Hi, I’m Ari Kushimoto.
I am a visual designer with a passion for brand identity and storytelling, driven by a love for transformation and boundless empathy and curiosity.
My work is characterized by authenticity, craftsmanship, and an approachable style that makes complex ideas accessible.
I've built my career on conceptual problem-solving and visual communication, using design as a powerful tool to shape perceptions, influence behaviors, and drive industry change.
My personal journey—growing up in two different countries, Japan and the US—has instilled in me a deep ability to embrace change, be resourceful and adapt creatively. This background fuels my approach to weaving engaging narratives and diverse aesthetics that truly resonate with audiences.
My artistic journey began with a love for studio art in high school and continued through my studies at American University, where a graphic design course ignited my passion for commercial art. The 90s internet boom led to a career in digital design at AOL, specializing in web applications.
I later ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a unique Izakaya restaurant and a local dive bar, both underscoring the power of visual storytelling in building strong brands and vibrant communities. Being on the ground and managing daily operations in the hospitality industry taught me the importance of creating memorable customer experiences and developing a cohesive brand identity.
This hands-on experience positioned me for a role at Marriott International, where I combined physical and digital design to create engaging employee learning experiences, ultimately shaping how hospitality professionals connect with guests and their teams.
I am currently an Art Director at CDK Global where I continue my passion for visual storytelling. With a long-standing and ongoing freelancing journey that began at the start of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my expertise across diverse industries and collaborate with a wide range of clients and professionals.
The throughline is simple: throughout my career, I’ve utilized my passion for the creative to bring concepts to life. It’s the driving force behind everything I do. I work on a wide range of projects from strategy to design, focusing on creative direction and collaboration with other creatives to deliver top-quality results. I envision creating a collective of talented individuals driving impactful, transformational work. My goal is to create visually striking and meaningful work that not only meets client objectives but also resonates emotionally with audiences.
Based in Washington, D.C., with my two daughters, my partner Maxwell Rabin and a cat, Oliver, I find joy in cooking, gardening, and tennis—activities that reflect my professional ethos of creativity and adaptability.