Keegan Riley

Keegan Riley

Curious. Adventurous. Nerdy.

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Member Since

February 2024

Environmental Graphic Designer at Swath.

Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Cincinnati launched my creative career in 2014 – but I quickly learned I wanted something a little different from the design world. After stumbling upon the unique, niche industry of branded and environmental graphic design, I knew it was the perfect intersection of “spatial” and “visual” in which I could flourish. As someone who thrives on logic, I am passionate about creating simple and elegant design solutions rooted in reason and strategic insight. Up until this point in my career, I have used my technical skills from an architectural education and an enthusiasm for purposeful visual communication to understand, conquer, and influence the world of signage around us. I am eager to accelerate my career in this charming corner of the design world using my zeal for organization creativity, and clarity.

In my experience, I have been a part of a wide variety of projects and initiatives including healthcare signage and wayfinding strategy, comprehensive EGD guidelines in the academic realm, corporate workplace graphics, and even civic identities. I have also discovered a new passion for teaching, and am excited to be involved with mentoring student co-ops.

Free time is hard to come by (but certainly crucial for a well-balanced lifestyle!) – but when I do come across some, I can either be found with a book in my hands with the cat on my lap, on a roller coaster laughing with friends, or exploring a hiking trail with my husband in a National Park.

Ask me about

Professionally? Ask me about how a good database / spreadsheet can solve every organizational issue. Personally? Ask me about Lord of the Rings. I’m obsessed.

My super power is

My super power is creating order out of chaos, identifying systems and patterns, and making an organized list for everything.

I'm looking for

Inspiration. Connection. Innovation.

What I love about experience design

I LOVE Cincinnati. I moved here in 2010 when I started college, and (with the exception of a brief 2 year stint in Toledo) have called it “home” ever since. Cincinnati is the perfect mid-sized metropolis: she is big enough to have rich, diverse histories and deep, engrained heritages, and yet small enough to be relatable, walkable, and lovable. The unique stories that comprise her historic narrative make celebrating The Queen City so enjoyably authentic: Food, art, beer, architecture, music, sports, etc. Cincinnati is the perfect city in my opinion because not only is it growing thicker roots, but it is also growing new blossoms with every passing year; that is to say, the “old” is preserved and celebrated, and the “new” is adorning the city with a new vibrancy.

Best piece of advice I've ever heard

The best advice I have received was to be true to myself, and not care what others think. “You are the best YOU ever. Why would you want to be like everyone else? Never be ashamed of what brings you joy.”

Practice Area

Branded Environments, Strategy/Research/Planning, Wayfinding

Focus Area

Brand, Graphic, Signage

Industry

Education, Healthcare, Urban + Civic