
Creative Direction
Let’s create something beautiful together!
“ Rory is the rare creative vision holder that can communicate, execute, and inspire a team. We worked together for five years and I can confidently say these were the greatest years of professional growth I've had to date. ”
-Nic
Art & Design
I'm an Art and Design Manager with over thirty years of experience creating, managing and delivering, high quality, engaging and award winning products.
At my core I am a creative problem solver who believes that effective product design requires deep insight into the customer needs, product goals and business strategy.
My strengths are developing and communicating a clearly articulated product vision, and designing seamless, customer-focused experiences across complex ecosystems.
I enjoy working with internal executives and multidisciplinary product teams to bring transformational experiences to fruition. I excel at building and managing teams, maneuvering through project challenges, and envisioning experiences that delight customers.
I fundamentally believe that design can improve people's lives, transform companies and change culture.
My Experience
Principal Art Director
Microsoft (Seattle, WA) Aug 2024 - Present
I lead a creative team comprising visual designers, motion designers, 3D artists, and video editors, focused on the development of compelling design strategies that align with brand vision and business goals. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to create cohesive, user-centric experiences across various platforms, ensuring the seamless integration of design systems and high-quality content.
Principal Design Director
Microsoft (Seattle, WA) May 2018 - Aug 2024
Led highly skilled, multidisciplinary teams focused on delivering cohesive, user-centric experiences across a diverse portfolio of products. Collaborated closely with executives and key decision-makers to align design strategies with business objectives, translating complex challenges into impactful design solutions. Spearheaded innovative design practices that consistently drove customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and transformative business outcomes.
Studio Art Director
Microsoft (Seattle, WA) Jun 2016 - May 2018
Defined the visual language and art direction for 3D and Mixed Reality experiences within the Windows ecosystem. Developed high-impact concepts, demos, and prototypes to effectively communicate the studio’s vision to stakeholders and leadership, securing support for creative initiatives. Played a key role in elevating the studio’s output and reinforcing its leadership in cutting-edge design.
Project Art Director
Microsoft (Seattle, WA) Jun 2009 - May 2016
Directed the art teams behind the critically acclaimed Forza Motorsport series, a flagship AAA Xbox first-party title. Managed the end-to-end creation of high-quality art assets, ensuring adherence to creative excellence and alignment with the franchise’s vision. Fostered collaboration across disciplines, driving innovative design approaches that elevated the visual identity and immersive experiences of one of the gaming industry’s most celebrated racing titles.
UI Art Director
Microsoft (Seattle, WA) Oct 2007 - Sep 2009
Owned the design and execution of the user interface for Forza Motorsport 3 on Xbox 360. Led a team of UX, visual design, and motion design specialists to create a seamless integration of functionality and aesthetics, raising the interface to industry-leading standards. Delivered a cohesive and engaging user experience that enhanced accessibility and solidified the game as a benchmark in the racing genre.
Design Director
Microsoft (Seattle, WA) Oct 2004 - Sep 2007
Operated a design studio specializing in branding, website design, print design, and UI/UX solutions for diverse clients. Managed the full business lifecycle, from client acquisition to project execution, delivering tailored creative solutions that met the unique needs of each client. Developed brand identities, digital experiences, and print collateral, ensuring alignment with client vision and business goals.
Project Art Director
Microsoft (Seattle, WA) Oct 1998 - Sep 2004
Held dual responsibilities as both Art Director and UI Art Director across six AAA first-party sports titles for PC and Xbox. Built and led high-performing teams to create next-generation gaming experiences that pushed the boundaries of design and technology. Directed UX wire-framing, concept development, mood board creation, visual design, and prototyping, ensuring seamless, immersive player experiences. Played a critical role in establishing new standards of innovation and quality in the gaming industry.
UI / UX Designer
Microsoft (Seattle, WA) Oct 1995 - Sep 1998
Developed information architecture, content controls, and visual designs for a series of AAA sports titles on PC. Focused on creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that enhanced the gaming experience. Ensured the seamless integration of UI design with game objectives, establishing a strong foundation for player interfaces in competitive gaming.
My Skills
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I believe that the strongest teams aren’t just assembled—they’re cultivated. By creating an environment of trust, open communication, and shared purpose, I help individuals unite under a common vision. Through intentional collaboration and mindful leadership, each team member has room to thrive, leading to greater innovation and success.
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Efficient project management is the backbone of any successful endeavor. Drawing on over three decades of industry experience, I bring a strategic mindset that balances scope, time, and resources while keeping a clear focus on quality. My approach emphasizes transparent communication and accountability, ensuring that every project moves smoothly from concept to completion.
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Art and design direction is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about crafting compelling, cohesive stories. With a deep background in visual design and creative leadership, I guide teams to develop engaging user experiences that resonate on both emotional and practical levels. My process focuses on aligning innovative ideas with a clear strategic vision.
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User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design bridge the gap between functionality and delight. Through user research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing, I work to create intuitive, visually appealing interfaces that anticipate user needs. The result is a seamless, engaging experience that drives user satisfaction and brand loyalty.
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Great leaders and designers are shaped by both knowledge and wisdom. My coaching and mentoring style combines mindfulness, practical design principles, and real-world business insights, helping others identify their strengths and unlock their full potential. This supportive, personalized approach equips mentees to excel both personally and professionally.
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Leadership, to me, is about empowering people. By fostering empathy, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose, I create an environment where each individual feels valued and inspired. Balancing strategic direction with genuine care for team well-being sets the stage for powerful, sustainable growth.
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Creative direction is the art of bringing bold ideas to life in a way that captivates and resonates. Drawing on years of experience guiding diverse teams and projects, I shape a cohesive vision that merges innovation with practicality. This ensures that every campaign, product, or experience strikes the right chord with its audience.
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My creative process is rooted in exploration, iteration, and collaboration. By combining structured ideation methods with spontaneous inspiration, I help teams push boundaries while remaining grounded in project goals. This balanced approach yields innovative outcomes that align seamlessly with the brand’s identity and objectives.
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Bridging gaps between design, development, marketing, and other disciplines is key to delivering successful products. I excel at translating complex ideas into a common language that unites teams around shared milestones. Through empathy and clear communication, everyone works cohesively, keeping projects on track and relationships strong.
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Innovation thrives on the ability to see challenges from multiple angles. With a mindful, user-centered approach, I encourage teams to question assumptions, explore fresh perspectives, and find solutions that go beyond the obvious. This process not only yields more impactful results but also fosters a culture of continuous learning.
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Design isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about envisioning what’s possible. By anticipating future trends and user needs, I inspire teams to create forward-thinking products and services. This focus on innovation ensures that design remains a driving force for growth, transformation, and long-term relevance.