Our People

Mark has more than 12 years of experience in graphic design and brand development. In 1999, Mark founded Neadesign Company, now Nead Brand Partners, a strategic branding firm. He currently serves as principal and growth partner. Mark attributes the firm’s success to its holistic approach to brand development and the partners’ commitment to fostering strong, lasting relationships with clients. 

Mark has designed award-winning identity systems, brand platforms, print collateral, product packaging and advertising for such companies as Comerica Bank, McDonald Hopkins, MidTown Cleveland Inc., National Enterprise Systems, The National Football League, Oswald Companies, Progressive Insurance, Successories, UBS|Paine Webber and Williams-Sonoma.

From 1993 to 1999, Mark served as art director within Progressive Corporation’s Design Group, and was responsible for design direction and writing on a wide range of projects including corporate identities, brand standards, print collateral, internal communications, outdoor and print advertising, direct mail, exhibit displays and vehicle signage applications. From 1996 to 1999, Mark worked with Progressive’s Consumer Marketing Group to create and establish brand direction and support. Under Mark’s direction the Progressive Collection, a corporate catalog program, was launched and has grown to become a $2.5 MM enterprise. Mark was selected in 1998 to lead Progressive’s design group, in collaboration with Hal Riney & Partners, through the insurance company’s first brand development initiative. The campaign included an NFL sponsorship program for which Mark developed brand identity systems, print collateral and promotional campaigns.

Mark’s varied skills include branding strategy and communication, concept development, design and writing.

Mark studied Architecture at the University of Cincinnati, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Bowling Green State University.

 
Brian J. Willse
Creative & Strategic Partner

Brian has more than 11 years of experience in graphic design and illustration. In 1995, Brian founded Willse Design & Illustration, now Newbomb Design, an award-winning creative firm specializing in design for print and new media. Brian attributes the firm’s success to its ability to develop design solutions that are inspiring, functional and, most importantly, tailored to clients' singular business and communication needs.

He has created brand marks and comprehensive identity systems, print collateral, editorial design and illustration for such firms as BioEnterprise Corp., Case Western Reserve University, Hear/Say College Music Magazine, HVACR Business, Kaiser Permanente, Mode Organic, 1-800-Gourmet.com, Park City Diner, Rocky River Brewing Company and YMCA of Greater Cleveland.

Brian also specializes in publication design, including the repositioning and redesign of existing magazines. His clients have included Enterprise Magazine; Hear/Say, America's College Music Magazine; HVACR Business (formerly HVACR News); Organic Spa Magazine; WV Inc., and others. Between 1996-1999, Brian worked as an art director and consultant for Live Publishing and The Free Times. He has contributed illustrations to publications from Ohio University, Kenyon College and the Whitehead Institute.

Brian’s many talents include art direction, graphic design, publishing and book design, illustration, magazine art direction and web design. He graduated from Ohio University in 1991 with a BFA in Graphic Design with an Illustration emphasis.

Professional memberships include the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the Northern Ohio Illustrators' Society (NOIS).

Brian is also an instructor at Cuyahoga Community College where he teaches History of Graphic Design.