I’m Miguel, a designer and art director who has been working and living in the creative field for over 30 years.

A bold yet true statement. I started my journey in the arts as a guitarist in several East Bay hard rock bands. Then, from a production artist in a service bureau to a freelance graphic designer, I bounced from one Bay Area studio to another. I’ve also exhibited my photography and paintings at La Peña Cultural Center, San Francisco City Hall, and the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts.

I thrive in the creative space, collaborating with business owners and individuals seeking a clear and simple direction to achieve their goal of presenting their business or service in the best way possible. I specialize in brand identity and strategy, creative collaboration, executive-level B2B / B2C presentations, conceptual thinking and expression, business coaching, and motivation.

My interests are going to concerts, popcorn movies and Hitchcock films, painting, photography, screenwriting, and the Oakland (Never Say LA or LV) Raiders. I live in the East Bay as a caregiver to my parents.

Accomplished in brand strategy, identity, and collateral design for publication deployment. A skilled brand manager and art director with experience in product development, packaging, advertising, and publication and web design. Working experience in all facets of design for print and digital applications.

A researcher of current visual design trends and production software applications. Adapted to the accessible world, producing ADA-compliant documents via Word, PowerPoint, and InDesign. Organized, detail-oriented, and motivated as a studio contributor. Excellent communication skills, creative collaborator, and project leader.

My video work can be seen here at OBRA Productions.

DESIGN THINKING

Concept Development
Research, Analysis, and Strategy

Design Execution
Typography, Color, Layout, and Sketches

Final Publication
Digital Expression and Print Pre-Press

STUDIO AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

Product mock-up, photography, photo color correction, retouching and manipulation, copywriting and editing, customer support, office management and administration, knowledge of Mac OS and networking systems with experience in website design and UI development.

pOSITIONS

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)  | 2017 – Current  

Work with and support the Legislation and Public Affairs (LPA) Graphics team on various agency program projects from concept to publication.

Designed various printed reports for the Horizon Initiative and printed assets for community engagement: posters, data-gathering information boards, engagement staff t-shirts, name tags, tabletop flyers, and event directional signage.

Responsible for updating the Plan Bay Area 2050 branding and style guides before designing public outreach print collateral: posters, handouts, and public engagement event signage.

Design the PBA2050 report from concept to final print delivery. Tasks include color and typography selection, layout style guides, photo color correction and editing, and iconography illustration. Prepare and coordinate the final print and delivery of completed books.

Created brand identities for various MTC/ABAG programs: the Forward Commute Initiative identities, BayRen Home Plus Participating Contractor, MetroTalks, and PBA/Transit 2050 + (Plus).

Designed identity and supporting materials for the San Francisco Estuary Partnership (SFEP) for their 2022 Estuary Blueprint, Wetland Regional Monitoring Program (WRMP), and Estuary Youth Council (EYC).

Produced accessible PowerPoint and Word Templates for PBA2050+ and the San Francisco Estuary Partnership.

Merchant Consulting | 2008 – 2017  Designer / Creative Consultant

Work directly with the Executive Team for a design consultancy based in Berkeley, CA.

• Develop brand identity for digital and print collateral

• Design B2B and B2C Presentation 

• Designed brand identity and packaging for 

• Creative support and copy editing for all presentations

• Setup studio procedures and asset management

• Design the Merchant website and portfolio slides

• Storyboard and edit video case studies for specialized presentations

Accounts Include AAA, Kaiser Permanente, RKO Pictures and their horror division, Roseblood Movie Company, California Olive Ranch, Yan Can Cook, Kurbo Family Health App, NextSpace Shared Workspace, Ahnu Hair Care, AIDO Sunscreen, Turquese Swim Wear

Anthem Worldwide | 2005 – 2008  Senior Designer

Work directly with the Creative Director for a design consultancy based in Berkeley, CA.

• Packaging and identity design studies. Produce visual assets for creative review presentations: form factor concepts, digital illustrations, and visual audits. Assist in research and development for all projects. Quality control for all final output production files.

CLIENTS

EVOLVh Hair Care | 2010  Designer / Brand Consultant

Project objectives include brand analysis, brand consultation, and management while producing final package design files, B2B, and sales marketing materials for print and digital applications.

Hikari Chiropractic | 2005 – 15  Art Director / Designer / Brand Consultant

Produce brand identity and business collateral. Supervise brand communication, visual language, and marketing assets. Develop and design the website while managing the design direction with the website developer. Produce a brand video for online marketing.

Compass Realty | 2011 – 13  Art Director / Designer / Brand Consultant

Produce brand identity and business collateral. Supervise brand communication and marketing assets. Website design, development, copy edits, publishing, and social media consultation.

PlazaCuba.com | 2010 – 13  Art Director / Designer / Business Consultant

Produce brand identity, design trade booth signage, brochure, print ads, and postcards. Website design and development, copy, and photo editing. Consult on business opportunities, outline project scope, and budget, manage timelines and deliverables.

Tatcha Skincare
Web banners, site updates, print design and production

Machi Candles
Logo, packaging, print and website design and art direction

Sangha Wellness Center
Logo, office signage, website design, and art direction

Urbanworks Native Landscaping
Logo, business collateral, website, and social media design