Man wearing glasses and a black cap with a 'C' logo, sitting at a table in a dimly lit restaurant or cafe, with blurred warm-toned lights in the background.

About Rich Cole Creative

I’m Rich Cole — a Chicago-based creative working at the intersection of photography, content creation, 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. I began my career in traditional graphic design at press houses, then I was an art director in publishing environments before moving into a senior design role at The University of Chicago, supporting both Booth School of Business and university-wide initiatives.

Over time, my work naturally expanded beyond design and into photography, hospitality, 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 the everyday energy that defines Chicago. My work has included major community events like Chicago’s Pride Parade, Chicago Marathon, Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest, Lakeview East Festival of the Arts, Lone Star Smokeout, as well as photography & social media for Michelin-starred restaurants and some of the city’s most iconic bars.

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 performs across social media, web, and print.