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Darren Kuhnau

@darrenkuhnau

Creative Director at Eleven Studio who created ATWATER men’s skincare from concept through launch.

At Eleven Studio, I created the ATWATER men’s skincare brand from concept through launch, including its positioning, packaging system, merchandising, and promotional materials. I also guided packaging and merchandising initiatives for Kevyn Aucoin Beauty and helped make Coolest Cooler retail-ready.

At Ralph Lauren Fragrances, I led global creative development across packaging, retail environments, and campaigns, including Polo Red and Ralph Lauren Collection. Earlier, at Kiehl’s Since 1851, I designed international stores and directed the rollout of a global store concept; more recently, at Availity, I worked on payer, enrollment, and transaction issues in healthcare technology.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founder / Creative Director

Current

Eleven Studio

Jan 2015 - Present (11 years 9 months)

Founded an independent creative consultancy providing creative direction, brand development, packaging design, retail merchandising, and launch support for emerging and established consumer brands.

Creative Direction Brand Development Packaging Design Retail Merchandising Brand Strategy Consumer Products

Clearinghouse Support Specialist

Availity

Jan 2020 - Jan 2026 (6 years)

Resolved complex payer, enrollment, and transaction issues across healthcare networks, collaborating with providers, payers, and internal stakeholders to improve data quality and streamline processes.

Healthcare Operations X12 ERA Enrollments Microsoft Copilot AI Tools Problem Solving Data Quality

AVP, Global Creative / Creative Director

Ralph Lauren Fragrances (L’Oréal Luxury Division)

Jan 2010 - Jan 2015 (5 years)

Led global creative development across packaging, merchandising, promotional programs, retail environments, and seasonal activations for Ralph Lauren Fragrances. Managed a $2.5M annual creative budget and coordinated agency, vendor, and production partners.

Creative Direction Brand Development Packaging Design Merchandising Budget Management Global Marketing Advertising Compliance

Art Director

Kiehl’s Since 1851 (L’Oréal Luxury Division)

Jan 2003 - Jan 2010 (7 years)

Designed 20+ international flagship and freestanding stores, developing location-specific concepts that connected each environment to Kiehl’s heritage. Directed development and rollout of a new global store concept and led implementation of Esko WebCenter across the Luxury Division.

Retail Design Store Design Merchandising WebCenter Artwork Review Global Rollouts Brand Evolution