Hi! My name is Robert Aaron Burleson

Midwestern artist and designer

I am 25 years old and based in Columbus, Ohio, where I earned my undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and have since worked as a professional designer. I began my career as an art handler and installer for local galleries, using that experience to move into product fabrication, and eventually landing on graphic and environmental design. Right now I work for Signcom, a Franklinton-based company that produces commercial signs, vinyl decals, and large-format banners.

My strong suits lie in illustration and typography, but I have always preferred working in multiple mediums, including photography, 3D modeling, print media, and even music. My portfolio is partially developed by my formal education and partially through my own experimentation and creative pursuits. The challenge of learning new techniques and programs excites me - it gives life to my work. Film, literature, pop music, and folk mythos all inform my personal work, which in turn shapes the work I produce professionally. Whether I am problem-solving a campus’ wayfinding experience or designing event posters, I hope to make work that is thoughtful, daring, and rooted in connection.

My portfolio of personal artwork can be found here.

| WAYFINDING | EDITORIAL DESIGN | PHOTOGRAPHY | PAINTING | ILLUSTRATION | DIGITAL MAPPING | 3D MODELING | FILM | TYPOGRAPHY | ART DIRECTION | SOUND DESIGN | TECHNICAL DRAWING

| WAYFINDING | EDITORIAL DESIGN | PHOTOGRAPHY | PAINTING | ILLUSTRATION | DIGITAL MAPPING | 3D MODELING | FILM | TYPOGRAPHY | ART DIRECTION | SOUND DESIGN | TECHNICAL DRAWING


Education

Aug 2017 - Dec 2021

Ohio State University

BFA, Art

Exhibitions

Apr 2025 - Present

Representation by Chaos Contemporary Craft gallery

Public opening and exhibition April 12th

Downtown Columbus, OH

Nov 2023 - Jan 2024

“UNO”, Group exhibition

Carnegie Gallery, Columbus Metropolitan Library; Columbus, OH

Apr 2023 - Dec 2023

Works on consignment

Jacob Stout Gallery; Dublin, OH

Apr 8th - May 6th, 2022

“Buzzard’s Roost”, group exhibition

ROY G BIV Gallery; Columbus, OH

Nov 30th - Dec 18th, 2021

“Operation Midnight Climax”, BFA thesis exhibition

Urban Arts Space; Columbus, OH

Work Experience

Graphic Designer

Signcom; Columbus, OH

Mar 2024 - Present

Production Designer and Fabricator

Planthropy; Columbus, OH

Feb 2022 - Dec 2023

Exhibitions Assistant

Urban Arts Space; Columbus, OH

Jun 2021 - Feb 2022

Recognition

Greater Columbus Arts Council annual grant award

Aug 2023

Best in Show; Arts Scholars Group Exhibition

2021, 2022

Contact

burleson734@gmail.com