Sewell Killingstad (They/Them) is a Baltimore-based Graphic Designer and Illustrator dedicated to creating bold, thoughtful, and inclusive design solutions. They bring curiosity, energy, and a collaborative spirit to every project, approaching each assignment as both a designer and a storyteller. They believe in the power of visual communication to inspire change, connect communities, and make complex ideas feel accessible. Their work at Creative Repute is guided by a commitment to delivering meaningful, purposeful, and visually compelling solutions that resonate deeply with clients and audiences alike.
A graduate of Towson University, Sewell earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art & Design with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in English Writing and Literature in May 2024. This combination of formal design training and literary study provides them with a unique perspective on communication: they are equally invested in aesthetics and narrative. Their academic background equipped them with a strong foundation in typography, layout, color theory, digital design, and research, as well as critical thinking and storytelling skills that enhance every project they undertake.
Sewell’s professional skill set spans a wide range of creative disciplines, including branding and logo design, editorial and layout design, website and digital design, illustration, photography, packaging, animation, and wayfinding systems. They also maintain a thriving freelance practice, producing merchandise designs for popular artists, developing logos and brand identities for small businesses, managing content, photography, designing animation, and producing film posters. Their illustration work has been featured in sticker books and is commissioned regularly. This variety of experience has allowed Sewell to develop a versatile toolkit, adapt to diverse client needs, and approach design challenges with flexibility, creativity, and strategic thinking, skills that are directly valuable to Creative Repute’s multidisciplinary team.
At Creative Repute, Sewell hopes to contribute their expertise to projects that reflect the company’s values of equity, inclusivity, and community impact. They excel in collaborative environments, bringing organization, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset to every project. They thrive in fast-paced settings and is comfortable navigating multiple priorities, ensuring that client work is delivered thoughtfully, efficiently, and to the highest standard. Their ability to translate conceptual ideas into cohesive, visually striking designs helps the team produce work that communicates clearly and resonates with diverse audiences.
Beyond technical skills, Sewell brings curiosity, creativity, and playfulness to the design process. They enjoy exploring bold concepts, asking questions, and conducting research to ensure their work is purposeful, innovative, and aligned with client goals. Whether developing a brand identity, crafting illustrations, or producing content for digital platforms, Sewell approaches each project intending to create meaningful, impactful work that amplifies client voices and strengthens their message.
Outside of work, Sewell lives in Baltimore with their partner, Sybria, and their two cats, Appa and Pabu, who often keep them company during long design sessions. In addition to their visual design work, Sewell sings and makes music with their partner, who produces music, reading fantasy novels, doodling in their sketchbook, or revisiting episodes of Adventure Time. They believe that great design is more than aesthetics; it is about solving problems, telling stories, and making experiences more inclusive and engaging.
Through both freelance work and their role at Creative Repute, Sewell continues to expand their skills and push creative boundaries while producing work that is purposeful and impactful. They are committed to delivering designs that not only look beautiful but also communicate, connect with audiences, and inspire meaningful action. By combining technical expertise, creative vision, and a thoughtful, empathetic approach, Sewell strives to contribute to the Creative Repute team in ways that enhance client projects and strengthen team collaboration.
Whether translating brand stories into cohesive visual identities, creating engaging illustrations, or developing digital content, they approach every project with intention, care, and dedication. Their work reflects a balance of creativity and strategy, professionalism and playfulness, and vision and attention to detail. Sewell’s ultimate goal is to use design to make a positive impact on clients, communities, and audiences, demonstrating that thoughtful, intentional design can both inspire and effect meaningful change.