Storyteller & Content Producer.
Entrepreneur & Mentor.
If you are looking for someone with a unique, unconventional, multifaceted and creative background, you have come to the right place…
I’ve never been one for labels, but if it helps most people would call me a Creative Director, a Content Producer or Creator because I spend most of my days breathing life and meaning into stories that deserve to be seen, heard, read, or experienced. On any given day you might find me on location at a photo shoot, or making & editing videos in my studio, possibly even working on a podcast, then winding down writing thought pieces for my blog. What it all boils down to is that I find purpose in creating stories that educate, build community, promote thought-leadership and growth. If all of that is not exciting enough for you, then maybe you will enjoy my music or come see me perform.
My Passion & Purpose Projects
Podcasts
Lately, I’ve been leaning into the power of just talking things out. What started as a curiosity about old-school radio dramas eventually turned into a way for me to explore the messy, beautiful parts of personal growth and adversity. These days, I’m using audio to dive deep into experimental projects like Lessons In Being Human, finding that some stories just need to be heard to be truly felt. It’s been a rewarding shift toward working on my own terms and sharing what actually matters. Give a listen to the latest episodes and join the conversation.
Video & Film
Before I was focused on audio, I spent years learning how to make stories move. When high-quality gear became available to everyone, I realized that the "how" mattered a lot less than the "why." I had to reinvent myself a bit, moving away from just being a guy with a camera to being a storyteller who happens to use one. Whether I'm in the edit suite or on-site, it’s all about finding that natural rhythm that brings a narrative to life. Watch a few of my favorite projects and see how the stories unfold.
Photography
That drive to tell stories actually took off in a pretty unexpected way—with a one-way ticket to Ghana and a camera my bank account definitely wasn't ready for at the time. I went from practicing on birds in Central Park to suddenly working as a photographer for fashion brands and talent agencies. That trip was a massive wake-up call for me; it’s where I first caught the entrepreneurial bug and fell in love with capturing the deep connection between people, nature, and heritage. Take a look at the gallery to see the world through my lens.
Design
It all traces back to those early days in New York City, fresh out of school with a degree in Digital Media and plenty of "youthful exuberance." I started out in graphic and web design, just trying to find my footing in the hustle of the city. Those years were my training ground, where I first learned how to weave different visuals together to tell a single, cohesive story. It was the spark that started this whole journey, and I still carry that design-first mindset in everything I do today. Explore the design roots that laid the foundation for it all.
Words of Affirmation
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Yai Vargas | Diversity & Inclusion Consultant
“Richard has an incredible eye for capturing and sharing stories. We have worked together on numerous projects in which I sought his help in sharing the work my organization does for Latina professionals invested in career and leadership development. Not only does he take the time to strategize, but he also understands the overall goal for the video or photography project.”
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Jonathan Thurston | Head of Accessibility
“Rich is an extremely talented artist and creative. His design sense is as spot on as his attention to detail and craft. I highly recommend Richard for your digital media needs, you will not be disappointed.”
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Gregory Giletto | Platform Consultant
“Using innovative graphic techniques, and a supreme sense of style and form, Rich Hackman is by far one of the most talented graphic designers I've had the pleasure of working with. He constantly pushes himself for perfection, and this constant effort is prevalent in all of his work. His skills and hard-working attitude would be a great asset to any graphic/web project and company.”
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Andre Ezeugwu | Media Director / Advertising Consultant
“Rich is great to do business with, he is true to his word and very punctual. The quality of his work is of a stature that I highly recommend and I look forward to continue doing business with him in the future.”
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Melissa Lopez | Owner, Giving Tree Yoga LLC
"You are an incredible talent. The TOTO USA rebrand was an incredible endeavor and I enjoyed working with you on that project. Sending you best wishes for continued success as your grow and expand your business.”
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Mary Ellen Duffy | Vice President, Financial Aid & Compliance
“Rich is a talented, very likable and hard working person. He is intuitive and insightful, which pair well with his creative ability to make him quite effective as a designer. His work ethic and talents will make him an asset to any organization lucky enough to include him.”
