Paul Wharton

Paul is driven by strategy, design, and technology. With over 25 years of experience as a designer and creative director, Paul has developed an award-winning portfolio that spans marketing strategy, brand identity, visual systems, packaging, product consulting, color trend analysis, exhibits, and digital media. He is known for his expertise with retail brands like 3M, Best Buy, Target Corporation, Dell, and The J.M. Smucker Company, as well as his innovative work for large paper companies including Potlach Paper, Gilbert Paper, Cross Pointe Paper, and Wausau Paper.

Passion for design and dedication to the profession led Paul to his previous position as president of the Minnesota chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design. He has judged several design shows and has been featured nationally as a speaker on design and color. Students at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, College of Visual Arts, University of Minnesota College of Design, and University of Northern Iowa have benefited greatly from Paul’s time as both an instructor and guest lecturer.

A graduate of University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in arts education, Paul went on to study graphic design and photography at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Throughout the course of his career, Paul’s work has been honored by Communication Arts, HOW, Graphic Design USA, and the Art Director’s Club, among others.