ABOUT
Jillian Broughton Ebel is an art director and creative operations leader who blends strategic thinking with a sharp eye for design. With a deep understanding of visual storytelling and workflow optimization, she thrives at the intersection of creativity and efficiency. From concept to execution, she specializes in building high-performing teams, streamlining processes, and delivering impactful work across a range of industries.
BIO
As Director of Art and Studio Operations at The Stoke Group, Jillian oversees the agency’s entire creative studio, guiding a team of designers and managing design operations for high-profile clients. She’s responsible for optimizing workflows, ensuring creative excellence, and aligning design efforts with business goals. Her leadership extends beyond execution—she works closely with internal marketing, sales, and resourcing teams to drive growth and innovation.
A leader in the accessible design space, Jillian is committed to creating work that is inclusive and equitable. As a disabled woman, she strives to lift up disabled voices and advocate for accessibility at every stage of the creative process. Her approach goes beyond compliance—she champions design that is not only functional but also empowering, ensuring that diverse audiences are seen, heard, and valued.
Jillian’s career spans multiple industries, from action sports to tech. She’s collaborated with global brands, developed trend-driven creative strategies, and led teams through complex design challenges. Her ability to balance high-level art direction with hands-on problem-solving makes her an invaluable partner in shaping compelling visual narratives.
She holds a BFA in Design + Digital Media from Laguna College of Art + Design, graduating Summa Cum Laude. A champion of creative community-building, she co-founded Laguna Beach Street Art, a nonprofit supporting local artists through job creation and public art initiatives.
Whether she’s leading a design team, refining creative processes, or advocating for accessible design, Jillian’s work is driven by a commitment to clarity, collaboration, and creative excellence.
FEATURES AND RECOGNITION
ICMAD Young Designer Award, Second Place in Competition
American Association of University Women, Scholarship for National Conference of Collegiate Student Women Leaders
Laguna Beach Rotary Club, Community Service Scholarship
360° Design Magazine, Poster Design Feature
BRAND COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS