John Rudolph is an entrepreneur, creative director, and fisherman. He’s interested in simplifying the digital landscape to help organizations reach their audience in more authentic ways, and explores interactive media from a graphic designer's perspective. His ideal solutions contain empathy and wit. After almost 20 years in the creative industry, John still believes design has the power to make the world a better place.

John jump-started his career at Catapult Marketing in Westport, CT, where he was quickly promoted to creative director. There, he leveraged consumer insights to inform retail marketing programs. Among his favorite projects, John worked with Family Dollar to develop the mobile game SmartSpins, a customer loyalty program delivered through its app. The most rewarding aspect, for him, was providing low-income shoppers with opportunities to save on everyday necessities for their families.

At Epsilon Agency, in Wilton, CT, he directed a talented team of writers, art directors, designers, and digital strategists to concept national advertising campaigns. For Pure Point, an online banking company, John successfully pitched the concept of hosting gallery openings in their New York City financial center. The events drove potential customers to Pure Point and provided valuable PR for up-and-coming artists. Pure Point loved the idea so much, they continued to host openings for artists in Chicago and Houston.

John's happiest when his creative solutions help other people.

In 2020, John started Map Agency, a branding and design studio in Sandy Hook, CT. Map Agency has developed branding, packaging, and identity systems for businesses in industries like financial technology, food service, healthcare, consumer packaged goods, non-profit, and retail. Most recently, he rebranded the Borough of Newtown, a local municipality established in 1824. Of the nine remaining Boroughs in the state of Connecticut, Newtown’s the only one that’s never had a logo. While the identity system has been well-received by other designers, John’s also pleased the villagers haven’t burned down his agency. 

John received his BFA in Communications Design from Syracuse University’s School of Visual & Performing Arts. He has been a board member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, and currently sits on the board of the Newtown Village Cemetery Association. “Cemeterians” love dead jokes, which suits his personality well. He lives in Sandy Hook with his wife Kristen, their two children, Owen and Samantha, and a German Shorthaired Pointer named Henry. He enjoys riding his Harley, playing baseball with Owen, and watching Samantha learn to dance. In his spare time, John sits in his boat, enthusiastically waiting for the next fish to bite.