Well, Hello there!

Welcome to the digital home of Timothy De Costa — art director, creative thinker, and design enthusiast based in Chicago.

With over 14 years of experience in visual communications, I’ve worked across a wide spectrum of creative disciplines: art direction, branding, typography, UX/UI, illustration, photography, and conceptual design. I’ve led campaigns for major healthcare and consumer brands, collaborated with musicians and makers, and helped build identities for names like Craftsman, Kenmore, Sears, and Abbott — even concepting work for Sony and The Art Institute of Chicago.

I earned my BFA in Visual Communications from The Illinois Institute of Art–Chicago, where I was also officially hired as a peer tutor, helping fellow students master design programs and workflows. But it’s the decade-plus of hands-on experience — collaborating with clients, building brands, leading campaigns, and learning by doing — that’s truly shaped the way I work today.

At heart, I’m both a strategist and a storyteller — equally comfortable refining a brand system as I am moodboarding in the margins. I bring that range into every project I touch, whether it’s client-driven or self-initiated.

My creative work lives in two places: Client — polished, on-brief work designed to make an impact, and Creator — personal, playful projects where curiosity and experimentation take the lead. No matter the medium, I’m all about mixing sharp design with storytelling that resonates.

No matter the medium — print, digital, video, or beyond — I’m always learning, always experimenting, and always searching for the sweet spot between visual clarity and emotional connection.

Let’s create something meaningful — together.