About Paul Compton

Paul Compton photo portrait 2024

Visual Communications Designer

Paul Compton’s journey after graduating from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh to his current professional standing showcases his unwavering commitment to creativity and purpose. His career, spanning diverse roles from designing displays to visually communicating news, has always been marked by thoughtful focus, steadiness and positivity.

Paul believes design goes well beyond aesthetics; it’s a tool for enhancing understanding, evoking engagement, and meeting practical needs. Rooted in collaboration, service, and value, he advocates for collective effort and open-mindedness in tackling challenges. Embracing the playful side of creativity, his approach to brainstorming prioritizes flexibility and exploration.

Based in Greenville, SC, Paul serves clients remotely while drawing inspiration from the vibrant local community and nature. He prioritizes balance, enjoying sports, fitness, nature and spending time with loved ones. Committed to personal growth, Paul dedicates himself to lifelong learning for both personal and professional development.

LinkedIn profile  /  Resume (PDF)

VALUE PROPOSITION

Paul Compton is a skilled visual communications designer with extensive experience turning complex ideas into clear, impactful visuals. As former Creative Director for The Washington Post, he combines creativity, strategic vision, and leadership in every project. Paul’s work spans web design, graphic design, white papers, information graphics, and digital illustration. His through line is clarity, creativity, craftsmanship, and tailored aesthetics. He helps brands effectively communicate their stories and stand out in a competitive landscape.

Paul has a broad range of expertise - experience in both print and online, as a designer and a manager, and in visual and UI design - that’s hard to match in the media world.
Jim Brady

JIM BRADY
VP, Journalism
Knight Foundation

2018-05-30T19:40:36+00:00

JIM BRADY
VP, Journalism
Knight Foundation

Jim Brady
Paul has a broad range of expertise - experience in both print and online, as a designer and a manager, and in visual and UI design - that’s hard to match in the media world.
Our company has worked with Paul for years and we've formed a very fruitful and collaborative partnership. He has an amazing ability to hear our ideas and then bring them to life.
Izzy Martens

IZZY MARTENS
Author, Managing Editor
Colorado Review

2024-03-19T16:51:42+00:00

IZZY MARTENS
Author, Managing Editor
Colorado Review

Izzy Martens
Our company has worked with Paul for years and we've formed a very fruitful and collaborative partnership. He has an amazing ability to hear our ideas and then bring them to life.
Paul is one of the most dependable creatives I know. He always delivers on time and does what he says he will do. And he always delivers something great.
Creative Director Chuck Rose

CHUCK ROSE
Creative Director
Publicis Sapient

2024-03-15T18:23:54+00:00

CHUCK ROSE
Creative Director
Publicis Sapient

Creative Director Chuck Rose
Paul is one of the most dependable creatives I know. He always delivers on time and does what he says he will do. And he always delivers something great.
Paul analyzes design challenges from many different perspectives, asking just the right questions that illuminate goals we are trying to achieve.
Bonnie Wallin

BONNIE WALLIN
Chair
Legacy Park Friends

2024-03-19T16:38:17+00:00

BONNIE WALLIN
Chair
Legacy Park Friends

Bonnie Wallin
Paul analyzes design challenges from many different perspectives, asking just the right questions that illuminate goals we are trying to achieve.
Paul is naturally gifted and a true craftsman, but the greatest testament is he's courteous, professional and the easiest person on the planet to work with.
Dennis Tuttle

DENNIS TUTTLE
Principal and Director
5editorial

2018-07-05T00:29:10+00:00

DENNIS TUTTLE
Principal and Director
5editorial

Dennis Tuttle
Paul is naturally gifted and a true craftsman, but the greatest testament is he's courteous, professional and the easiest person on the planet to work with.
Paul nails it every time. He considers multiple factors, asks great questions, and the result is high quality, unique and engaging visual impact.
Margie Whiteleather

MARGIE WHITELEATHER
Chief of Staff for Jeff Selingo

2024-05-19T15:47:39+00:00

MARGIE WHITELEATHER
Chief of Staff for Jeff Selingo

Margie Whiteleather
Paul nails it every time. He considers multiple factors, asks great questions, and the result is high quality, unique and engaging visual impact.
Paul possesses both spot-on creative intuition and refined analytical discernment - two admirable traits that result in the very best possible design solutions.
Lonnie Turner

LONNIE TURNER
Art Director & Designer

2024-11-21T20:42:59+00:00

LONNIE TURNER
Art Director & Designer

Lonnie Turner
Paul possesses both spot-on creative intuition and refined analytical discernment - two admirable traits that result in the very best possible design solutions.