make the story worth telling.

PHOTOGRAPHY.
DESIGN.
MARKETING.

For more than 25 years, I’ve worked across photography, design, and marketing, helping businesses and organizations communicate through thoughtful, compelling creative work.

My experience spans editorial art direction, commercial photography, live music, hospitality, and marketing campaigns for organizations ranging from the University of Chicago to neighborhood businesses and cultural events.

Today, I bring that experience together through Rich Cole Creative, combining photography, creative direction, and marketing expertise to capture authentic moments and create work that connects with people.

WHat I Do

PHOTOGRAPHY

Capturing people, places, and experiences.

Commercial and corporate photography, live music, events, hospitality, and branded content. Authentic imagery that tells a story and connects with audiences.

Design

Thoughtful design. Clear communication.

Brand identity, graphic design, art direction, websites, and marketing materials. Creative solutions that help businesses communicate clearly and consistently.

Marketing

Creative thinking with a purpose.

Marketing strategy, social media management, content creation and campaigns that help businesses build their presence and connect with customers.

SELECTED WORKS

Selected Works

Wrigleyville Chicago

Social media strategy, photography, video, and content creation that helped grow Wrigleyville Chicago’s Instagram audience from 4,700 to more than 20,500 followers, generating millions of views along the way.

PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Architectural, environmental, and campus photography documenting the distinctive spaces, everyday experiences, and character of the University of Chicago.

Design at The University of Chicago

Nearly two decades of design, art direction, and creative collaboration with the University of Chicago, spanning editorial publications, brand identity, and marketing communications.

Windy City Smokeout

Event photography capturing the live music, food, people, and atmosphere of Windy City Smokeout, documenting the experiences that make Chicago’s summer festivals memorable.