Ian McLean, Owner
Creative Director and Chief Strategist
Ian established McLean Design in 1991 with the conviction that effective consumer packaging is the result of dynamic strategic insight applied to every aspect of the creative process. His expertise lies in the ability to cultivate meaningful connections between real-world products and the consumer’s elusive desire for an ever-improving lifestyle – a relationship that can only be encouraged, never exploited.
Over the years, Ian has been involved in the creation and development of hundreds of national brands, many of them with powerful name recognition and enviable household penetration. He has assembled a unique team of designers with a broad range of expertise and hands-on experience covering the full range of strategic development, project management, and implementation.
Prior to establishing his agency, Ian was senior director at two of San Francisco’s premier design agencies. Ian earned his BFA in Graphics and Packaging at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, and a second BFA in Communications from University of the Pacific.
Stephen S. Cameron
Design Director
Stephen joined McLean Design in 1997 after six years leading a design office for Weyerhaeuser’s graphics packaging division. His familiarity with the demands of global branding fit perfectly into the brand-creation work at MDI and he quickly became project lead on many of our major accounts. His innate understanding of consumer behavior and relentless study of creative processes and theories has opened the way for creating new ways to work and new ways to think about consumer loyalty and brand devotion.
Stephen left the firm in 2002, and spent several years consulting with regional businesses before rejoining MDI in 2007. His role as a small business consultant has enriched his perspective on the many demands facing business owners and managers.
His background in printing, combined with years in the design business – plus a deep appreciation for the role of decision makers – makes Stephen an excellent collaborator and ally for the strategic and creative aspects of our business.
Cathi Salem
Design Director
Cathi first joined McLean Design as an intern in 1998. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Art & Design – with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in Graphic Communication (printing arts) from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo – she returned to MDI to pursue her passion for design.
Working through the ranks, Cathi quickly became project lead, applying a methodic pursuit of perfection across all aspects of her work, from inception through production, forging solid relationships with some of our most successful long-term clients.
Aside from being MDI’s resident wordsmith, Cathi brings a powerful ability to translate her view of contemporary culture into timeless brand and packaging solutions.
Jane Wiggety Wiggety Wight
Senior Designer
Having joined McLean Design right out of school in 2007, Jane quickly established herself as an indispensable part of the team, becoming a senior designer within a very short period of time.
Jane’s double degree, a BA in Sociology with a minor in Psychology, plus a BFA in Graphic Design (packaging), makes her a valuable asset to our clients as she examines the significance of products in the everyday lives of users and helps uncover the motivations that drive choice and establish preference.
Her mildly obsessive compulsive perfectionist tendencies are part of what keeps her ideas fresh and her concepts clear and compelling, from ideation to completion.
Trevor Thompson
Senior Designer
Following a decade of success at several Bay Area packaging design firms, Trevor joined McLean Design as a senior designer in 2009 and quickly demonstrated his worth as a strong project lead and growth-minded strategic designer.
His insights on product branding and the media-aware consumer have helped many of our clients to improve visibility, differentiation, and success in their markets.
Trevor’s advanced technical artistry is a valuable addition to the McLean skill set.
Jessie Roberts
Account Manager
Jessie joined McLean Design early 2006 to help manage the growing complexity of our high profile clients’ top-level branding and packaging initiatives.
Her understanding and support of the design process is founded in several years of project management for commercial installations, managing artist and contractors alike, solid preparation for the advanced inter-disciplinary work of brand design and development.
Now her influence is felt on both sides of the table, keeping all stakeholders motivated and responsive, preparing estimates and timetables, managing schedules and workflow, promoting clear communications, and bringing projects in on time and on budget.
Jessie’s commitment to meeting our clients’ needs with warmth and enthusiasm makes her a highly valued member of the team.
Kim Markham
Accounting and Administration
Kim’s corporate finance background makes her the perfect liason to our clients on all business processes and procedures.
Her 30-plus years in accounting, payroll, human resources, and systems development and implementation for such global luminaries as Chevron Corporation and Bechtel Power Corporation – plus providing bookkeeping services for various small businesses – makes her the perfect candidate to help McLean Design maintain standard operating procedures that clarify and simplify our business practices and align ourselves with our customers’ often diverse expectations.