Keith Ratner

My Work

San Francisco

It Started in San Francisco

My professional journey began in San Francisco during the dynamic 1990s, where I spent seven formative years (1992-1999) establishing the foundation of my career in design and technology. During this time, I had the privilege of working at Price Waterhouse (now PwC), one of the world’s largest professional services firms, where I honed my skills in visual design and learned to collaborate with business teams on high-stakes communication materials.

The San Francisco Bay Area provided the perfect backdrop for developing expertise that would bridge creative design with business strategy. Working within PwC’s corporate environment taught me the importance of precision, attention to detail, and delivering visual solutions that drive real business results.

The San Francisco Bay Area provided the perfect backdrop for developing expertise that would bridge creative design with business strategy. Working within PwC’s corporate environment taught me the importance of precision, attention to detail, and delivering visual solutions that drive real business results.

New York

Returning to New York

In 1999, I made the decision to return to the East Coast, and by 2000, I had joined Davis Vision in Latham, New York. This transition marked the beginning of what would become a nearly decade-long tenure where I would build and lead the Creative Services department from the ground up, managing all outgoing digital and print communications for this national healthcare company.

After establishing a thriving creative department at Davis Vision, the call of the Bay Area’s innovative spirit drew me back to California in 2010. I joined BayBio, the life sciences association in South San Francisco, where I would create some of my most visually compelling work. My role as Design and Information Technology Manager allowed me to combine strategic marketing with sophisticated visual design, culminating in an award-caliber annual report that showcased the biotechnology industry’s impact and potential.

People want to be heard. Your job is to listen.

When BayBio decided to produce their first-ever annual report, they entrusted me with the complete design vision for this landmark publication. Working exclusively in close partnership with the Communications Director and our small but dedicated team, I was responsible for translating the complex world of biotechnology into an accessible, visually stunning narrative.

Communicate with stakeholders. Tell their story.

This wasn’t just another corporate publication—it was BayBio’s debut statement to the industry, investors, and policymakers about the vital role of life sciences in the Bay Area economy. The challenge was substantial: how do you visually represent cutting-edge scientific research, member achievements, and industry impact in a way that’s both scientifically accurate and visually compelling?

The resulting design became one of my most elaborate and sophisticated works, setting a new standard for how trade associations could present their annual achievements while establishing BayBio’s visual identity in the competitive biotech landscape.