Meet: Ari Craven

Team member of our LGBTQIA+ Task Force

• Pronouns: He/Him

• Location: Chicago

• Job Role: Art Director

• Years in Industry: 6+

So Ari, tell us about yourself:
At a towering 5’2,” I’m a tiny art director + designer with a giant impact. If found 9-5pm, you’ll find me working remotely as a graphic designer. Past 5pm, I’m an Ensemble Member and Creative Director with Definition Theatre. Through the art of storytelling, I’m proud to help bring more theatre to Chicago’s Southside.

How did you get into marketing?
As both a theatre and design lover, my passion for marketing was formed early in college. Someone has to be in charge of helping get butts in those seats!

Marketing is a tough industry, what keeps you in the field?
I ebb + flow in + out! As a graphic designer I love to dabble into adjacent worlds of marketing, design, product and e-commerce. It keeps the work exciting!

Where do you go for inspiration?
Social media is my greatest inspiration! Tiktok has really expanded my world. And increased my screentime.

Why do you think it’s important for brands to be inclusive?
Shouldn’t they inherently want to be ??? 🙃

What do you think brands have gotten wrong when it comes to marketing to the LGBTQ+ Community?
There are probably too many brands + elements to name when it comes to rainbow capitalism. However, I rather try to focus on the steps of inclusivity + intersectionality we have made long-term. Gotta take one step at a time.

Want to work with Ari? Check out our LGBTQIA+ Marketing Services.