Hi, I’m Dan Oliverio—though most folks call me Dano—and I’m a versatile and passionate creative professional based in Chicago. Originally from New England, I made my way through New York City before settling in the Windy City. Along the way, I’ve honed my craft with over 15 years of experience in graphic design, photography, product management, and web design. With a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and a talent for adapting across industries, I’ve driven product development, enhanced operational workflows, and crafted eye-catching designs that tell impactful stories. Because of this, I’ve earned a reputation as a “startup unicorn”—minus the glitter but still bringing the magic.
Whether I’m designing logos, managing tech products, or capturing moments behind the lens, my approach is always bold, clean, and detail-driven. My goal is to deliver work that not only solves problems but also inspires and engages. I love building strong relationships with clients to truly understand their unique goals and bring their vision to life, all with a splash of fun.
At the heart of my work is a process that blends creativity with a strong focus on problem-solving. I see myself as both a storyteller and a solution-finder. Each project begins with asking the right questions, researching, sketching, and refining ideas until I find the perfect balance between form and function. I believe that design should not only be visually engaging but also highly functional, ensuring it effectively solves client needs.
Inspired by the clean lines and minimalism of Massimo Vignelli, striking shapes, and iconic designs like the Mexico 1968 Olympic branding, I aim to create designs that are simple yet impactful. Typography, vivid colors, black and white photography, and structured forms fuel my creative process. I also draw inspiration from modern transportation wayfinding systems and old industrial structures, incorporating their raw, functional beauty into my work. My design philosophy centers on the belief that simplicity and impact can work hand in hand, and every project I touch reflects that approach.
Beyond my passion for design, I’ve cultivated extensive experience in product management and business operations. In my roles as Product Manager and Director of Development, I’ve led initiatives to improve internal software systems and enhance operational efficiency. I regularly collaborated with product and technology teams to identify key areas for improvement and developed solutions that made internal tools more user-friendly, driving better customer satisfaction.
In my product management role, I worked closely with cross-functional teams to gather feedback, document needs, and implement solutions that streamlined various operations. This included designing new systems for collecting customer data, integrating essential information into internal platforms, and optimizing workflows for ticketing and communication. By automating repetitive tasks and introducing more efficient processes, I not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced the overall customer experience. My focus is always on making tools and systems more intuitive and effective for everyone involved.
Throughout this work, I’ve always prioritized collaboration, continuous iteration, and clear documentation—ensuring teams were not only trained on new systems but had the resources they needed for long-term success. My combined experience in design and product management allows me to bridge the gap between creative and business goals, delivering solutions that are both effective and impactful.
When I’m not designing, you’ll likely find me exploring the streets of Chicago on my bike or watching Star Trek (I’m still working on my Riker Maneuver). Oh, and I can’t forget to mention Boober, my feline sidekick who supervises all of my projects—usually from the most inconvenient spot on my desk.
I also value volunteer work and giving back to my community. I’m an avid cyclist and a committed AIDS/LifeCycle fundraiser, having raised nearly $10,000 in 2024 alone. I also served on the Community Advisory Board for Howard Brown Health here in Chicago, helping to improve services for LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities. Whether I’m cycling through the city or adventuring into the final frontier, I’m always drawing inspiration from the world around me—one day at a time.