DESIGN FOR CHANGE.
I collaborate with mission-driven brands to create impactful design experiences.
I’m a multimedia designer who wears different hats, seamlessly working across different media and functions — from creative/art direction, photography, digital strategy to branding to digital/print design to content strategy to copy strategy to multimedia production and more — to help organizations effect narrative change. At my core, I'm a storyteller whose mission is to connect people to complex, seemingly abstract issues, to reframe those issues for them, and reshape and expand their understanding of those issues through engaging and accessible design experiences. And, as a queer Latino creative, my work is always driven by a deep commitment to narrative justice, radical inclusion, and ethical storytelling.
I have worked as the lead in-house creative and digital media strategist for national nonprofits and initiatives, including Vera Institute of Justice, The Justice Collaborative, and the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge — working to support their efforts to inform, inspire, and mobilize the public, donors, and policy-makers to action on some of the most critical issues of our time.
Currently, I am a design consultant working clients such as Columbia Justice Lab, but I am window-browsing for my next in-house role at an organization doing important work.
2018 - 2020 · VERA INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE
CREATIVE ASSOCIATE
Led creative direction, design, and production for Vera’s flagship prison reform initiative, Restoring Promise. Conceptualized, designed, produced, and executed content marketing, branded, and visual storytelling campaigns primarily for digital to raise public awareness and funds for U.S. prison and jail reform through videography, photography, VR, brand design, written content, print/digital design, exhibition design, presentation design, web design, digital marketing, among other things with the aim to disrupt harmful narratives in society about the justice system and inspire the general public to advocate for change.
2018 · VERA INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE
DIGITAL ASSOCIATE
Part of a rapidly growing team, I managed the day to day operations and digital design of Vera’s digital accounts (including developing and maintaining a digital brand, content ideation and production, scheduling, and more) and supported overall digital growth and engagement efforts, including for the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge. I worked with centers, projects, and programs throughout the organization to develop concrete content and branding strategies for promoting their work to the public through social media and through Vera’s Think Justice blog.
2020 - PRESENT · FREELANCE
DESIGN CONSULTANT
Consulting on digital and content strategy and creative and multimedia production with initiatives working on a variety of social issues, such as The 24 Hour Plays and Columbia Justice Lab, in addition to building out some independent projects and media research centered on design justice and ethical storytelling.
2020 · THE JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE
CHIEF OF DESIGN & STORYTELLING
Led creative visual and experience design across Zealous’ national and local campaigns and technical support initiatives for public defenders and defender offices across the country, while imagining and implementing new and immersive communication strategies to shift the narrative of what “justice” should look like and move people and leaders to change the justice system for the better.
“Jack is a dynamic talent who is committed to social justice and a pleasure to work with. He's got vision and the skills to execute. He builds strong relationships with colleagues and steadfastly brightens the mood by bringing humor and levity to the work.”
Lindsay Rosenthal,
Initiative Director, Vera Institute of Justice
“Jack is an amazing creator, thought partner, and innovator. His work speaks for itself and pushes the limits of human interaction and design. I had the pleasure of working alongside Jack and to witness his ability to take an idea through implementation and reach a diverse audience.”
Shiqueen Brown, MSW
Senior Partnerships Manager, Microsoft
“It is an extraordinary privilege to work with Jack. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable about the field of design, he is also devoted to teaching out the principles and practices to ensure that our team's work is truly human centered. It was his work that drew me to the Restoring Promise team at the Vera Institute. I also credit him and his multimedia work for my understanding of our team's values and approach, especially changing the narrative about mass incarceration. He has moved at least hundreds of people in this way. I recommend Jack as a creative on any project in any media.”
Deinya Phenix, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Research, Vera Institute of Justice
