About Me
Hi! I’m Tyler Sticka, a creative director, designer, writer and artist from Portland, Oregon. I’ve been guiding organizations through the intersection of art and technology full-time since 2007.
I joined Cloud Four in 2013, and became co-owner and creative director in 2017. I co-founded Backabit in 2010 with Tim Sears: We’ve released three iOS games together. Prior to that, I led experience design teams at the digital agency arm of WE Communications and a children’s education startup; designed experiences and iconography for security, healthcare and electronics companies; and freelanced as a logo designer, illustrator, writer, speaker and adjunct professor.
All of these experiences gradually informed my design process, which I’m told is unique for its emphasis on hand-drawn sketches and browser-based interactive prototypes. Sketching encourages play, which yields more delightful, human solutions; prototyping demands a deep knowledge of our platform’s strengths and weaknesses, shortening the distance from concept to reality.
In my free time I like to read comics, play video games, listen to live and recorded music, and spend time with my wife and our cairn terrier.
I’m also on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram and Tumblr. My tweets have been publicly archived.
Kind Words
It is difficult to put into words just how unique and talented Tyler Sticka is. I have never met someone as organized and articulate as he is. He is a natural leader that smoothly transitions from one leadership position to another. Technically, he is the equivalent of 3–4 full-time workers in his ability to brainstorm, strategize, design, code, and communicate. He is a rare mix of business, design and development all wrapped up into a kind and charismatic person.
I was honored to work closely with Tyler. His talent is enviable and vast, and his ability to articulate his design thinking is incredible! Every design element he creates, be it a small icon or a vast experience, is crafted with passion. He continually pushed clients and teammates to expect their best, and he drove many successful projects. His work and personality never lack integrity, curiosity or passion. You will be hard pressed to find another designer as talented, or person as thoughtful as Tyler.