December of 2022, the school of CSU Long Beach held a graduating Graphic Design BFA senior show titled ‘Best Wishes’. I was brought on to the team as the Art Director for the merch line.

This merch line was created to embody the Best Wishes art show. Uses of a wide color palette and an organic stylization were essential to embodying a group of students that are larger than life.  A two-sided duo-toned canvas tote, a 16-page zine, and a sticker sheet were designed and sold. 

‘From The Students’ (F.T.S.) Zine made in collaboration with designer, Nadine Nazareth.

Layers of Mementos is a visual representation of my tattoo journal, weaving together quotes, moments, and symbols into a tangible printed form. It is a tribute to the many impulsive tattoo sessions that are soon to come.

Given the delicacy of this project, the approach was to articulate each tattoo through the means of a collage, an illustration, and a written explanation. Transparent page overlays were utilized for each collage to translate the idea of skin and its many layers. This technique was essential in signifying the depth beyond the surface. As every tattoo carries a story, a range of images, and, most importantly, a reason.

Between 240 pages cut and sewn together, this book embodies all aspects of myself — from skin to cells.

In this school project, nine unique posters were integrated to produce a single, multi-layered event poster. Each iteration adhered to specific methodologies, addressing the depth required to convey the perception of an event poster. This included the use of illustrations in one, adopting a representational approach in another, and even working in complete opposites for a few.

Inspired by one of the earliest UK raves known as "Hedonism," the goal was to capture something ephemeral and equally vibrant.

To create the final composition, careful curation of ideas and elements from different iterations was undertaken. An inkling from one composition was incorporated, another was slightly disregarded, and the styling from one with a lasting impact was retained. All of this cross referencing and combining led to the sole final product, presenting a cohesive body of work that is concise in its intent and stylized when necessary.

To take a break from learning conventional design in the classroom these one-off posters were created as practice and creative exploration of form and image-making. Each aimed at making something chaotic just as visually intriguing.

As the Art Director for 22 West, the focus was on laying out pages and creating photo illustrations, with much time spent learning to place type efficiently. Given the tight production schedule of three days per each issue, working resourcefully was vital. Each 32 page issue featured a distinct personality, reflected in the headlines, columns, and overall layout.

above is the May 2022: Fear Issue.

This school project presents a rebranding vision for OMR, an art gallery situated in Mexico City. The objective is to cultivate a more inclusive brand essence, redefining the interplay between the art world and the public.

A red-orange coloring was used to provide a vibrancy and conviviality from logo to application. A mix and match of textures was essential in providing interest from any age group. To accommodate the gallery's dynamic exhibitions, a versatile overlay composition is implemented in all posters, seamlessly integrating OMR's brand with each artist's unique perspective. Ensuring OMR remains prominent, regardless of the artistic narratives on display.

I gave this presentation in November 2022. To spread the word about Are.na and show others on campus the sheer power of this online platform.

Are.na is a media platform/company/site dedicated to exemplifying digital content. Primarily used as an alternative to the maximalist Pinterest landscape. Being adored by many designers and creatives. I had reached out to CSULB VCDA sometime in August of 2022 to set up the event; come some months later I had a lovely 25-person audience come out to hear me babble.

In collaboration with CSULB VCDA

Event Bio:
“We will be navigating the online world with the power of Are.na—a content collecting service made for the designer, the digital archivist, and the creative. It is this relatively new online service that provides the ability to collect content. It’s an open ended space that is free of ads, with a distraction free design, no algorithm, solely meant to preserve, find specific content, and connect with other designers.”
— CSULB VCDA IG post