Born and raised in San Diego, CA
now living in Fayetteville, AR —
the Natural State

ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Mani, a Designer turned Associate Creative Director with over a decade of experience building brands that last.
I specialize in long-term, strategic branding rooted in design systems, typography, and thoughtful execution. I’m currently Head of Design at a full-service agency where I lead a team of six (three local, three remote), standardize systems, create templates, mentor designers, and push the creative bar every day.
But titles aside, what really drives me is helping people shape their passion into something they’re proud to wear, share, and grow with. I listen closely. I ask a lot of questions. Then I build brands that feel like a true reflection of who they are, with the flexibility to evolve over time.
My obsession with design started in middle school, designing flyers and t-shirts for my hardcore band in San Diego. I learned how to reverse-engineer layouts, mimic typography, and build from instinct. That early curiosity turned into a career, one I’ve shaped through hands-on experience, deep technical chops, and a relentless attention to detail. (Ask my team, I organize fonts by foundry, use an 8pt grid religiously, and yes, my design files are immaculate.)
Over the years, I’ve worked across packaging, digital, UI/UX, brand identity, production, and illustration. I’ve also developed a deep love for design systems, something about the order, structure, and potential for scale just clicks with me.
I believe in design with intention. Brands with longevity. Clean files, strong systems, and meaningful visuals. I stress because I care. I show up. I keep learning. And I love what I do.
DETAILS
Education
Bachelors of Art / Computer Graphic Design
Coleman University | Class of 2013
Awards
3 Platinum | 3 Gold | 7 Silver
American Advertising Awards, Muse Awards, Hermes
Currently Associate Creative Director / Head of Design
Work
MAGNETIC Global | 2016 - Present
Freelance Independent Designer
Studio Salazar | 2015 - Present
Design / Art Direction
ZCode Media / Viva! Merchandise | 2012 - 2017
Technical Support Specialist
Nik Software | 2010 - 2012
Mac Specialist
Apple | 2005 - 2008
Logos
Brand Identity
Design Systems
Web Design
Experience
Print
Packaging
Templates
Illustrations
Collaboration of the Year
Netty Awards
Excellent Communications Design
German Design Awards
Ford, Chilis, MTV, The Wall Street Journal, Nexgrill, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kitchenaid, Stone Brewery, iBase-t, Pierce the Veil, Onyx Coffee
Clients
QUICK FACTS
🔠 Font nerd: I can ID many typefaces at a glance.
✏️ Favorite grid: 8pt, always.
🌍 I lead cross-continental teams with clarity and care.
🛠 Favorite tools: Figma, Illustrator, Slack, coffee.
⛰️ Anything outside, exploring and playing with my kids.
🤝 Most common client feedback: “You took my idea and made it better than I imagined.”