Daring Design Leaders

How does TWIST help our clients rise above their competition?

Part of our formula is the graphic design duo Rachel Teuscher and Thiago Wimberly.

Ambitious and imaginative, these two form an unbeatable dynamic. Rachel and Thiago are the creative minds behind the design of many Cleveland brands and causes. Through thought-provoking art, they challenge our team and clients to think fearlessly about who they can be and what their brands
can achieve.

“At TWIST, we pride ourselves on building teams of creatives who have complementary skill sets, styles, and aesthetics. Like in other creative disciplines — like music or comedy — breakthroughs happen when you blend a straight line with a curve. Rachel and Thiago are Fearless Thinkers of the highest order. As individuals, they are highly capable. But when you combine their skill sets, the outcome for our clients is nothing short of magical.”

— Mike Ozan, TWIST Co-Founder & CEO

Under the guidance of Chief Executive Officer Mike Ozan and Chief Creative Officer Connie Ozan, Rachel and Thiago provide design direction and creative leadership to TWIST’s roster of clients. They are the driving force to our clients’ creative growth.

“Rachel Teuscher and Thiago Wimberly are a one-of-kind design team. Together, they can handle any project or a handful of projects that come their way. Even when under pressure to meet client deadlines, they show up happy, cheerful, organized, and resilient. The office is a brighter and lighter place with their choice of a different music genre playing each day — they set the tone for positivity and creativity. As a power team, their combined skills work in harmony to produce outstanding work for our clients. I’m grateful to work with such wonderfully talented people.”

— Connie Ozan, TWIST Co-Founder Chief Creative Officer

Rachel is both a talented designer and a master planner. Rachel’s unique ability to understand the project, the deadline, and how to reach the goal effectively and efficiently has provided leadership throughout the agency. In her five years at TWIST, there’s never been a challenge too big for Rachel’s cool and calm approach. Her fresh, innovating concepts enhances any brand strategy and makes her an integral part of our culture of creativity.

As Associate Creative Director, you’ve got to be fearless — that includes your design and your attitudes. Rachel holds many strong opinions, including one that is contrary to popular belief: Print is not dead. Brands often ignore print media as part of their mix, but Rachel believes that’s a mistake — it’s understanding how traditional mediums can complement a diverse portfolio of design, including digital efforts.

“Direct mail, magazine ads, trade show signage…it’s about educating clients. Finding new ways to create even more engaging experiences through innovation.”

She attributes her commitment to learning and trying new things that propels her design forward. She recently led the team from concept to completion of the Cleveland-Cliffs Sustainability Report 2022. Despite the convenience of digital, Rachel says audiences still love print.

“The sense of holding a publication in your hands, it’s an experience,” she said. “Yes, you can find the stats online. But the optics of a beautiful cover and printed spreads can be quite impressive.”

Thiago knows what it takes to be a Fearless Thinker, bringing his adventurous energy to every project he touches. He is a brilliant collaborator, always working with the team to find solutions while having fun along the way. Thiago lives and breathes “the big idea.” His expertise and sophistication are just what TWIST needs in the design department.

“It’s amazing to be able to support a client’s vision,” he said. “Turning brand strategy from concept to reality is my superpower.”

Thiago believes one of the greatest things he can do is to be able to give clients the feeling of awe in design. After the TWIST team completed Discovery — the information-gathering process TWIST engages new clients in — with the staff at Bedrock on the Tower City Identity & Environment, Thiago was excited by its potential. He immediately got to work.

A new identity can elicit strong reactions, but that didn’t deter Thiago.

“Being in a job where I can create a world where people have a warm and exciting response to a logo or color palette… it’s electrifying!”

The direction Thiago took for the revitalized urban shopping experience captured the client’s desire for a modern look with their need to improve the overall vibe and experience of the place. As redevelopment was underway the new identity and environmental graphics brought new life to a Cleveland landmark as it was transitioning to the next generation of visitors.

In their roles as Associate Creative Directors, Rachel and Thiago ensure creativity thrives in everything we do and further drive our mission to fill Cleveland with world-class design.  They bring a lot more to TWIST than creative and design backgrounds. They light up the agency with an undeniable energy that can elevate any brand’s perception and positioning.