I’m Justin Ruess, a creative leader who believes brands earn attention by telling better stories that connect emotionally and perform digitally.

For more than a decade, I’ve helped brands like Pokémon, Pizza Hut, and Hydrow bring their ideas to life through design, technology, and a deep understanding of what moves people. My work lives where creative storytelling meets innovation, whether that’s building interactive experiences, shaping brand ecosystems, or leading teams that turn big ideas into measurable impact.

As Director of Experience Design at VML, I lead a cross-disciplinary team of strategists, designers, and writers to create work that feels human, intentional, and impossible to ignore. I’m equal parts storyteller and technologist, always exploring how emerging tools, from AI to AR, can help brands connect more meaningfully with their audiences.

I lead with empathy, push for excellence, and believe the best ideas happen when creative people are given room to play, fail, and try again.

When I’m not designing, I’m usually chasing inspiration in the wild: sketching new concepts, traveling with my family, or finding ways to blend craft and curiosity.