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.”