Alumni Profile-Lewis Williams
Lewis Williams, BFA '77, built a career as an acclaimed creative executive in advertising, then turned that success into something bigger: mentorship, philanthropy, and a commitment to lifting the next generation through Kent State. He walked into Kent State without a portfolio and left with a purpose — now he's making sure the next generation doesn't have to walk in alone.
His work has spanned industries from auto and tech to food and consumer goods, with major global brands including Walt Disney World, Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company and McDonald's. He has also served as a juror for the Cannes Lions Glass: The Lion for Change. Today, he channels that executive experience as Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Williams Creative Group Chicago.
Learn more about one of our favorite Flashes.
1. What moment during your time at the School of Visual Communication Design made you think “This is it — this is what I want to do”?
I came to the VCD program as a transfer student. I had taken only one graphic design class, so I wasn’t exactly overflowing with confidence. My “this is it” moment came in a not-so-heroic way. Somehow, I was accepted into the program without showing a portfolio. When I finally met with the head of the department, he didn’t know who I was. After reviewing my portfolio, he was very lukewarm and said it was a tough program.
For someone hundreds of miles from home and coming from a school of only 2,000 students, that conversation didn’t exactly boost my confidence. But in that moment, something clicked. I said to myself, this is my dream, and no person or program is going to stop me from becoming what I want to become.
2. How did coursework prepare you for where you are today?
The variety of coursework was fantastic. The program blended the foundation of a traditional art major—life drawing, basic design, illustration, typography and photography. Summer workshops like the Blossom Kent Summer Program and Glyphix added even more depth.
My work-study job as a department photo lab technician gave me valuable extra time around fellow students and instructors. Those conversations and late hours in the lab proved to be invaluable learning experiences.
3. Tell us about your career path.
I started my professional career as a designer in a print shop in my hometown of Macon, Georgia. I later moved to San Diego and landed a job at Phillips Ramsey, the largest advertising agency in the city. That experience put me on the path to becoming an advertising art director.
From there, I moved to a smaller agency for more money—then promptly got fired. I freelanced for a while, then moved to Los Angeles and worked at a few small shops. Eventually, I was recruited to Chicago by Burrell Communications, one of the leading multicultural agencies in the country.
Later, I moved to St. Louis to work at DMB&B on the Budweiser account, before returning to Chicago to work at Leo Burnett. I eventually returned to Burrell as chief creative officer and later joined Weber Shandwick. Today, I run my own consultancy, Williams Creative Group Chicago.
4. Describe your work to someone who has no idea what visual communication design is.
I’m a storyteller.
5. What is your superpower?
Very simple: passion paired with a strong work ethic.
6. What does your creative process look like?
My process starts with using the talent God gave me and focusing on truly understanding the problem you’re trying to solve. If you don’t understand the problem, the process doesn’t matter.
7. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment, personally and professionally?
Finishing high school and building a successful career in a profession I love.
8. How has your definition of “good design” changed through the years?
It really hasn’t changed. Good design communicates clearly and simply. That principle holds true regardless of where we are in the cultural or technological timeline.
9. How do you stay connected with KSU today?
As an Upward Bound alum, I enjoy staying connected to Kent State through the Upward Bound program. I also make myself available to professors who want to connect students with industry professionals. My wife and I also established the Lewis & Dona Williams Scholarship Fund to support students who may need financial assistance.
10. What advice do you have for students and recent graduates?
Study the work that came before you, and don’t become overly reliant on technology.
11. Why did you decide to fund an endowed scholarship?
Without financial help, I would not have been able to pursue my dream. Because of that, I feel a responsibility to help others who may be in the same position. Supporting students through the Lewis & Dona Williams Scholarship is a way to give someone else the opportunity to pursue their education and creative ambitions without financial barriers standing in the way.
View more of Lewis' creative work
Check out Lewis’ podcast: OGs and AUNTIES
Spotlighting iconic creatives in their second act, OGs and Aunties proves creativity doesn’t come with an expiration date.