A designer who still
draws for fun.
Whether I’m designing brand experiences at Nasuni or learning new tools to work smarter, I’m always looking for the next idea worth making.
Meet Ryan Thorp
Creative, Coffee Lover & Dog Person
Powered by coffee
Most of my best ideas start with a cup in hand. I design for the Connecticut Coffee Collaborative, so the hobby got a little out of hand.
Driven by sound
I almost always have something playing, usually midwestern emo or a movie soundtrack. It sets the pace for the day.
Championing design
Good design starts long before anything looks good. I like taking a messy problem, finding the story in the data and making it simple enough to remember.
Guided by curiosity
Secondhand bookshops, museums and cafés are where I go to refill. I usually leave with an idea I didn’t walk in with.
Inspired visually
I notice design everywhere, from movie titles to conference slides. Good or bad, I usually learn something from it.
Camera ready
I usually have a camera on me. A good view or a clever sign gets a photo, but most of the camera roll is dogs.
Experience
Fifteen years of brand, product and event design, most recent first.
Senior Creative Specialist at Nasuni
Promoted in 2025. Led the 2026 rebrand and extended it to two new companies under an “a Nasuni company” mark.
Read the Nasuni case studyCreative Director at Connecticut Coffee Collaborative
Built the brand for a statewide specialty coffee guild and keep it running at events and online.
Read the CCC case studyFreelance Designer at Ryan Thorp Design
My own studio since 2013: brand, print and web design for independent businesses, alongside my full-time roles.
Start a projectCreative Specialist at Nasuni
Joined as Nasuni moved into a new brand and carried it into events, campaigns, video and the web.
Senior Designer at HqO
Led the HqO rebrand as one of my first projects, then carried it into the product, events and content.
Our Marketing department would not be the same without his guidance and ownership.Kristin Concannon, HqOMore testimonials
Read the HqO case studySenior Graphic Designer at ZAG Interactive
Six months at a digital agency, designing user-centered web and digital work for client brands.
Visit ZAG Interactive (opens in a new tab)In-House Design Director at AIGA Connecticut
Ran programming for in-house designers across Connecticut, including a virtual happy hour series during the pandemic, and mentored designers new to the field.
Visit AIGA Connecticut (opens in a new tab)Graphic Designer at Legrand
Led the rebrand that modernized Legrand and created the “A brand of Legrand” lockup for the C2G acquisition, which became the system for Legrand | AV after the Milestone acquisition.
His innovative approach to design consistently elevated our projects, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering visually striking solutions.Yann Morvan, LegrandMore testimonials
Read the Legrand case studyGraphic Designer at Foley
Designed presentation templates, new business collateral and forms as part of a firm-wide rebrand.
It was due to Ryan’s focus and attention to detail that the project was completed on time and a great success.Abbie Thibodeaux, FoleyMore testimonials
Visit Foley (opens in a new tab)Lead Designer at Central Connecticut State University
Led student designers at Central Design, the university’s in-house agency, including wayfinding maps for all ten CTfastrak stations.
…he provided an invaluable support system to make sure all of the students were being helped with design issues.Matt Durand, CCSUMore testimonials
Read the CTfastrak case study
- 4 rebrands led
- 7 brands launched
- 2 degrees, 1 honours award
- 2011 to now
Hover or tap a shape for details. Arrows mark work that is still going.
certificationGoogle AI EssentialsCertificate of completion from Google on Coursera, 2025. Five courses.See the courses
- Introduction to AIJun 29, 2025Verify on Coursera (opens in a new tab)
- Maximize Productivity With AI ToolsJun 29, 2025Verify on Coursera (opens in a new tab)
- Discover the Art of PromptingJul 3, 2025Verify on Coursera (opens in a new tab)
- Use AI ResponsiblyJul 12, 2025Verify on Coursera (opens in a new tab)
- Stay Ahead of the AI CurveJul 19, 2025Verify on Coursera (opens in a new tab)
Design that makes room for everyone
I’m a neurodivergent designer. I know firsthand that people take in information in different ways, so I design for that range from the start instead of fixing it at the end.
On a team, I care about clear communication and a room where people can ask questions without worrying how it looks. I’m an ally to LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and disability communities, and I want the design industry to be a place where more people feel welcome.
Let’s make something people remember.
Hiring for a senior design or creative lead role, or starting a brand project? I’d love to hear what you’re working on.