CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ART DIRECTOR • DESIGNER

Hi, I’m Kathy—
creative problem solver, strategic thinker, brand advocate, art lover.

At the heart of what I do is connecting brand benefits to people. I combine strategic thinking with strong creative and human instincts to shape clear concepts, compelling visuals, and storytelling that resonates emotionally and actually moves the needle. My aim is work that’s smart, human, and memorable—creating that “Ah-ha, they get me” shift in the people you’re trying to reach.

My career began at Portfolio Center (now part of Miami Ad School), where a standard was set that has stayed with me ever since: concept first, craft matters, and the work should earn its place in the world. Since then, I’ve built campaigns that not only look great but work smart. While I’ve concentrated in healthcare and medical, the assignment is the same in any category: do good work so my clients can do good things.

What I Do Best:

Branding & Identity: Logos, visual identity systems, brand guidelines, and positioning that feel intentional and built to last.
Campaigns & Concepts: Ideation and integrated campaigns across print, digital, outdoor, video, whatever—grounded in strategy and storytelling.
Creative Leadership: Pulling together the pieces and the people to get the job done, keeping the big picture in mind without ignoring the details.
Design Across Mediums: From editorial and packaging to trade shows, events, websites, and video—whatever the story requires.

Experience Highlights:

Creative Director at The Matchstick Group: Led healthcare and medical campaigns that helped land the agency on MM&M’s “Ones to Watch” multiple times and the Inc. 5000 list.

Founder of Miley Hallen Design: Built and led my own studio, partnering with clients on award-winning branding, campaigns, and creative systems. (Miley is my maiden name—no borrowed interest from the singer.)

Art Lead (ACD) at The Bosworth Group: Built brands, directed teams, and produced work across print, digital, animation, and video.

Working primarily in smaller agencies has kept me nimble and deeply involved in the work—from first idea to final execution. When there’s no safety net, you learn to stay sharp, think clearly, and own the details. 

Clients I’ve Worked With:

From global brands like Coca-Cola, ESPN, and Comcast to medical giants like Cordis, BD Products, Abiomed, Teleflex, and ZOLL Itamar—I’ve helped businesses tell their story and build their brand. I’ve also partnered with nonprofits and community organizations like Trident United Way, the South Carolina Historical Society, and CrossRail Ministries. Good design, after all, should work anywhere good people do.

Awards I’ve Won:

• Telly Awards
• GDUSA American Design Awards
• HMR Healthcare Ad Awards
• Addy Awards

(and a few others)

I’m equally comfortable concepting a high-impact campaign for an agency, creating a brand identity for a startup, or leveling up a small company to its next stage. I have a network that allows for expanded capabilities when needed. I can work in a fractional/freelance capacity or fulltime contract. If you need someone who gets the big picture but also sweats the little details, who can taake the job and run with it without you needing to worry, I’m your person.

Reach out, and let’s talk: kathy@mileyhallen.design

“Kathy Hallen is one of the most innovative, professional, principled and FUN people I have ever had the privilege to work with! She makes projects stand out visually and creates names that resonate and are memorable.” –Carrie Agnew, Account Executive

“What talent! Kathy brings such thought and innovation to her projects! I was so impressed with her creativity and professionalism. She listens thoroughly and provides solutions that answer your specific needs.” –Cynthia Mappus, Client

“She is a wonderful collaborator and colleague, and is liked by everyone—including clients. She’s smart, articulate, strategic-minded, unfailingly dedicated, and fast—able to make difficult deadlines while maintaining a calm, collected demeanor that is so essential when the pressure’s on.” –Katherine Watkins, Freelance Healthcare Copy Creative

“Over her years as Art Director and Associate Creative Director, Kathy’s dedication, professionalism, work ethic, sense of humor and talent exceeded expectations time and again.” –Gail Bosworth, Agency Owner