ALYSSA ALARCON SANTO

951-751-4917 | hello@alyssasantodesign.com | alyssasantodesign.com
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A precise artist with a background in freehand illustration blends a passion for art with technical knowledge to create customized illustrations, branded advertisements, balanced hand lettering, and visually appealing merchandise.

Known for meticulously practiced fluency in Adobe Creative Cloud programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Draws upon years of high-volume remote work to communicate effectively with clients and adhere to strict deadlines.

EDUCATION

Independent Publishing Resource Center
Portland, Oregon. 2018 - 2019
Graphic Novel Certificate Program

School of the Museum of Fine Arts
Boston, Massachusetts. 2015 - 2016
Illustration Certificate Program

University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland. Summer Program, 2011
Creative Writing and Modernist Literature

SKILLS

• Organized, collaborative, solution-oriented

• Formally trained in pen and ink illustration, screenprinting, Copic markers, watercolor, graphic design, and branding.

• Software: Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, InDesign CC, Premiere CC, Procreate.

• Experienced in storyboarding, cinematography, digital and film photography, traditional calligraphy.

• Publications include:

  • Exhibit in juried Show, “Print, Paper and Graphic Arts” | SMFA, 2016

  • Editorial illustration | The Fixx #2, 2017

  • 5 Page comic | Token Magazine, 2018

  • Cover design | Planet Scumm #3, #5, 2018

  • 4 page comic | Vagabond Comics, 2019

  • Spot illustrations | Planet Scumm #7, 2019

  • Spot Illustrations | Brave the Page, 2019

NOTABLE CLIENTS

National Novel Writing Month | Non Profit
Conceptualized and illustrated full lines of 2018 and 2019 event merchandise, including apparel, housewares, office supplies, and an enamel pin. Illustrated a non-fiction book, releasing August 2019.

Jacque Casillas | Democratic Candidate
Designed evocative logo and campaign collateral for an elected Corona City Councilperson.

Xbox | Tech and Gaming Company
Designed large-scale conceptual illustration to represent the disabled community for their Diversity in Gaming initiative.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Creative Director and Production Designer | Spark & Fizz Publishing | Portland, OR. 2015 - Current

A founding member, this small press publisher has seven anthology books in more than a dozen bookstores across the country. One additional title is scheduled for release in 2019.

• Collaborate with board members to determine project timelines, delegate tasks, and proof drafts for clarity.

• Sr. Graphic Designer in charge of cover layout and typeset the contents of the book. Crafted the brand identity and color story.

• Director of visual collateral, including contracting artists for cover and spot illustrations.

Freelance Illustration | Alyssa Alarcón Santo Design | Vancouver, WA. 2013 - Current

Freelancer specializing in serif hand lettering, brush calligraphy, and digital illustration. Favors a clean, graphic, and representative style.

• Commissioned to design stylized illustrations for (including but not limited to) magazines, book covers, wedding invitations, custom monograms, and personalized gifts.

• Manages a successful print shop with original designs prevalently featuring architecture, literature, and pop culture.

• Commissioned graphic design including: branding treatments, product design, packaging design, advertising and social media assets.

Sr. Graphic Designer | Fred + Far | Los Angeles, CA. 2016 - 2018

Began as the in-house designer and quickly transitioned to remote work. Adhered to tight deadlines with quick turnaround in a variety of disciplines including graphic design, product photography, office management.

• Designed print materials including packaging assets, advertisements shown at New York Fashion Week, and assets used for event tabling.

• Designed products including a successful line of enamel pins, greeting cards, and t-shirts.

• Contributed to development of brand guidelines and logo variants. Designed digital materials including line sheet, newsletter layouts, and social media assets.

Box Office | The Bowery Presents | Boston, MA. 2013 - 2016

Long time trusted employee for Bowery affiliated venues including: The Sinclair, The Royale, Arts at the Armory, and Great Scott. Primarily worked box office, but also handled coat check and merchandise tabling.

• Duties included sale of tickets, distribution of will call, management of guest lists, and handling of all cash sales and reconciliation.

• Facilitated ticketing and customer service for high volume biannual festivals Boston Calling and Lawn on D Summer Concerts.

• Designed event advertisements and flyers, show posters, and chalkboard menu lettering.