Réal Thompson
Atlanta-Based
Designer, Sr. Art Director & Photographer
Folks who know me would say I’m a grounding presence that can be felt, and that is no accident. I was gifted with the power of observation, and with the added skills of listening, keen interpretation, problem-solving, and creating with intention, I’ve grown into a designer, director, and photographer who evokes this feeling. These disciplines shape how I approach both my work and my life.
I love working to expand beyond my boundaries to find what lies on the other side. Even when it leads into darkness, I know it’s an opportunity to shine light on uncharted places, gain new experiences, develop understanding, and earn a sense of accomplishment that wouldn’t exist otherwise.
That perspective carries into my work. Design, to me, is both emotional and structured. It’s rooted in principles, strategy, and working knowledge, but it’s also shaped by curiosity and exploration. The willingness to go deeper, to question, and to uncover new insight allows me to create work that is intentional, effective, and truly resonant.
I’ve spent years working across industries, so if you name it, I’ve probably worked on it or something like it. Building brands that people feel connected to is my passion, but the work I care most about lives at the intersection of logo design, visual identity systems, and culture-driven brands (especially streetwear and lifestyle).
If you made it this far, thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. And if you want to have a chat, come say wassup!
Passions:
Music
Design
Culture
Streetwear
Skateboarding
Principles I live by:
Morning light
Breathing/Meditation
Presence
Music always
Laughter
Family/Friends
Good food
Being outside in nature
Moving my body
Travel
c.1988.
1989.
1990.
1991.
1992.
1993.
1994.
1995.
1996.
1997.
1998.
1999.
2000.
2001.
2002.
2003.
2004.
2005.
2006.
2007 / started design.
2008.
2009.
2010.
2011.
2012 / BFA in GD.
2013.
2014.
2015.
2016.
2017.
2018.
2019.
2020.
2021.
2022.
2023 / a decade in the industry.
2024.
2025.
2026.
c.1988. 1989. 1990. 1991. 1992. 1993. 1994. 1995. 1996. 1997. 1998. 1999. 2000. 2001. 2002. 2003. 2004. 2005. 2006. 2007 / started design. 2008. 2009. 2010. 2011. 2012 / BFA in GD. 2013. 2014. 2015. 2016. 2017. 2018. 2019. 2020. 2021. 2022. 2023 / a decade in the industry. 2024. 2025. 2026.
Education + Experience
BFA Graphic Design
SCAD Atlanta
2010–2012
Sr. Art Director
Atlanta, GA. USA
2021–present
Designer
Atlanta, GA. USA
2013–2019
Creative Director
Fit With Danielle
2025–present
Art Director
Atlanta, GA. USA
2019–2021
Freelance Designer
Atlanta, GA. USA
2012–present
Services
Brand
Strategy
Identity
Systems
Guidelines
Voice
Creative
Direction
Campaigns
Story
Content
Web
Culture & Product
Apparel
Packaging
Merch
Launch
Photography
Vision
Consulting
Partnerships
Research
Experiences
Innovation
Technical Skills
Selected Clients
Acrobat
After Effects
ChatGPT
Figma
Illustrator
InDesign
Lightroom
Midjourney
Photography
Photoshop
Premiere Pro
Sora
Squarespace
XD
Knowledge in
HTML & CSS
+ More
AT&T
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta ‘96 Legacy
Azalea Health
Coca-Cola
Consello
Drivewyze
Fleetcor
Fortis
Fox Theatre
Kaiser Permanente
Newell
Papa Johns
ServiceMaster
Southern Company
Upright
Visa
Contact