Hello, my name is
Miles McFarland
Miles McFarland is a Senior UX/UI Designer with over a decade of experience creating user-centered digital experiences that drive engagement, improve conversion, and deliver measurable business results. Since 2014, he has led UX efforts at Risepoint (formerly Academic Partnerships), designing scalable and accessible digital media that enhance online learning for higher education institutions nationwide. His background spans wireframing, user research, and conversion rate optimization, with a strong ability to lead cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments. Previously, he served as Associate Creative Director at Family Legacy, guiding the creative direction of large-scale print and digital campaigns supporting the organization’s mission. Alongside his full-time roles, Miles maintains an active freelance practice, collaborating with artists, authors, and media personalities, with select work featured on national platforms including The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Experience
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Risepoint (2014-2018; 2019-Current)
Lead end-to-end UX design for nationwide online education partners, delivering high-performing, user-centered marketing experiences
Translate business goals and student acquisition strategies into intuitive, conversion-focused digital journeys
Design wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI using Figma and Adobe XD
Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product, development, and stakeholders to align UX strategy with organizational objectives
Conduct usability reviews and ensure accessibility (WCAG compliance), consistency, and overall user satisfaction
Establish and enforce UX standards, QA processes, and design governance across multiple digital touchpoints
Build, scale, and maintain design systems and reusable component libraries to support rapid partner launches
Optimize workflows by standardizing components, templates, and documentation to improve team efficiency
Utilize Confluence for documentation and Jira for agile project tracking, workflow management, and cross team collaboration
Mentor and onboard designers while providing art direction to ensure cohesive execution across multiple brands and partner experiences
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Family Legacy (2018-2019)
Led creative strategy and execution across print and digital channels to support marketing, fundraising, and brand initiatives
Ensured brand consistency and alignment with organizational mission across all creative deliverables
Designed high-impact marketing materials using Adobe Creative Cloud, including brochures, campaigns, and digital assets
Partnered with leadership and marketing teams to develop campaigns that increased donor engagement and outreach effectiveness
Managed relationships with external vendors and printers across the Dallas/Fort Worth area to ensure quality production
Oversaw project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to consistently meet deadlines and cost targets
Directed creative projects from concept through execution, maintaining high standards of visual storytelling and design quality
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Xpressdocs (2011-2014)
Managed daily help desk operations, supporting Customer Service Representatives with timely resolution of design and production issues
Tracked and prioritized support tickets to ensure efficient workflow and high service levels across departments
Designed customized, brand-compliant marketing materials for national real estate clients, including Coldwell Banker and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Collaborated cross-functionally with production, customer service, and account teams to deliver accurate and high-quality outputs
Streamlined production workflows to improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and enhance client satisfaction
Maintained strict adherence to brand guidelines and quality standards across high-volume deliverables
Assisted in process improvements and documentation to support scalability and operational consistency
Additional
Information
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Design/User Experience
Figma (Design systems, component libraries, prototyping)
Adobe Creative Cloud (XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
User Experience (UX) Design
User Interface (UI) Design
Wireframing & Prototyping
Interaction Design
Visual Design & Art Direction
Design Systems & Component Libraries
User-Centered Design & Accessibility (WCAG Compliance)
Responsive & Mobile-First Design
Conversion-Focused / Growth Design
Tools, Systems & Workflow
Jira (Agile workflows, sprint tracking)
Confluence (Documentation, knowledge sharing)
Adobe Workfront
Content Management Systems (CMS)
Microsoft Office Suite
QA & Design Review Processes
Design Documentation & Handoff
Core Strengths
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Strong Communication
Organizational Skills
Time Management
Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
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Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, Texas)
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Graduated 2010 -
Shawn Cowan
Product Manager, Risepoint
shawn.cowan@risepoint.comJames Keesler
Design Specialist, Risepoint
james.keesler@risepoint.comMcKade Marshall
Author, MLM Publishing
mckademarshall@gmail.com
“For over ten years, Miles has been the creative force behind every book I’ve published. Every cover. Every interior layout. Every detail. […] He doesn’t just design. He listens. He studies. He cares. Over the years, he’s become more than my designer—he’s become a trusted creative partner and a good friend. I’m grateful for his talent, his integrity, and his commitment to excellence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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A good day is one where there’s progress and alignment. That might mean solving a tricky problem, having a productive conversation, or getting clarity on a decision. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just forward-moving.
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I try to stay grounded by focusing on what I can control: clear communication, prioritization, and breaking problems into manageable steps. I’ve learned that calm leadership during pressure helps teams stay focused and make better decisions.
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I do best with clear goals, honest feedback, and trust. I appreciate managers who provide direction but give space for ownership, and who see design as a strategic partner rather than just a service function.
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I want people to feel supported, heard, and confident. Even when we disagree, my goal is for conversations to feel respectful and productive, not tense or political.
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UX continues to challenge me in the right ways. It requires empathy, problem-solving, and constant learning. The tools change, but the core work—understanding people and helping them succeed—still feels meaningful to me.
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I’m motivated by solving meaningful problems and seeing real-world impact. I enjoy the process of turning ambiguity into clarity—whether that’s improving conversion, reducing friction, or making a product more accessible. I’m also motivated by collaboration; the best work I’ve done has come from strong partnerships across disciplines.
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Earlier in my career, I tended to over-polish solutions before bringing others in. I’ve learned that sharing work earlier leads to better outcomes and stronger alignment. Now I intentionally involve stakeholders sooner through low-fidelity concepts and working sessions, which has improved both speed and buy-in.
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I view feedback as a necessary part of good design. My first goal is to understand the underlying concern rather than react to the surface comment. I ask clarifying questions, connect feedback back to user goals and data, and then decide whether it requires a design change or better rationale. That approach keeps feedback constructive and focused on outcomes.
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I focus on helping designers think through problems rather than prescribing solutions. That usually means asking questions, reviewing work in context, and sharing frameworks that help them make stronger decisions independently.
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I get frustrated when speed is valued over thoughtfulness, especially when it creates rework later. Over time, I’ve learned to channel that frustration into advocating for small, smart steps—like quick validation or early alignment—that ultimately save time and improve outcomes.
Contact
Let’s grab some coffee!
I value the opportunity to meet new people and learn from their experiences. Please provide the requested information below so we can connect.