John HowreyDesign LeaderCase Studies

Now DigitalOcean

Previous SCAD
IBM
Skeptic
Philographica
Selbert Perkins

 howrey’s to-do list
  • Amplify the Echoes of Personalization
  • Transform Technology
  • Paint a Canvas of Interactions
  • Ensure Resonance Beyond Function
  • Marry Precision with Passion
  • Craft Memorable Experiences
  • Give Voice to Design
  • Look Beyond the Click
  • Embrace the Extraordinary
  • Feel and Foster Impact


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Thoughts on Design Leadership
Bio and Resume

John Howrey
Design Leader


Location
Palm Springs, California
South Berwick, Maine

Resume
Email
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Etsy

Drama Nerd Designs
Musical Theatre History
Made By the Collective


Widely recognized for creating designs that are theatrical, crystal clear, and arresting, I continuously inspire others in my multifaceted roles as a teacher, mentor, thought leader, and expert craftsman. With a deep-seated philosophy of Design Thinking coursing through my veins, I am adept at leading multi-disciplinary teams, bringing innovative experiences to the market. At IBM, I led product design initiatives across multiple teams, focusing on the practice of design at the speed of business and crafting self-service experiences that meet user needs for even the most technically challenging work.
Currently, I serve as the Senior Manager of Design at DigitalOcean, where I lead a scrappy design team in delivering experience excellence for people who build and code in a cloud computing environment. This role involves engaging a wide array of disciplines, demonstrating the transformative power of user-centered design in tech environments, and driving alignment across silos.


I have an MFA in Communication Design and a BFA in Graphic Design from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. This foundation, combined with a history in theatre, enriches my approach to design—emphasizing psychological safety and the importance of boundary-pushing ideas.

I am passionate about mentorship, advocating for my team, and fostering environments that promote innovation and professional growth. My leadership style is both data-driven and empathetically tuned to human needs, ensuring that the solutions I guide not only solve immediate problems but also anticipate future challenges.

In addition to my leadership at DigitalOcean, I have contributed to the broader design community as a Professor of Graphic Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design and as a Design Principal at IBM. My work is driven by a commitment to crafting intuitive, empowering, and delightful user experiences that advance the field and inspire fellow professionals.