About
Hey there —
My name’s Benjamin, but you can call me Ben.
I’m an art director and designer specializing in concept-driven identities and visuals for big and small brands alike.
I was born in Quito, Ecuador; raised in Tucson, Arizona; and I’ve called Austin, Texas home since graduating from the University of Texas’ BFA design program in 2009.
With family spread across continents, I grew up bilingual and learned early to navigate different cultures, absorbing their diverse influences. I feel that growing up with this unique perspective allows me to deconstruct and mix contrasting aesthetics in non-obvious ways.
I’m energized by all things design, and I’ve honed my professional expertise over the last decade and a half, working in many capacities from in-house to agency to freelance designer. I’m at my best when I’m collaborating with others, and I’m not above wearing several hats.
Through these experiences, I have found that the key elements needed to create a strong design already exist within the details of any given project and are just waiting to be unearthed. Knowing how to listen deeply has served me in helping clients to discover their own authenticity and present it visually.
Whether refreshing the look of a heritage brand, helping a fledgling start-up find their footing or crafting fresh concepts for an industry leader, I strive to apply the same high standards across the board to create work that is both innovative and timeless.
Services
Art Direction
Branding & Identity
Experiential Design
Web & Digital Design
Product Design (UX & UI)
Print Design
Illustration
Hand Lettering
Past Clients
Amazon
Austin Gamblers PBR
Big Commerce
Cirrus Logic
H-E-B
Saucony
Southwest Airlines
Truist Bank
Awards
Forefront Networks
2021—2022
Austin Chronicle
"Best of Austin,” Best Family Festival, “Austin Trail of Lights”
Role Art Direction & Design
The Texas Tribune
2019
National Edward R. Murrow Awards
Best breaking news, Best continuing coverage, Best hard news coverage, Excellence in social media, “Families Divided”
Society for News Design
Social Media Design Silver Medal, “Families Divided”
Role Graphic Design
2018
Online News Association
Best explanatory reporting, “Dangerous Deliveries”
Role Art Direction
National Edward R. Murrow Awards
Excellence in writing, “Sold Out”
Society of Professional Journalists
Non-deadline reporting, “Sold Out”
Role Visual Design
Fort Worth Society of Professional Journalists
Defending the disadvantaged, “The Taking”
Role Graphic Design
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
Continuing coverage, “In Harvey's Wake”
Society for News Design Awards of Excellence
Special event: Natural Disaster Coverage, “In Harvey's wake”
Role Graphic Design
Society for News Design Awards of Excellence
Features, “Why I Vote: Five Texas voters talk about their first time at the ballot box”
Role Visual Design
Society for News Design Awards of Excellence
Features, “Puzzling Shapes: Travel across this gerrymandered Texas district”
Role Product Design
2017
Regional & National Edward R. Murrow Awards
Continuing coverage, “Bordering on Insecurity”
Role Graphic Design
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
Feature, “Unholstered”
Role Art Direction & Illustration
2016
Online Journalism Awards
Explanatory Reporting, “The Price of Admission”
Role Visual Design
Society of Professional Journalists
Best Audio Slideshow, “Starstruck”
Role Product Design
2015
Online Journalism Awards
Explanatory Reporting, “Undrinkable”
Role Graphic Design
National & Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
Best Use of Video, “The Shale Life”
Role Art Direction & Visual Design
2014
Education Writers Association
2nd Place, Investigative Reporting, “Faking the Grade”
Fort Worth SPJ
Opening the Books, “Faking the Grade”
Texas Classroom Teachers Association
Silver Bell Award, “Faking the Grade”
Role Graphic Design
University of Texas, Austin
2007 and 2008
Marshall F. Wells Scholarship and Fellowship
Endowment in the College of Fine Arts