Author name: Whitney Cullens

I'm Whitney — a product designer based in Charlotte, NC, focused on creating intuitive systems and workflows that make complex work easier. My design practice spans over two decades, evolving from advertising art direction into web design, digital marketing, and social media strategy, and ultimately into product design and systems thinking. The last three years have been focused on building digital products, designing workflows, and creating platforms that support high-stakes operations. My foundation started in Chicago, where I earned my BFA in Advertising Art Direction from Columbia College Chicago. That's where I learned to think conceptually, design with intention, and communicate ideas with clarity. From there, I moved through creative, marketing, and operations-driven roles — gaining a rare perspective on how products are designed, marketed, and actually used in the real world. I design thoughtful digital experiences that feel clear, human, and grounded in real use. I've collaborated across industries including government, healthcare, fintech, beauty, wellness, and retail — building platforms, refining internal tools, and solving problems where design can genuinely reduce friction and support people doing meaningful work. What drives me is curiosity, iteration, and long-term thinking. I'm drawn to teams that value systems thinking, strategic collaboration, and creating products that don't just look good — they work well. I bring strong problem-solving instincts and a toolkit that spans product design, data analytics, visual storytelling, and AI-assisted workflows. I'm always learning, always refining my craft, and always ready for the next challenge.

Case Studies

W² Tax Service

I designed this mobile product concept to make tax prep feel simpler and more supportive, helping users upload W-2s, return year after year, and move through a stressful process with more clarity and ease.

Case Studies

Patient Intake Redesign

A speculative UX redesign of patient intake, transforming a complex, error-prone form into a calmer, step-by-step experience that improves clarity, accessibility, and completion confidence.

Blogs

Built in Chicago. Grew up in Elkhart, Indiana.

At night on the expressway, the Magikist lips on the I-290 glowed against the Westside sky. It felt fresh and futuristic. Like the possibilities I saw every day. I didn’t have the word for it then. The word is design.

Blogs

Bridging Rooms

Bridges don’t get applause. They get traffic. And traffic isn’t always grateful. But without the bridge, nothing moves.

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