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AUSTIN PITSCH - CREATIVE DIRECTION
About
What I do
Portfolio
Experience
Contact
AUSTIN PITSCH - CREATIVE DIRECTION
About
What I do
Portfolio
Experience
Contact

Creative Director, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Marketing Manager

Hello, I am Austin Pitsch, a professional creative based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

I’m a British-born USAF military brat (complete with weird accent), now living in the United States. I enjoy the outdoors, community, DIY music and culture, and watching cult classics with my wife.

I have a passion for capturing style and sophistication in my work. I bring a unique perspective to every project, combining artistic vision with technical expertise to create, capture and direct design and photography that is visually compelling and tells a meaningful story.

Contact Austin

What I Do

Graphic Design

With over ten years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Graphic Design from the Cambridge School of Art, I specialize in applying diverse design techniques to create impactful visual communication for clients, with particular expertise in print media, illustration, typography, and e-commerce merchandising.

Creative Direction

I specialize in creative direction and brand management, developing strategies to strengthen brand identity. Using visual storytelling expertise, I guide teams to create cohesive brand experiences that engage audiences and encourage interaction.

Photography

I specialize in lifestyle and product photography, blending authentic moments with an editorial aesthetic to create compelling images that tell meaningful stories and elevate brand narratives.

Copywriting

Accompanying my visual creative skills, I also specialize in generating copy across e-commerce, social media, educational material, and blog articles to effectively convey the 'why' behind marketing efforts and connect authentically with audiences.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Years of experience developing brand's organic search value have given me the tools to significantly grow online brand presence without touching paid advertising.

Content Creation

I am well-versed and effective across photo, video, and audio content creation for social media, YouTube, and Podcasts, with multi-millions of views across platforms.

Brand Stewardship

I focus on understanding a brand's purpose and authenticity while developing strategies that resonate with the audience. Consistency across platforms and collaboration with internal teams, along with adapting to market trends, are vital for driving brand growth and success.

Team Management

Leading creatives involves fostering collaboration among internal teams and external contractors. I prioritize clear communication, provide direction and training, and maintain strong relationships with partners. By leading with empathy and a focus on performance, I strive to cultivate successful joint campaigns and long-lasting partnerships that drive results.

Marketing Networking

Overseeing creative teams involves fostering collaboration among internal groups, contractors, and partners. I focus on synchronizing initiatives for successful campaigns while building lasting partnerships, emphasizing efficient logistics and networking to enhance brand recognition and create growth opportunities.

Portfolio

Qore Performance SEO Blog Articles & Artwork
Qore Performance SEO Blog Articles & Artwork
Miami SWAT Multi-Brand Photo/Video Shoot
Miami SWAT Multi-Brand Photo/Video Shoot
Clever Girl Post-Championship Ads
Clever Girl Post-Championship Ads
Qore Performance Appalachian Field Photo
Qore Performance Appalachian Field Photo
Qore Performance Technical Illustrations
Qore Performance Technical Illustrations
Qore Performance ICEVEST Construction Site Shoot
Qore Performance ICEVEST Construction Site Shoot
Horror Illustrations
Horror Illustrations
Soireé Quartet Branding
Soireé Quartet Branding
Grey Flannel Auctions Photography & Graphics
Grey Flannel Auctions Photography & Graphics
Pauls to the Wall Podcast Branding
Pauls to the Wall Podcast Branding
NYPD Pizza Branding Refresh
NYPD Pizza Branding Refresh
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Print Advertising
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Print Advertising

Experience

Qore Performance - Marketing Manager

Knoxville, TN

My current role as Marketing Manager at Qore Performance — a leading manufacturer of high-end military, industrial safety, and fitness equipment focused on advanced thermoregulation technology — I lead the marketing team as its most senior member.

My responsibilities span the full marketing spectrum:

  • Protecting and evolving the brand identity
  • Providing creative direction to internal and external teams
  • Overseeing email and social campaigns
  • Product photography
  • Scheduling and executing photoshoots
  • Graphic design
  • Technical illustrations
  • Managing content creation
  • Shopify e-commerce management
  • Trade show execution
  • SEO blog development
  • Copywriting
  • Maintaining strategic relationships with external brand partners

This comprehensive oversight ensures cohesive messaging and performance across all channels while supporting the brand’s mission in demanding environments.

Qore Performance - Marketing Manager

March 2023 - Present 2026

Galco Holsters - Graphic Designer / Photographer

Phoenix, AZ

As Graphic Designer and Photographer at Galco Gunleather — a premier American manufacturer of high-quality leather holsters, belts, slings, and firearm accessories since 1969 — I served as a key contributor to the graphics and marketing team.

I created digital/print collateral for weekly sales, produced technical illustrations for product guides, managed product photography (white-background, flat lays, in-use shots), developed email campaigns, and supported trade show materials (e.g., SHOT Show) and video editing.

I also trained new junior marketing team members in photography and graphic design to maintain consistency.

This role delivered precise, professional visuals that reinforced Galco’s reputation for quality in the firearms industry.

Galco Holsters - Graphic Designer / Photographer

August 2021 - November 2022

Grey Flannel Auctions - Photographer & Graphic Designer

Scottsdale, AZ

Beyond design, photography is a core passion. Following my work at NYPD Pizza capturing menu items, I applied my product photography expertise at Grey Flannel Auctions — a premier, family-owned sports memorabilia auction house since 1989, renowned for high-value photo matched jerseys, signed items, and iconic collectibles.

I photographed everything from Babe Ruth-signed baseballs and Shaquille O’Neal’s shoes to pieces valued from $25 cards to record-setting historic artifacts. This role demanded meticulous care, precision, and attention to detail — including creating graphics for photo-matching authentication by aligning items with in-game images, capturing minute imperfections like loose threads and stains for accuracy.

This experience honed my ability to handle irreplaceable items with the utmost responsibility and technical finesse.

Grey Flannel Auctions - Photographer & Graphic Designer

October 2020 - June 2021

NYPD Pizza Graphic Designer - Social Media Manager

Phoenix, AZ

At NYPD Pizza, a Phoenix-based chain with seven locations across the Valley, I was brought on to infuse fresh creative energy into the brand’s social media, menus, and print/digital collateral — driving greater brand awareness and engagement.

I contributed to strategic marketing discussions, helping plan promotions, events, and overall initiatives. Additionally, I leveraged my photography skills to capture high-quality in-house menu item images, eliminating the need for external photographers. This streamlined workflow, reduced costs, and improved efficiency by removing communication gaps between photographer and designer during layout implementation.

NYPD Pizza Graphic Designer - Social Media Manager

July 2020 - April 2021

Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits - Graphic Designer - Print Specialist

Phoenix, AZ

My first U.S.-based design role was at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the largest distributor of wine and spirits in North America. I created print advertisements for major household brands including Absolut, Bacardi, Jim Beam, Jägermeister, Skyy Vodka, and others.

These materials were deployed statewide in Arizona, across diverse venues—from local dive bars to five-star resorts. Working primarily in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, I adapted designs to reflect each brand’s distinct style while addressing the varied needs of our broad customer base and accounts.

The role sadly concluded due to the pandemic’s impact on the hospitality industry, which severely reduced bar and restaurant advertising demand.

Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits - Graphic Designer - Print Specialist

March 2019 - June 2020

Riflecraft Ltd. - Graphic Designer - Social Media Manager

Norfolk, UK

At Riflecraft Ltd., a specialized outdoor shooting sports store focused on bespoke custom gun smithing, I managed advertising and social media presence as an early in-house role.

I handled content creation, graphic design for promotional materials, and product photography of custom firearms and accessories, delivering high-quality visuals to showcase craftsmanship and support the store’s reputation for precision work.

Riflecraft Ltd. - Graphic Designer - Social Media Manager

July 2017 – November 2017

AP Design - Freelance Design & Photography

Suffolk, UK
Phoenix, AZ
Knoxville, TN


In parallel with in-house roles, I maintain an active freelance practice through AP Design, pursuing diverse projects that expand my creative scope and client base beyond typical opportunities.

Since my student days in college and university, I have taken on varied commissions — from independent performers and local brands to U.S. military clients — spanning graphic design, branding, and photography across multiple mediums.

This ongoing work allows me to apply technical expertise to unique challenges, deliver tailored solutions, and continuously refine my skills in a broad, independent context.

AP Design - Freelance Design & Photography

2015 – Present 2026

Education

BA (Honours) Graphic Design

Cambridge School of Art (ARU), Cambridge, UK

Following my studies at West Suffolk College, where I built foundational skills in art and design, I pursued further training at the Cambridge School of Art (part of Anglia Ruskin University), drawn to the city's creative environment and the course's emphasis on practical, industry-relevant work.

The program advanced my abilities in web design, animation, brand identity, typography, and campaign design, while refining my existing strengths in graphic design, photography and illustration.

Through live client briefs with local studios such as The District and Onespacemedia, I developed confidence in preparing presentations and pitching concepts. Additional projects for major brands like Sony and Penguin Publishing honed my understanding of target audiences and effective demographic marketing.

BA (Honours) Graphic Design

September 2015 - June 2018

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design (QCF)

West Suffolk College, Suffolk, UK

Immediately after high school, I completed a two-year Graphic Design program at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds, achieving an overall Distinction grade.

The course provided a strong foundation in the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and introduced practical industry experience through live client briefs with organizations including the SyFy channel, The Mix, and Talk Talk mobile. For the Talk Talk project, my work advanced to the final round of a national contest judged at CHI & Partners in London.

This early training established core technical skills and client-facing confidence that supported my subsequent professional development.

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design (QCF)

September 2013 – July 2015

Get in touch

Thank you for your interest in my work. Whether you have a project in mind, need more information, or just want to say hello, I would love to hear from you.

Austin
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