partners for Chapter events and activities.

• Co-Founder · Pasted03-01-2016 – 11-01-2020

  Co-Founder of Pasted; built the company and led early product, branding, and growth initiatives.

• Founder & Chief Design Officer · Council09-01-2010 –

  Founded Council and grew it into a nationally recognized design practice, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver brand, product, and platform work. Notable engagements include Spotify, Washington Post, Google Looker Connect, Store No. 8 (Walmart), Niantic Spatial, and more. Built scalable systems and cultures emphasizing craft, collaboration, and strategic impact.

• Creative Director · Webtrends09-01-2009 – 09-01-2010

  Creative direction for product and digital initiatives, shaping customer experiences and leading cross-functional teams across brand and product design.

• Art Director · Saltmine08-01-2008 – 04-01-2009

  Art Direction, design and planning of websites, applications and video spots for global brands.

• Art Director · PopArt Inc.08-01-2005 – 07-01-2008
• Art Director · Pop Art, Inc.01-01-2005 – 01-01-2008
• Web Designer · Sctoom01-01-1999 – 01-01-2000

Education

• Maryland Institute College of ArtBachelor of Arts, Painting

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