About John Voss (That’s me)
As a designer with a generalist skillset, I do a little bit of everything but excel at bringing it all together.
I’ve always been a little tough to put in a box. A little nerdy, a little artsy, and deeply invested in social issues.
I know now that design is the perfect field for someone like me; but I didn't know it was a thing you could do for work until I dated a RISD student in my early 20s. The relationship didn’t last long, but that realization set me on the path toward design.
I haven't gotten any easier to pin down. I’ve worked for nonprofits, studios, and tech companies. I’ve done brand, UX, animation, writing and teaching, and—yes—even a little bit of code. Over the last several years, I’ve gone deep on design systems, a domain that brings together all of those disciplines and more.
I’m currently looking for my next full-time role on a team where i can put these skills to use while continuing to grow as a person.
As the most senior IC on the Design Platform design systems team, led large, cross-product projects including internal tooling, customer facing product features, and strategic planning.
Launched and grew the Stitch Fix design system across web, iOS, and android. Led design of company product north star. Managed two lead designers; mentored other designers through feedback, education, and team culture defining initiatives.
Founded and launched a community for LGBTQ+ people in design. Grew the community from two to over two-thousand global members. Designed and launched the first ever comprehensive survey of LGBTQ+ community’s experience in design.
Improved and extended Rocket Lawyer’s brand through research, design, collaboration, and testing while supporting the business across marketing and product. Supervised and mentored junior marketing designer. Overhauled product design team’s workflow and tooling for increased consistency, efficiency, and collaboration among designers and with engineers.
Taught design principles, process, and professionalism to diverse classes of 12–16 students through engaging presentations of my own design, guided work, thoughtful feedback, and empathetic one-on-one help.
Led branding and digital projects for clients including Cornell, Stanford, and the Wikimedia Foundation. Defined project goals, managed client relationships, and presented work. Ensured seamless transition from research and UX design to visual design to development and launch. Led design workshops and created new workshop offerings.
Led projects ranging in size for clients such as Facebook Messenger, Citi Ventures, and Intuit. Evangelized design with coworkers outside the creative studio. Mentored multiple designers.
Created websites, motion graphics, branding, infographics, and print designs for nonprofits and social enterprises. Owned designs from kick-off to development while balancing multiple projects. Partnered in project management and scoping of new business.
First in-house designer, grew department and brand through print, digital, motion, and event design. Mentored and supervised the Web & Print Design Associate. Crafted HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns used as models nationally and education materials used internationally.