Distilling ideas
into impact
into impact
I'm a freelance creative director and brand experience designer with a deep love for storytelling, systems thinking, and bringing big ideas to life. As a seasoned design professional, I specialize in crafting top-tier visual communications and immersive experiences. I'm an empathetic leader who is passionate about mentoring others, sharing knowledge, continually learning, and striking the right balance between quality and agility.
My studio, Distillery A Creative, is where I channel my love for distilling ideas into clear, actionable creative strategies. One of my favorite long-term clients has been USAFacts, where I helped develop overarching brand and data visualization guidelines and designed visuals and annual reports that helped grow their audience to over a million followers. I learned to love Excel and found that I really enjoy nerding out on data. I make information not just digestible—but delightful.
“In the last 15+ years that I’ve worked with Alicia, she has become a trusted partner to develop my presentations. She easily translates draft concepts and narratives into compelling visuals. Not only is Alicia a great designer, a PowerPoint pro, and an expert in her field, she is an engaging and collaborative team player. I’d recommend Alicia to any speaker needing a first-class executive presentation.”
- Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft,
founder of Ballmer Group and USAFacts.org
founder of Ballmer Group and USAFacts.org
Over the past 20+ years, I’ve had the privilege of leading and supporting a wide breadth of creative efforts for some of Microsoft’s most iconic events, including Build and Ignite. Whether I’m art directing visuals, designing immersive experiences for thousands of developers, or creating a social campaign, I thrive at the intersection of creativity and strategy. I’ve led design teams, managed live event creative production, built scalable design systems, and leveraged a broad set of tools to continually push creative boundaries.
Making information
not just digestible—
but delightful.
I'm a designer and a creative strategist who truly gets it. I lead design strategy, deliver creative briefs, draft copy, create wireframes and/or final art, design gorgeous slides, sketch an illustration, make a cute animation, crack a joke, provide art direction, develop a brand style guide from soup to nuts—you name it. If there's a design problem you're struggling with, I'd love to help!
"As someone who has been working in live event production for over 25 years at Microsoft ensuring the best communications for our senior executives, I cannot recommend Alicia Thornber enough as a visual storyteller. Alicia has brought to life many of the corporate narratives for Microsoft over the years. Not only is she a PowerPoint superuser but her skills in leading teams of people around these communications is second to none."
Brian Schilling-George, Senior Director, Microsoft Executive Productions
"This PowerPoint is stunning – the animation and builds – WOW!!!
I’m blown away. I know you are talented – but geeeez this is out of the ballpark."
I’m blown away. I know you are talented – but geeeez this is out of the ballpark."
Jae Ellard, Founder, Simple Intentions
Work with me
Brand Strategy • Creative Direction • Art Direction • Data Visualization • Style Guides • Logo Design • Illustration • Presentation Design • PowerPoint Templates • Event Experience Design • Accessibility Reviews • Creative Consultation
Do you have a creative project you need help with? Send me a note! I'll get back to you as quickly as possible, usually within a business day or two. If your project sounds like a good fit, I'll schedule a quick 30-minute discovery call with you to discuss next steps.
Let's chat!
Alicia Thornber
Founder and Creative Director
Distillery A Creative