Portrait of Rich Cole, Chicago-based creative providing photography, design, and marketing support

About Rich Cole Creative

I’m Rich Cole — a Chicago-based creative working across photography, design, and marketing. I help restaurants, bars, universities, events, small businesses, community organizations, and creative agencies bring their stories to life through authentic visuals and cohesive content.

CREATIVE BACKGROUND

My background spans graphic design, photography, content strategy, and marketing, with experience rooted in both agency-style production and real-world environments.

I began in traditional graphic design and art direction before moving into a senior design role at the University of Chicago, supporting Booth School of Business and university-wide initiatives. That experience shaped how I approach collaboration, timelines, and working within established teams.

Over time, my work expanded into photography and event-driven storytelling. I’ve worked with spaces such as Yoshi’s Cafe, Carol’s Pub, and the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, documenting food and beverage, live music, neighborhood businesses, and large-scale community events. My hospitality work also includes photography, social media management, and website design for the Michelin-starred restaurant Yūgen, with imagery appearing in the Michelin Guide.

Today, photography sits at the center of my work, supported by a strong foundation in graphic design, art direction, and marketing. I partner with organizations to create visual content that feels genuine, tells a clear story, and can be used confidently across social media, web, and print, with a process that’s clear and collaborative.