For more than two decades, John Weeden has been at the forefront of integrating creative excellence with cutting-edge technology, environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurial vision. Guided by the belief that Art, Design and Technology can meaningfully shape the world, John’s professional journey reflects an unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. With a career that spans co-founding startups, leading global branding initiatives, and advising mission-driven organizations, he exemplifies the type of forward-thinking strategist who thrives in complexity and delivers clarity through design.
John began his journey in the creative arts with formal training in Fine and Studio Arts from the State University of New York at Purchase, followed by an Associate’s degree in Advertising Art from Seattle Central College. This academic foundation was the springboard into a dynamic design career that took root at Microsoft in the mid-1990s. During this formative period, John worked under design luminary Steve Kaneko, contributing to the development of iconic hardware like keyboards, mice, and the original Xbox. His early immersion in user-centered design, combined with a passion for visual storytelling, set the tone for a career that would consistently blend creativity with strategic purpose.
As John’s portfolio expanded, so did his entrepreneurial spirit. He assumed creative leadership roles at several early-stage ventures, where he not only provided design direction but also played a co-founding role in shaping the companies’ strategic visions. At Plankton Whale, for example, he led the development of four mobile applications from concept through UX design, collaborating closely with developers to ensure intuitive and impactful digital experiences. His contributions weren’t limited to aesthetics—they were structural, helping to build brand architecture and drive user engagement in emerging markets.
John’s consultancy work brought him into collaboration with some of the most recognized global enterprises. As a freelance senior graphic designer, he made significant contributions to Amazon Pay and AWS advertising campaigns, ensuring that complex technologies were presented in clear and compelling ways. His ability to distill advanced concepts into accessible narratives extended to his work with Microsoft Azure, where he designed case studies that highlighted the platform’s real-world impact across international markets. This intersection of design and enterprise strategy is where John thrives—his work elevates product communication while aligning it with broader brand objectives.
Yet it is not just in the corporate sphere where John has made a mark. He has long been an advocate for sustainability and biodiversity, as evidenced by his decades-long involvement with the Weeden Foundation. Since 2001, he has served as a board member and program lead, guiding initiatives in global biodiversity and sustainable consumption. His experience in this role reflects a rare ability to bridge creative, operational, and philanthropic domains, making him a trusted advisor in spaces where innovation meets social impact.
His international experience has also shaped his global mindset. John spent several years in Amsterdam promoting circular economy principles, leading branding initiatives that supported sustainability and inclusion. Through ventures like Green Chi Group, he combined media, education, and investment to advance cradle-to-cradle thinking in products and services. These engagements deepened his expertise in sustainable branding and enhanced his cultural fluency—qualities that are increasingly vital in today’s interconnected world.
Language fluency has further amplified his reach. In addition to being a native English speaker, John is fluent in Spanish, enabling him to collaborate effectively across North American and European markets. His comfort navigating diverse teams and his cross-cultural insight have made him a go-to leader for organizations seeking to globalize their missions or align messaging across regions.
Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a deep understanding of both the art and science of communication. Whether designing a visual identity for a new venture, orchestrating a complex website migration from Shopify to WooCommerce, or leading UX strategy for B2B platforms on Oracle Commerce Cloud, he approaches each project with analytical precision and an artist’s eye. His toolkit includes mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, WordPress, AI-driven tools, and emerging platforms like NFTs, positioning him at the cutting edge of modern design.
Despite his extensive accomplishments, John remains grounded in values of humility, adaptability, and service. Known for being easy to work with, he thrives both as a team leader and a contributor, balancing delegation with hands-on execution. He brings a blend of strategic thinking and operational acumen that empowers teams, clarifies direction, and fosters creative problem-solving.
Now at a reflective point in his life and career, John is turning his attention toward advisory and board opportunities. With a lifetime of experience across startups, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofit leadership, he is uniquely positioned to offer insight, guidance, and creative direction at the governance level. His goal is to contribute meaningfully to organizations that align with his values and to mentor the next generation of leaders in leveraging design for impact.
Character:
John is a principled and value-driven leader who consistently demonstrates integrity, humility, and dedication to meaningful work. His collaborative nature and adaptability make him a trusted partner across diverse teams and initiatives.
Knowledge:
With over 25 years of hands-on experience in design, technology, and sustainability, John brings a deep and multifaceted understanding to every project he touches. He actively engages with evolving tools and industry trends, maintaining expertise in areas from AI to nonprofit governance.
Strategic:
John has a natural talent for connecting creative vision with business objectives, consistently delivering solutions that are both innovative and aligned with long-term goals. His strategic mindset enables him to thrive in dynamic environments, from early-stage startups to global enterprises.
Communication:
John communicates with clarity and intention, whether through visual storytelling, written content, or team collaboration. Fluent in English and Spanish, he bridges cultural and linguistic gaps to foster inclusive and effective communication worldwide.
Design and Fine Art Portfolio:
