portfolio : sagio.design

Transforming Brands Through Strategic Design and Digital Architecture.

I'm Les Gardner, a Senior Digital Designer & Strategist. I craft data-driven UI/UX architecture and brand experiences for B2B, B2C, and Fortune 500 clients. I build digital ecosystems designed to deliver measurable ROI and outcomes that directly translate to revenue.

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Site optimized for 1440

42% increase

Event Design

Details

brand systems

CREATE A high impact

Results: Strategically designed environment was a cornerstone of an expo campaign that contributed to a 42% increase in attendance.

26% lift

Responsive sites

Details

Medical Ui UX

Build credibility

Results: New designs achieved a 20% reduction in bounce rate leading to a significant yearly lift in appointment conversions.

238% Growth

Ecommerce Launch

Details

Ecommerce expansion

Kickstart to market

Results: Delivered a massive 238% growth in ecommerce conversion rates and a 42% increase in Average Order Value (AOV).

1.2M Views

Social Campaigns

Details

within 24 Hours

Visual-first Posts

Results: Generated a staggering 705% social growth, with content achieving 1.2 million views and driving 6,700 click-throughs to the website within a 24-hour period.

scalable visual systems

design that performs,
design that converts.

I partner with brilliant, ambitious business owners and the 'go-getters' who are ready to transform their potential into measurable growth.

DIGITAL TOUCHPOINTS

services

Creative solutions that connect, engage, and convert.

Hybrid Design

The most powerful designs don't start on my screen; they start in our conversation.

Strategy

This consultative approach is what transforms a simple brief into a strategic plan that delivers.

Digital Campaigns

Digital design, social, ads, landing pages —you name it, I’ve designed it. Bold visuals, razor-sharp brand consistency, and interactions so smooth they feel like silk.

Messaging

AI-powered, data-driven, and overflowing with personality. I architect dynamic newsletters, triggered campaigns, and interactive narratives that don’t just land in inboxes —they ignite them.

Lead Design | Hybrid Senior Designer & Digital Designer

i'm a creative rebel

My bold ideas take shape. No bland concepts here — just unapologetically fresh thinking, designing big picture campaigns that connect emotion, culture, and commerce.

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Digital Alchemist
Pixels with Attitude

Creativity sparks the idea, inspiration fuels the system, and expression brings it to life.

Integrated Thinker
AI Workflow Automation

Where strategy meets intuition and inspiration with logic.

Concept Designer
UI UX Optimizations

My specialty is blending emotion and strategy to craft human-centered digital experiences for brands that want to stand out.

Send Me a Message!
What If Into What's Next

mission

My day is spent not just designing, but consulting. It's diving deep into your business idea, understanding your vision, and then building the brand systems and digital presence that makes it a reality. It's the strategic conversation that turns a 'what if' into a 'what's next.'

My most fulfilling work isn't defined by a client's size, but by their drive. It's helping the local hero evolve into a regional powerhouse, and ensuring the steady traditional player learns to speak a fresh, current language. (If you have a vision and need a partner to build the bridge to get there, you're my ideal client. Let's talk.)

design responsibilities

Areas of Expertise

The most powerful designs don't start on my screen; they start in our conversation. My process is built on a deep partnership. I become an extension of your team, investing the time to truly understand your goals, your customers, and your challenges. I'm your consultative partner.

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Digital
Web
Messaging
Graphic
Assets
advanced Design

omni-channel?
More Like
Omni-awesome.

Digital design, social, ads, landing pages —you name it, I’ve designed it. Bold visuals, razor-sharp brand consistency, and interactions so smooth they feel like digital silk.

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Digital design

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Lower thirds

gbta expo

Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) expo; Involving creating and animating a holistic visual experience designed for LED screens.

video production

gates foundation

Project Manager under GMMB to ensure video flow and production.

freeman events

uli meetings

Teamed with Aesthetic Vizion & Freeman Events to create screens for Urban Land Institute in Dallas & Toronto (ULI).

hi-fidelity Prototypes

Wireframes
for pixel
perfect magic.

I don’t just design screens —I engineer unforgettable digital journeys. From conversion-optimized funnels to marketing-aligned redesigns, every click is crafted to engage, delight, and convert.

web design

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transform

Robert J Joseph, DPM

Overhualed digital presence that significant seen a rise in new patient appointments, demonstrating the power of a strategic, modern visual narrative.

residential real estate

Rayborn Luxe Homes

Designed a sophisticated real estate platform to showcase premium properties, enhancing perceived value and agent credibility.

beauty

wig pro & wella

Built a clear, user-friendly WordPress site and product mockups for a niche beauty retailer, streamlining the customer journey.

comprehensive messaging

Emails That Sell,
not just send.

AI-powered, data-driven, and dripping with personality. I architect dynamic newsletters, triggered campaigns, and interactive narratives that don’t just land in inboxes —they ignite them. Open rates go up. Boredom goes down.

MESSAGING

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newsletters

blue monster Kids' eyewear

Developed the core e-commerce experience and promotional video assets that helped drive a 238% conversion growth for a new product line.

social galleries

blue monster Kids' eyewear

Engineered a targeted email marketing funnel that captured interest and nurtured leads to maximize customer lifetime value.

federal ads

NHTSA

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Under GMMB I managed the creative project pipeline for a national research campaign, ensuring data integrity and clear public communication.

visual dj

Color systems
that pop

Look-and-feel and typography with attitude. Layouts so sharp they could cut glass. I define and defend your brand’s vibe across every pixel and print piece. Consistency is king, but charisma is the kingdom.

graphic design

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presentation design

ASSET FMO

Designed branding for yearly meeting with Asset Marketing Systems Insurance Services - Field Marketing Office (ASSET FMO) Financial Advisors.

 Digital & Screen Design

NREF

Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation; Team project of creating graphics visualizing scientific data.

soft-touch & spot uv

rayborn luxe homes

Collaborated with business owner in producing cohesive graphic design assets, including business cards, event posters, and direct mail flyers.

icons, graphics, video, components

Digital
Asset mvp

Keeping chaos at bay with a military-precise asset library. Tagged, organized, and ready for battle —so creatives spend less time searching and more time making it happen. Think of me as your brand’s Google, but with better aesthetics.

resources

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organic posts

robert j joseph, dpm

Categorized library of social assets, layered files, and ad-copy to keep team organized.

icons

sagio design + digital

Built and managed centralized resource hubs including icon libraries, UI kits, and brand guidelines.

libraries

nhtsa

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Under GMMB, organized digital asset libraries (DAM) using tools like Artwork Flow and ZeroHeight.

calling for go-getters & groundbreakers

Visual Impact Machine

Built for Visionaries. Available for Your Business. You don't have to be a Fortune 500 company to benefit from Fortune 500 strategy. I believe the heart of American business beats in communities like yours. I partner with local and regional leaders (medical practices, professional services, unique shops) to apply world-class design thinking that delivers clear outcomes and drives revenue. Let's not just refresh your look; let's transform your trajectory.

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High-Impact New Media
Broadcast-ready Graphics

Inspiring action isn’t luck —it’s strategy. I craft scroll-stopping, thumb-freezing, "And Yes" -inducing content for the digital age. Content that moves needles (and people).

High-Standard Mass Media
Shelf Impact Package Design

Scalable? Check. Sleek? Absolutely. Mass media that doesn’t just reach audiences—it resonates with them. When millions need to see it, it better be flawless. I craft mass media that looks bespoke —even when it’s everywhere. Mass Appeal, No Fluff. (business cards, flyers, logos, posters, stage backdrops, banners, pop-ups, agendas. tickets, booklets, packaging, presentations).

SHARED NEW Media
Viral Post Positioning

Landing pages that convert. Social posts that rack up shares. AI apps that feel human. If it’s shareable, I’ve optimized it. Social-First Storytelling. (landing pages, newsletters, email, social media posts, AI apps, mobile pages shares, digital products).

Traditional Mass Media
Boost Local Response Rates

Direct mail that demands to be opened. Magazines that live on coffee tables. Collateral that doesn’t just exist —it performs. Print that pops. (One-to-many communications print collateral, flyers, publications, posters, magazines, direct mail).

Persuasive Messaging
Shift Perception, Change Behavior

Direct mail that gets replies. Newsletters that get clicks. Social narratives that stick. Every word has a job, and that job is conversion. Words That Don’t Just Talk —They Sell. (direct mail, newsletters, direct messaging systems, postcards, catalogs, brochures).

Promo Partners
& Brand Collabs
Collaborative Brand Amplification

Landing pages that convert. Social posts that rack up shares. AI apps that feel human. If it’s shareable, I’ve optimized it. Social-First Storytelling. (landing pages, newsletters, email, social media posts, AI apps, mobile pages shares, digital products).

For People Like You

Transform Packages

Strategic design, scaled for growth. Yes, my services are absolutely for business owners like you. I offer tailored packages and project-based engagements to fit your ambition and budget.

brand power-up
Growth

For businesses ready to make a splash with a new identity, key marketing assets, and a clear strategy; B2B, B2C, D2C, small business, ecommerce. A Marketing Power-Up" package with a online conversion audit, a set of premium social media templates and posts.

digital PRESENCE
overhaul

Your website is your 24/7 salesperson. I can rebuild it to not just look beautiful, but to actually convert visitors into customers, leading sales growth.

FRACTIONAL
LEADERSHIP
Creative Lead

Economic brand design development that gets you in front of your target, allowing you to run your lean, high-margin business.

projects with creative solutions

markets & industries

My bold ideas take shape. No bland concepts here — just unapologetically fresh thinking, designing big picture campaigns that connect emotion, culture, and commerce.

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AGENCIES ADVERTISING

Epsilon, Carling, Lambesis, GMMB (Fleishman Hillard Omnicon Group)

AGENCIES FEDERAL
+ state

Farm Credit Administration (FCA), Nonappropriated Fund by Department of Defense (NAF DOD), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Council Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS), American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), Department of Defense, Federal Globe (DOD FC)

LIFESTYLE, BEAUTY
& SKINCARE

Stila, Smashbox Cosmetics, Nordstrom Direct, Sephora, QVC, Bloomingdales, Ulta, Debenhams, Beauty.com/Walgreens, Estee Lauder Inc, Michael Kors Cabezon, Porsche Design Beverly Hills, Naked Princess, John Thomas, Veronica's Jewelry, Dior Beverly Hills, Wig Pro & Wella, Physician's Formula (PF), SkinMedica, DeVita, Novo Solutions MD, Hollywood Retail, Icon Shoes, Shoes.com/DSW, Bella, Bliss, SkinCeuticals, Laura Mercier, Nicole by OPI, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Tokidoki, Petro Zillia, Allure, InStyle, Elle, Lucky, Oprah, Tori Amos, Pussycat Dolls

TECH, SPACE & ENERGY

Emergency Broadband Benefit Federal Communications Commission (EBB), Breakthrough Energy, Environmental Defense Fund - Methane Satellite (MethaneSAT), Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA), MarineSync SaaS, Southern California Edison (SCE), Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Symposium (CZI)

EDUCATION, PUBLIC
& CHARITY

Gates Foundation Early Learning, Nonappropriated Fund (NAF), Excellencia in Education (EE), Linda Vista City Council & San Diego Unified School Board, Princeton University State Health and Value Strategies (PU SHVS), Feeding Charlotte, Ordo Fratrum Minorum (Friars Minor), San Diego Democrats, San Diego LGTB Center Council, Escondido Police Department

FINANCIAL, FINTECH
& INSURANCE

Asset Marketing Systems Insurance Services - Field Marketing Office (FMO, Financial Advisors), Advisors Excel Financial Services, Madison Avenue Securities and Advisory Services FINRA/SIPC, Veritas, American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI)

MEDICAL, HEALTHCARE & PHARMA

Omera, My PH Plus, California Healthy Davis Together (CA HDT), Kaiser Permanente, Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH), American Association of Retired Persons Pharmacy (AARP Rx), Aces Aware, Maryland Health Connection (MHC), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBC), Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Packard Health, Federal Public Health Service (FPHS), Robert J Joseph, DPM, Dr Jays Relief, State Health and Value Strategies (SHVS), Washington State Department of Health (WADOH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention California (CDC CA), Legere Compound Pharmacy, Bayer

EVENTS, EXPOS
& CONVENTIONS

Aesthetic Vizion & Freeman Events, Urban Land Institute in Dallas & Toronto (ULI), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), Institute of Food Technologists Chicago (IFT), Gold's Gym, MTV & General Motors, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, San Diego Wine Show, International Mr. Leather

REAL ESTATE
& ARCHITECTURE

Link Architecture - Charlotte, W2W Sport, Keco Pumps, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate (Louskou Partners), HomeSmart, Leonard Ryden Burr, Rayborn Luxe Homes, Paul Budget Tree Trimmers, BASF Agriculture Flowers Plants

FOOD & BEVERAGE

American Beverage Association- BalanceUS ( ABA), Coca-Cola Rewards, Fuze Iced Teas with Mr. T, Gold Peak Coffee & Tea, Dasani Water, Honest Tea, Subway, Bon Appetit, BGreen Foods, BarleyMash, Gingers, Uptown Tavern, West Coast Tavern, True North Tavern, Toscana, Bite Me, 2Good2B Bakery, Lulu's, Sandbar Sports Bar + Grill, Full Moon Drive-in, Mogl App

NETWORKS
‍& PUBLISHERS

Kargo, Pix Fusion, Vessel, Vevo, Hello World, Mode, Undertone, MediaBrix, Ibotta, Thinknear, Thrillist, Pandora, Spotify, Xbox, Hearst, Glamour, Conde Nast, Yahoo!, Food Network, People, Real Simple, Google & Google Display Ads

PROMO PARTNERS
‍& COLLABS

Fuze Tea with Mr. T, Design for Key Retail Partners (Sephora, QVC, etc.) for Estée Lauder, Stila, and Smashbox, Campaigns distributed via Google, Hearst, Conde Nast and other major media networks, Event execution with Freeman Events..

17-year Client

Physician Testimonial

Hindsight: 30% faster project delivery via AI workflow automation, design and version control systems.

"I could kiss you! Thanknyou."
Robert J Joseph, DPM
Surgical Podiatrist
Los Angeles
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showcasing value

Case Studies of Driving Growth with Design Ethos

From creative vision to business results, at the core of my crafted digital experiences is clear intention and creative solutions that connect, engage, and convert —impacting across digital touchpoints.

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Experential Design

42% increase attendance

Evoking emotion using digital elements as in end-to-end experiential design for a premier real estate and urban planning conference. I created a cohesive brand environment across booth design, & digital screen visuals.

Details

Strategy
Brand Systems

(ULI) Urban Land Institute

Challenge

To create a high-impact expo presence that would attract and engage high-value attendees in a competitive environment, ultimately generating qualified leads and reinforcing brand authority.

Solution

Developed a scalable visual system for all event touchpoints, from environmental graphics to dynamic LED content. The design focused on clear, compelling data visualization and immersive storytelling to make complex urban planning concepts accessible and engaging.

Result

Strategically designed environment as a cornerstone of a campaign that contributed to a 42% increase in attendance.
full-scale ecommerce

238% conversion growth

A storefront launch for a children's eyewear brand, focused on creating a shoppable, user-friendly experience for parents that drives sales and builds brand loyalty.

Details

cross-selling
user-friendly ui UX

blue monster Kids' eyewear

Challenge

To enter a competitive market and achieve rapid revenue growth by converting casual browsers into confident buyers, despite the challenges of online eyewear purchasing.

Solution

Led strategic decision-making for a data-driven design, implementing shoppable content, rich media, and an intuitive, family-focused UI/UX. Conducted rigorous A/B testing to optimize the path to purchase from product discovery to checkout.

Result

Delivered a massive 238% growth in ecommerce conversion rates. Additionally, strategic cross-selling and user experience improvements drove a 42% increase in Average Order Value (AOV), maximizing revenue per customer.
data-driven rich media

42% average order value

Spearheaded the continuous growth and optimization phase for the kids' eyewear brand, focusing on maximizing customer lifetime value and conversion rate optimization (CRO).

Details

Revenue Opitmization
A/B Testing

blue monster  Kids' eyewear

Challenge

After the initial launch, the goal shifted to maximizing revenue from existing traffic and increasing repeat purchases in a competitive niche market.

Solution

Implemented a rigorous program of A/B testing on key pages, introduced upselling and cross-selling strategies, and developed targeted email marketing flows to nurture customer relationships post-purchase.

Result

These sustained optimization efforts were critical in achieving the overall 238% e-commerce conversion growth and securing the 42% increase in Average Order Value (AOV), directly boosting the client's bottom line.
integrations

26% Yearly lift revenue

A complete UX/UI overhaul for a specialized medical practice. Designed and optimized to build trust, clearly communicate services, and drive patient appointment requests while building credibility.

Details

Medical UX
Conversion Focus

robert j Joseph, dpm

Challenge

The existing site failed to convey expertise and was not optimized for modern patients who research and book appointments online, leading to low conversion and poor user engagement.

Solution

Implemented a user-centered design process with intuitive navigation and a clear information architecture. Focused on building credibility through professional aesthetics, patient testimonials, and a streamlined, mobile-first appointment request system.

Result

The new design achieved a 20% reduction in bounce rate through improved responsive design. UX optimizations, A/B tested on key flows, led to a significant lift in appointment conversions, mirroring the 16% revenue lift achieved in other UX projects.
content strategy

1.2 M views, 24-hours

A targeted social media content strategy designed to build community awareness and drive traffic for a medical practice. Created a series of informative and engaging posts across key platforms.

Details

Social-First Engagement
performance Metrics

robert j Joseph, dpm

Challenge

To cut through the noise of social media and attract new patients in a specific geographic area, establishing Dr. Joseph as the go-to expert in podiatry. Digital design, social, ads, landing pages—you name it, I’ve designed it. Bold visuals, razor-sharp brand consistency, and interactions so smooth they feel like digital silk.

Solution

Developed a multi-channel campaign featuring digital rich media, and data-driven landing pages — a content strategy focused on valuable, visual-first posts that addressed common patient questions and showcased successful outcomes. Leveraged platform-specific best practices for video and imagery to maximize organic reach and engagement.

Strategic storytelling and intuitive UI UX design compel action without friction — across 20+ digital touchpoints. I engineer campaigns that driven 705% social media growth and 1.2M views in 24 hours.

Result

The campaign generated a staggering 705% social growth, with content achieving 1.2 Million views and driving 6,700 click-throughs to the website within a 24-hour period, dramatically increasing local awareness; 30% engagement rate, +40% in campaign recall based on post-campaign surveys.
digital experience

20% bounce rate reduction

A holistic digital transformation for a medical practice, encompassing website, social media, and patient communications to build trust and streamline the journey from prospect to patient.

Details

Patient-Focused Design
Trust & Conversion

robert j Joseph, dpm

Challenge

To create a seamless, professional, and reassuring digital experience that alleviates patient anxiety and makes booking an appointment effortless, thereby increasing conversion from all digital channels.

Solution

Conducted user research to understand patient concerns. Applied user-centered design principles to every touchpoint, from the responsive website and educational blog content to the empathetic tone and visuals used in social media posts.

Result

The unified strategy yielded a 20% reduction in bounce rate and a significant increase in appointment requests. The social component alone drove a 705% growth in audience and thousands of high-intent click-throughs, proving the impact of a patient-centric ecosystem.
Rationale and Reasoning

Presenting My
Rationale Thru Process

"I am a problem solver, who designs, and knows how to navigate"

(1) Brief

Articulate Design

Strategic thinking with deep understanding of project requirements + principles of design; Brief, objectives, requirements; Target audience; Desired outcomes; Clarify ambiguities

(2) Context

Conduct Research

Provide context of industry, competitors, trends; Utilize case studies (or precedent); Show how similar approaches and comparable situations are successful and beneficial; STAR cases

(3) Decisions

Define Clear &
Aligned Objectives

Specific objectives of the project; Each element of your design should have a purpose (contributing directly to goals)

(4) Narrative

Develop a Concept Framework

Acquire customers and patientsCohesive concept of narrative + unique selling proposition or specific theme; Tie design elements; Explain how concept aligns with brand’s identity & project’s objectives

(5) Design Decisions

Explain Aesthetics & Functionality

Color schemes, typography, layout, & imagery; How these elements contribute; Aesthetically+ functionally (overall design); Use design principles; Balance, contrast, hierarchy, and unity

(6) Evidence Approach

Data & Feedback

User analytics, A/B testing results; Supporting why certain design choices were made; Demonstrate an evidence-based approach; Reference user testing and/or stakeholder feedback

(7) Presentation

Visual, Verbal, Cases

Presenting mood boards, sketches, wireframes, & prototypes; Make case clear and compelling; Development process; How final design was achieved

(8) Discussion

Strengths & Concerns

Address concerns and objections; Open mind, willing to discuss alternatives and adjustments; Defending strengths and original decisions

(9) Align Objectives

Collaborate

My professional judgments and response to feedback; Demonstrate how collaborative adjustments; Align with the initial design objectives and concepts

Affordable Consultations

Rationale+ Process

From intuitive interfaces to strategic system overhauls, my work directly translates into significant revenue increases, cost savings, and market leadership for clients.

brief
Articulate Design
Strategic thinking with deep understanding of project requirements + principles of design.
context
conduct research
Providing context of industry, competitors, trends, case studies, and approaches.
direction
align objectives
Specific objectives of the project; Each element of design having a purpose.
narrative
concept framework
Cohesive concepts of narrative + unique selling propositions.
decisions
Aesthetics & FUNCTION
Using design principles for color schemes, typography, layout, and imagery; Balance, contrast, hierarchy, and unity.
evidence
data & feedback
Supporting why design choices were made.
presentation
visual cases
Presenting mood boards, sketches, wireframes, and prototypes.
discussion
strengths & concerns
Addressing concerns and objections.