Hello! I’m Alexa Ignaczak, a NY-based, multi-disciplinary design director and usability consultant committed to helping brands drive performance through authentic customer experiences. As an inclusive, change leader and compassionate people manager, I build effective teams by empowering others to deliver successful outcomes.
While in school, I took an interdisciplinary approach to the study of design, which enabled me to combine the scientific and philosophical exploration of human vision and visual culture with the study of marketing and consumer behavior. Over the last five years, I have worked at the intersection of design, strategy, and consumer behavior to help clients achieve their business goals and derive value from market opportunities. Check out my full resume here.
Client work includes: Anine Bing, Bandier, Barbour, Burrow, Coach, Cole Haan, Corkcicle, CUUP, Clarks, Design Within Reach, Ette, Eyebobs, Freestyle Snacks, Freshmen15, Forever21, Girlfriend Collective, Goldbelly, Hello Fresh, Hugo Boss, Mario Badescu, Michael Kors, Negative Underwear, Pat McGrath, Outdoor Voices, Refinery29, Richer Poorer, Samsonite, SNOWE, Sonos, Tamara Mellon, Tarte, Thousand Fell, Too Faced Cosmetics, The University of Pennsylvania, Uniqlo, Urban Stems, Quad-C.
Leadership Philosophy
TL;DR — My portfolio is a happy, effective team.
I am passionate about building teams that flourish. My approach centers around metrics-driven decision-making, prioritizing solutions, and cultivating a creative and uplifting team environment. I focus on productivity, intrinsic motivation, and active engagement as a means to optimize team dynamics. My technique emphasizes recognizing and utilizing the signature strengths of each team member to empower both the individual and the organization to thrive.
Beyond this, I am a self-proclaimed happiness enthusiast, who believes anything can be done through the lens of positivity. I excel at delivering design outputs that meet precise specifications, fostering holistic growth, producing innovative change, and achieving rapid bursts of progress.
Guiding Principles
Embody a growth mindset.
Challenge the status quo.
Innovate your role and make it better.
Build for versatility.
Devote time to your restorative activities.
Be the highlight of someone’s day.
Lean into the “spark.”
I am proud to be part of the Design Leadership team at Wunderkind, where we specialize in creating performance-driven, accessible, and personalized designs at scale, servicing top brands across commerce, publishing, and advertising. As Director of Design, CX, I have worked with my fellow directors to build a global team of over 50 talented Designers, UX Engineers, Copywriters, and Managers.
A problem solver at heart, I have a proven track record of developing highly effective design workflows and systems. Working with my team to create visually striking, on-brand experiences that fulfill our client’s business needs and delight their users brings me immense joy.
I love to provide thought leadership on my insights and learnings as a Creative People Leader. Check out some of my articles on Medium!
Freelance Services
Art Direction
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Brand Development
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Campaign Concepting
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Digital Design
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Interaction Design
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Leadership Coaching
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Organizational Planning
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Performance Optimization
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Strategy Consulting
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Usability Analysis
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UX/UI Design
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Art Direction • Brand Development • Campaign Concepting • Digital Design • Interaction Design • Leadership Coaching • Organizational Planning • Performance Optimization • Strategy Consulting • Usability Analysis • UX/UI Design •
Affiliations
Outside work, I seek to influence the next creative generation as a creative mentor at FreeArts NYC, where I am able to support teens and young adults interested in exploring the arts academically or professionally. I also partner with the International Rescue Committee’s New Roots Program in running a Community Garden for refugees in my hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. Through these platforms, I am able to amplify my commitment to elevating creative minds, building equality within the creative sector, and promoting access to quality food for all.