DESIGN DIRECTOR
FITCH, NEW YORK CITY
Originally from Wales, Phill Rees is a Design Director for FITCH in its NYC office, where he leads a design team to create bold, innovative and strategic creative aimed at disrupting the category. Phill’s multi-disciplinary approach to design sees him work across many aspects of design, including traditional graphic design, illustration, environmental design and digital media to create thoughtful work that answers each challenge in a unique way. His award-winning work has most recently been recognized at the Transform awards, taking home 3 awards for his work at FITCH.
Having spent the last 8 years in NYC, Phill’s prior experience has seen him work in Mumbai and London in many internationally recognized design agencies, gaining cultural inspiration and experiences along the way. Across his 15 years of experience, his work has helped transform many iconic brands including, Hilton, Jaguar, Vodafone, Coca-Cola, Tesco, Macerich and many more. Outside of design Phill spends his time searching for inspiration in art galleries, finding the latest live music, experiencing the latest restaurants and bars NYC has to offer and getting to travel the world as much as possible where his passion for photography comes to life.
THE FUTURE OF THE GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS?
Digital and motion design has changed the game. It’s allowing us to bring stories to life in a whole new way and is elevating the creative output while challenging the industry to rethink how and where we communicate. Therefore, the future of design is creatives having to be “unicorns,” specialisms will become old news and designers will become multidiscipline practitioners of design.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Wales UK / New York City
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
Swansea Metropolitan University
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
Instagram
FAVORITE TELEVISION BINGE WATCH?
Schitt’s Creek
FAVORITE PODCAST?
Criminal
FAVORITE BOOK?
Shantaram
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Batman Returns, a total classic
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Frida Kahlo
FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY?
Planned Parenthood
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Finding the best bars and restaurants in NYC
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER?
Honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything not creative
