Rich Hackman
Storytelling, Creativity, Entrepreneurship & Mentorship.
If you are looking for someone with a unique, unconventional, multifaceted creative story, 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 (as you will soon discover) you might find me on location at a photo shoot, or shooting & editing videos in my studio, possibly even working on a podcast, then winding down writing editorial 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.
RH | Design
In 2008, with a Communications and Digital Media degree in hand, youthful exuberance under foot, and sparkles in my eyes, I made my way to New York City to begin a career in Graphic and Web Design. I developed my passion for visual storytelling, and piqued my curiosity for using multiple forms of media to tell the same narrative.
RH | Photography
By 2010, with a recession looming, and my career prospects compromised, I found myself with a one-way ticket to Ghana in one hand and my first ever digital camera in the other (my bank account hated me). This is when I first realized I had an entrepreneurial spirit. With little practice other than photographing the birds and the bees in Central Park, I stumbled into opportunities as the official photographer for a talent agency, and a fashion photographer for a global brand.
RH | Video & Film
Returning to the United States in 2013, emboldened by my success as a visual artist in West Africa, I realized I was no longer a big fish in a small pond. In the US most people already had access to quality graphic design or photography. The rise of social media as a viable business strategy solidified that. I would have to reinvent myself, but also to tap into what I could do better than most: Storytelling. For me, creating stories with moving images felt like a natural progression of my talent and experience thus far.
RH | Podcasting
After many years working at some high-profile companies, and several consulting opportunities, I started to wonder what the next iteration of my personal development in storytelling looked like. Over the years I had been intrigued by the idea of radio dramas and podcasting, and in my personal time began workshopping two programs centered around telling and sharing stories of personal challenges, adversity, and growth. These programs later became the limited run podcasts.
Let’s work together.
I love a good story. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur, a small business, or a multi-national corporation, your story needs to be captured, distilled, and told. I’m here to help you figure out what that looks, sounds, and feels like, as well as how to make it happen.
Words of Affirmation
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“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.”
Yai Vargas | Diversity & Inclusion Consultant
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“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.”
Jonathan Thurston | Head of Accessibility
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“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.”
Gregory Giletto | Platform Consultant
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“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.”
Andre Ezeugwu | Media Director / Advertising Consultant
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"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.”
Melissa Lopez | Owner, Giving Tree Yoga LLC
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“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.”
Mary Ellen Duffy | Vice President, Financial Aid & Compliance
Press & Publicity
Some of my best clients
“It felt a bit more organic initially when we had celebrities coming into the country by virtue of their lineage, said Rich Hackman, a content producer and founder of The Bored Brand, a marketing consultancy in reference to the Year of Return. The government then seemingly decided to piggyback off of that natural celebrity pull, Hackman added.