Hello there! My name is Sean Gilder and the short story is I am an Art Director, Designer, Illustrator, as well as the Sofar Sounds Curator/Producer for Birmingham, Al.

The long story is I graduated in 2007 at Auburn University with a BA in Graphic Design. Soon after graduation I moved to NYC to challenge myself and see what else the world had to offer. With some hopeful hustle and a little luck, I landed the position as Lead Global Designer for L’Oreal’s new premium haircare brand Pureology. I worked with a small team to launch this brand into the international market. Due to the team’s size I not only managed the New York office’s needs, but I also worked with the global teams that were launching the brand in their respective countries. I managed freelancers, presented to titans of industry, and was the point person for the Marketing, education and PR teams on an international level.

Once we launched the brand globally, I took over the responsibilities for the U.S. market as their Lead Designer as well. I was tasked with designing all of the practical printed material for the North America. As both Global and U.S. designer for Pureology I had to manage my time Art Directing product shoots, going on press checks, managing our retouchers, managing freelancers, organizing workflow, booking photographers, upkeeping brand standards, as well as designing all of the needs for each and every team. As you can imagine this load of work would take a toll.

I left the company in September of 2011 to pursue a freelance life where I got to work with brand’s such as TUMI, Fabrege, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, and smaller clients as well. While freelancing I pursued passion project after passion project, teaching myself calligraphy, glass engraving by hand, working as a photographer’s assistant and a muralist/graffiti artist. I also worked as lead product director for a tech start up.

I came to Birmingham to find a better life, work balance and hopefully grow more as a creative.