FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA :

MEDIA MONKS

Photo Retoucher / Designer

One of my initial roles at Media Monks was working on the Night Shift team, dedicated to handling assets for a Triple-A client with strict confidentiality requirements. My daily responsibilities included retouching and silhouetting multiple images on a regular basis. The process involved manual masking and, at times, extending any cut-off parts of the images. It's worth noting that, during that time, the use of AI tools for this process was not permitted, which made the successful completion of challenging images all the more rewarding, relying solely on our expertise and problem-solving skills. These images would later be incorporated into various design assets, spanning from digital to real-world placements.

Each day presented a fresh and unique challenge allowing my skills to quickly progress. This allowed my lead producer to entrust me with last-minute images that needed to be completed or to make corrections on client-produced images. Every image had its own distinctive characteristics, and finding creative solutions to extract the subject matter from various contexts provided constant opportunities to refine my approach. I excelled in this role and appreciated working alongside a talented team that was always available to exchange tips, and tricks, or even share useful Photoshop brushes.

Being a part of this team allowed me to develop new and more efficient workflows, and I will forever be grateful for the experience.

Senior Designer / Graphic Design

After achieving success in the Night Shift team, I began exploring other opportunities within the company to leverage my skills. This involved sending numerous emails and networking with individuals in various positions at the company. I proactively applied for internal positions that aligned with my skill set.

After a series of behind-the-scenes meetings, my Creative Director facilitated my transition to a more design-oriented role within the Amazon team. I was thrilled and eagerly embraced this new chapter. I also started using Figma for all my design work in this role and quickly grew fond of the program.

In this new position, I had the opportunity to design a wide range of assets used by Amazon in various digital formats. Collaborating with a team of designers and producers located in different regions around the world, I gained valuable insights into the intricacies of high-speed asset production. Together with art directors, copywriters, producers, and fellow designers, we functioned as a cohesive unit to deliver assets with tight turnaround times.

Cultura.Monks Co-Leader

Never one to rest on my laurels, I also volunteered to help launch the company's first Latinx Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group, affectionately known as Cultura.Monks. As a co-leader of the group, I took on the responsibility of not only designing its logo but also leveraging my extensive personal network of friends and professional acquaintances to deliver company-wide presentations on Latiné history and relevant professional topics.

Leading and facilitating bi-weekly meetings and addressing my fellow co-workers of Latiné descent was both a privilege and an honor. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I've experienced the challenges of finding individuals in this field with similar backgrounds and traditions. With over 20 years in this line of work, it brings me immense joy to witness the changes companies are now implementing to ensure our visibility and inclusivity.