About
High-impact creative leader with record of turning complex technologies and business objectives into clear, compelling human experiences. Builds visual language, digital products, and learning ecosystems that strengthen brand identity and elevate how modern organizations communicate, train, and engage at scale. Known for unifying creative standards across global teams and bringing discipline, clarity, and imagination to initiatives that define how company presents itself – internally, externally, and across every customer touchpoint.
Results-driven Creative Leader | UI/UX Designer | Design Strategist
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and lived in Virginia Beach until I was 12, when my family and I moved to Brandon, FL, a suburb of Tampa. In 2000, I moved to South Tampa, just outside downtown, and I’ve been there ever since.
- Birthday: Feb 16
- Phone: (813) 495-7447
- City: Tampa, FL
- Superpower: Turning ideas into clean designs
- Email: rbelfatti@verizon.net
- Email 2: ralph@belfatti.com
I’ve accomplished a lot over my career, but my time at IBM has been the most rewarding. It’s given me the opportunity to work on and lead programs and projects I might never have experienced anywhere else.
Time Top Contributor Excellence at IBM
Total Projects worked on at IBM
Years Experience designing and leading teams
Awards Won while on various projects
Skills
Software skills are the tool belt for someone like myself. I take pride in staying up-to-date and have experience in a broad range of applications. This allows me to quickly jump into most projects and hit the ground running, as well as, being easily deployable as new projects come available.
Resume
Select to view a copy of current resumeCreative Director and UX/Product Design Leader with 30 years delivering enterprise design systems, scalable creative operations, and high-performing digital, brand, and learning experiences. Recognized for translating complex business requirements into intuitive solutions that accelerate adoption and strengthen customer engagement. Improved user interaction by 40%+, increased production efficiency by 20-30%, and contributed to 60%+ win rates for global proposals across Fortune 100 clients including AT&T, Oracle, PepsiCo, and American Airlines. Adept in Agile collaboration, accessibility standards, design strategy, and global creative leadership.
Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS - MASS COMMUNICATIONS / ADVERTISING
1996
University of South Florida
I always wanted to work at an advertising agency growing up, wanting to create those "cool" ads we saw in print or on TV. So, I concentrated on skills that would give me the best chance of working at one after graduation. I spent 3 years on the USF college paper creating ads, and doing page layout (the hard way) all paste-up. I took photography classes, just to be able to use Photoshop (without layers), because that was the only place I could get access to it. I even interned at one of the largest agencies in Tampa the Summer before graduation. Then came something called the Worldwide Web and saw what ELSE could be done with computers. It was then I realized I didn't want to limit myself to print or TV, and with the advent of this new thing called the internet, I didn't have to.
MINOR - FINE ART
1996
University of South Florida
I have always enjoyed art, going back to elementary school, and that love carried me into the career I have today.
Professional Experience
Senior Learning / Creative Media Designer
2005 - Present
IBM - Global Sales, Consulting, HCS Learning Development
- Directed design and development of marketing content for IBM Learning, the TechXchange Conference, IBM.com, and the IBM Cloud division—overseeing social media campaigns, conference branding, website design, video production, and print and promotional materials. The success of this work led to the team’s transition into IBM Global Sales under IBM Learning, expanding its mission to promote all IBM platforms.
- Spearheaded visual and UX strategy for IBM Consulting Academy and Center for Cloud Training, unifying global standards and delivering next-generation digital, social media promotion, and learning experiences, ensuring full WCAG/508 accessibility compliance.
- Directed and allocated global creative eLearning team of 18 for American Airlines, implementing
- Led ANZ Bank’s creative transformation: rebranded LMS, built 20 reusable templates, launched asset library, and mentored global teams—completed in under four months.
- Managed IBM’s global AT&T account, set and maintained standardized systems and templates, increasing production capacity 15%, and extending the partnership from 3 to 5 years.
Creative Director & Manager, Information Management
2004-2005
AT&T / AT&T Learning
- Led an award-winning eLearning Design eam recognized nationally by Training Magazine, elevating program visibility, credibility, and organizational impact.
- Scaled creative team from 13 to 25+ members by improving workflows, mentoring talent, and aligning team structure to support global brand initiatives.
Contractor / Team Lead
2000-2004
Sparrow Interactive
- Developed print, trade show, interactive demos, and eLearning deliverables for AT&T. As the team grew, I was made Team Leader until I was hired by AT&T in 2004.
Lead Graphic Designer
1997-2000
Primex Technologies, Inc.
- Developed marketing, tradeshow, advertising, 3D models, websites, and corporate brochures.
Talents
Creative Leader
With 27+ years as a Designer and Creative Lead, I have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to help clients and project teams achieve successful outcomes.
Brand / Logo Creator
Give me your idea, and I will bring it to life. Then I will help you build and share it with the world.
Quick Study
My expertise as a Designer allows me to develop proficiency with emerging technologies, new processes, and evolving design standards.
Outgoing Personality
Unlike many developers, I am just as comfortable in a meeting with Executives as I am in front of my computer.
Video / Audio Editor
My media design, production, and editing expertise can take your ideas from vision to reality.
Testimonials
During my time at IBM, I have had the chance to work with many great collaborators. Here is some feedback from our time working together.
Ralph is truly top notch in every facet of creative content design and impactful learning experiences! I cannot recommend him enough. His professionalism and infectious enthusiasm will elevate everything and everyone around him. You need Ralph in your company today!!
Jeff Davis
Enablement Manager
Ralph brings a powerful blend of creativity and user-centered thinking to every project. His Adobe and UX expertise consistently produced beautiful and highly functional work, turning complex ideas into intuitive design—any team would be lucky to have him.
Randy Taylor
Development Manager - IBM Training
Thank you for your help creating our new Marketing infographic. As always, your keen design eye and unwavering support has made a huge difference in what we will be able to do together as a team in the future. Keep up the great work!
Elaine Bennett
Learning Leader, HCS LD
Thank you for being so efficient and quick with video development work. You always manage to come up with creative and interesting ways to present content in those videos. I really appreciate your help and knowledge with this project.
Connie West
Learning Experience Designer
My team's dealings with you are always great. You’re easy to work with, willing to co-create, share ideas, understand limitations, and work with us to find better solutions or workarounds. Our team appreciates the open communication & feedback.
Allan Go
Project Manager - Comprehend
The efforts you put in to deliver high-quality work for L&K and our group are commendable. You always put your "all" into all that you do here. I appreciate the way you are always willing to learn new things, help with anything, and always looking for new ways of doing things.
Kelly Bitner
HCS LD - Sr. Education Specialist
Ralph had a significant positive impact on almost all of our project deliverables as lead visual designer and the key creative force on the project. He’s a relatively unique contributor given his depth and breadth of skills, collaborative attitude, and experience.
Bryan Grosnick
L&K Learning Consultant
Ralph's an incredibly talented designer with a great eye for deliverables. His performance is outstanding, completing his design tasks quickly and always delivering to a high quality. He's a strong team player, always willing to help, and works in a true agile way.
