Here, Paul discusses his career journey with roots in architecture, how he views and approaches creativity with client centricity, and the family culture that defines one of the most in-demand design studios in the Mid-Atlantic area and beyond. Above all, he reflects on his role as a multimedia storyteller and how he likes to “hook” readers at first sight.

Paul’s academic and professional journey in the visual arts began at Virginia Tech, where he initially pursued a degree in architecture but eventually pivoted into a general design studies major with a minor in art studies and classics. While he appreciated the “design aspects” of architecture, the mathematical complexities were less attractive and motivational.

Following graduation and a brief stint at Washington Family Magazine, a parenting publication in the D.C. metro area, Paul soon found himself drawn to BonoTom Studios’ top-flight professionals and creative, fun environment. He says, “I was immediately struck by the technical and artistic talent [of his colleagues]” and explains that their individual contributions add up to a unified vision and stronger whole. Since joining Bonotom, he hasn’t looked back.

When asked about the creative process, Paul notes that concepts don’t just materialize out of thin air; they are carefully curated through a multifaceted creative process that can take different directions. Paul describes how inspiration can strike from various sources—whether it’s a client’s vision or a visual element or a headline treatment that resonates with him personally. He emphasizes the importance of creating designs that command attention and compel readers to delve deeper into the content.

“My goal is to encourage a ‘double take’ from the reader when scanning a publication, landing on something I’ve designed and establishing an interest to the story. Get ’em hooked with the visual narrative and guide them into the content.”

Paul brings a common-sense and modern perspective to the often-debated topic of workplace modality, noting that the traditional 9-5 for creatives is somewhat passé. Embracing the flexibility of remote work, he and his team collaborated effectively before, during, and after the pandemic, ensuring that client goals were not only met but exceeded.

“There’s an intangible, organic flow to life and work when you’re not restricted to an office setting,” he notes. While sharing concepts and ideas virtually can be difficult in some offices, Paul has not experienced that challenge and sees it as an opportunity to strengthen communication using a variety of channels. Through a combination of text, email, virtual chats, and phone calls, the team maintains a healthy dialogue with clients and each other, ensuring that every project is executed with creativity, effectiveness, and a deadline and customer service orientation.

BonoTom Studio is more than just a workplace—it’s a family. Paul fondly describes the studio as a tight creative community united by a shared goal of delivering inspired client work. The collaborative and iterative nature of the work is the difference maker for both team chemistry and client satisfaction: “Consistency, quality, and a relaxed participatory environment have been and still are the ingredients to much of our success.”