Hey, still Matt.
I like making stuff look great, but I looove making sure we're solving the right problem to begin with.
A decade in, I still think the most interesting part of every project happens before anyone even starts sketching: figuring out what we're trying to say, who we're saying it to, and why they should care. I do brands, websites, copywriting, art direction—often at the same time, and the throughline is making sure it's all actually going to work together.
Resume
Fun Facts
- I'm a lifelong musician, so naturally I got into design because I was the one in the band with a cracked copy of Photoshop.
- I taught drumline for the better part of a decade.
- In a past life, was a moderator of r/TacoBell.
- Recently became an avid GeoGuessr. Am exceedingly okay at it.
- Mike Dirnt from Green Day follows me on Instagram and I've got the receipts.
Experience
20|20 Creative Group
Brand & Web Designer • May 2015 - Present
Design and develop brand identity and design systems for small to mid-sized businesses, with emphasis on scalability and future-proofing; execute implementation across web, social, print, packaging, launch materials, and event pieces; own the in-house web workflow end-to-end, from strategy and UX through development and launch, maintaining a portfolio of 20+ active WordPress sites; provide art direction for junior designers, photo/video productions, and outside contract developers.
Ambient Trash
Content Creator • December 2019 - Present
I create long and short-form product demo videos for makers of guitar effects pedals and other music gear, with clients ranging from small boutique operations to massive manufacturers and distributors with international presence in the MI world.
More on That
Cal Poly Mustang Band
Drumline Instructor & Arranger • May 2014 - June 2020
As drumline instructor, I oversaw a section of ~25 students. I headed up auditions; ran rehearsals; composed original music for the group; taught percussion technique and musicianship. I additionally identified, appointed, and provided mentorship to student leadership while coordinating with them throughout the school year.
Off the field, I also took part in planning with Mustang Band's directors, collaborated on field show design, and consulted on day-to-day operations.
Education
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
B.S. Graphic Communication • Web & Digital Media Concentration
September 2010 - December 2014
Pretty Good With
Creative
- Brand Identity
- Logo Design
- Print Design/Production
- Digital Media
- Layout/Typography
- Social Media Graphics
- Photo/Video Editing
- Copywriting/Editing
Web
- UX/UI
- Responsive Design
- HTML/CSS
- Wordpress
- WP Engine
- Themeco Pro
- ACF Pro
- Tech Writing/Documentation
Software
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- Figma
- Final Cut Pro X
- Premiere Pro
- Canva
- Reaper
- Google Workspace
- macOS & Windows
- AI tools (Claude, Runway, etc.)