A TEJANO ART DIRECTOR AND A RETIRED
TEEN BLOGGER WITH A LOT TO SAY.
I LIKE TO THINK BIG.
ELLA QUE NO CORRE, VUELA
DESIGN
I joined PC as an art director & designer in 2021. Their primary brand element was a blob and, yet, it was affiliated with conversations concerning intimate human-specific issues (not that of an amoeba). I worked to elevate their otherwise bright and fun illustration style with handlettering for a more human touch.
Spec work. I was inspired by the cartoon-ish graffiti that decorates New York’s streets, and wanted to incorporate a 3D-effect to reinforce the genre’s code of conduct: make shit that takes up space.
Featuring my favorite tagline, this merch design spelled out PC’s north star: the importance of sex ed and empowering students to learn about safer-sex. Handdrawn and bold while still maintaining a focus on the text, this solution felt natural to me.
I recognized an opportunity to repair and bolster the narrative & identity previously built for this video game franchise - a game that blended hero archetypes with fantasy and generic medieval aesthetics. This recipe felt all too common, and I wanted to reach a more specific audience while reworking what it means to be a hero. This was a reimagining of the hero’s journey that centered the queer cultural experience. Instead of burying the feeling out-of-place, I wanted folks to have a space to be themselves in the virtual realm so that they could be empowered to realize their true selves IRL. This version would be rounded out by a medieval futurist hyperpop-inspired blend.
I think about shared public spaces a lot, as a former public policy and urban design minor. And I wanted to have this illustration tell a story that would guide the eye from left-to-right and would encourage our followers to swipe through the gallery slides.
Dua Lipa was my introduction to contemporary pop music and I just wanted to honor her.
I served as a graphic designer and gallery assistant for a natural science and history museum based in Eugene, OR. The bulk of my work involved crafting designs for print, including: A-frames, posters, and newspaper ads.
Spec work for mobile-based application UI.
The mammoth silhouette is both a notable landmark located in front of the museum’s entrance, and it serves as a focal point of the MNCH’s visual identity and brand guidelines.
A poster design featuring custom lettering.
This is a glimpse at a project I am currently building: a fake makeup brand with a one-product lineup - lipstick! I wanted to keep the illustrative style more minimalistic and iconographic. Although I am still workshopping the brand narrative and design guidelines, I can say that the brand’s platform is built upon the understanding that bold living involves boundary-setting. I hope to use this project to apply what I learned about sexual education from my previous work with a sexual health provider and educator.
A freehand illustration achieved without use of references; this features a quote from John Waters’ 2015 RISD commencement speech.
I had just purchased new Procreate brushes and wanted to commemorate my Sex & The City rewatch by drawing Samantha.
Most recently, I have been obsessed with heavy metal t-shirts and their weird, near-illegible yet badass lettering. Each band features its own riff on the torn, spider web-y glyphs.
One of my first vector illustrations and a piece that is, unsurprisingly, emblematic of how I got my start as an illustrator. This self-portrait began in response to a failed desire to connect during the initial COVID lockdown; I sought out the familiar faces which I missed, and started by looking in the mirror. My self portraits marked a desire to capture my growth and my moods, and this is also reflected in my self-portrait photographs.
This one-off was inspired by an unnerving concern for my eyes and their longevity in my chosen career as a designer...coupled with bad posture, designers can’t seem to catch a break!
A birthday portrait for a friend based on a truly wicked night out in Greenwich Village (I worked in NYC for only a summer, but am still milking this experience by name)
This was an experiment with handlettering adapted into a 3D design.
This is a part of a larger painting based on my love of Mexican folk art. Two years later, I redesigned this for a tattoo I wanted.
“Bless this mess!” This is an ode to both my friend Ruth’s cat and her messy room.
This is my dog, Hank, alongside one of my more recent obsessions - calligraphy! I used this for a screenprinting project and now havev it as a t-shirt.
EDITORIAL ART DIRECTION
PROTECTION CONNECTION, 2022
This photoshoot was an experimental piece involved in PC’s brand evolution. During my time as an art director & designer for the sexual health and education organization, I worked towards incorporating a more human touch into the product-focused assets. The strategy here was inspired by a desire to create product photography stills that were immediately sensual; this starkly contrasted the bright and fun illustrative style associated with the brand.
AD: Isa Ramos & Makayla Lee, Photographer: Evan Harvey ALIGN MAGAZINE, 2021
AD & Photographer: Malena Saadeh; CD: Isa Ramos PROTECTION CONNECTION, 2022
“The Creation of Adam”! But with a gathering of hands, love gloves, finger condoms, and lube!
AD: Isa Ramos & Makayla Lee, Photographer: Evan Harvey ALIGN MAGAZINE, 2021
AD: Jenna Boerlin, Photographer: Sophia Prince; CD: Isa Ramos ALIGN MAGAZINE, 2020
AD: Katherine Stallard, Photographer: Isabelle Hesse; CD: Isa Ramos ALIGN MAGAZINE, 2020
AD: Andrew Barron, Photographer: Charlotte Moerel; CD: Isa Ramos ALIGN MAGAZINE, 2020
AD: Kieran Gross, Photographer: Samantha Joh; CD: Isa Ramos ALIGN MAGAZINE, 2021
AD: Katherine Stallard, Photographer: Isabelle Hesse; CD: Isa Ramos ALIGN MAGAZINE, 2020
AD: Katherine Stallard, Photographer: Isabelle Hesse; CD: Isa Ramos
PHOTOGRAPHY
“JORDON”, 2023
I stole away my brother’s holiday PTO simply to dress him up in KISS makeup!!! With the bulk of my photo work hosting saturated color schemes, my goal here was simply to work in black-and-white. “GAROD”, 2022
Half-asleep yet dressed up with nowhere to go: my subject, home lighting, and graduation grief made for some really moody photos. “GAROD & ISA”, 2020
I started taking photos more seriously in 2019. As with my illustration, I sought to capture human faces amidst the feelings of loneliness onset by the COVID-19 lockdown; I started photographing what was in front of me - close friends and my own reflection. “CONRAD”, 2021
I styled and photographed my roommate. I still love the persona we created of a cowboy-turned-mobman. “CONRAD”, 2021
I styled and photographed my roommate. I still love the persona we created of a cowboy-turned-mobman. “GAROD”, 2020
A technique I really enjoy employing is to light the backdrop from behind. This illuminates the edges of the subject, but also makes for much moodier lighting. “SELF-PORTRAIT”, 2019
This was taken from my first photoshoot. I played with my DSLR and it’s built-in flash, the shutter speed, and my mother’s scarf to replicate a double-exposure-like-effect. “LISA”, 2021
The lovely Lisa tucked away in my apartment on a cold November afternoon. “DEVENDRA BANHART”, 2019
This man is one of my favorite musicians, but he gave me a hard glare when my camera bag was in his way as he stepped off the stage to mingle with the crowd. I’ll never forget that. “SELF-PORTRAIT”, 2023
If you zoom in, you can get a better look at my infected pierced eyebrow! I had not photographed anyone in months, and, for this little shoot, I wanted to step away from my tendency towards overly saturated colorful lighting.
“GAROD”, 2020
I wanted to recreate the signature style of the iconic French photography duo Pierre Et Gilles and their surreal use of hypersaturated colors. “DEVENDRA BANHART”, 2019
By being so focused on photographing the show, I missed out on a chance to grab the set list (I was even in the front row). “SPILLER”, 2019
I followed around one of my favorite bands from the DIY music scene in Eugene, OR, with my camera: from at-home practices and studio sessions to venues. I also served as their designer and created cover art for their single, “Potter Street”. “SELF-PORTRAIT”, 2019
This was a still from a larger project, a solo performance piece. Created using a GoPro mounted onto my mirror with a projection overlaying my figure. “SELF-PORTRAIT”, 2020
At this point in time during lockdown, I was living alone in a shared apartment and wanted to pass the time between online classes. Here, I took inspiration from a color scheme featured in photographer Andres Serrano’s “Piss Christ”. “FRANKIE”, 2018
As a freshman and journalism major (formerly) in college, I enjoyed attending house shows. I wanted to document everything! At this time, I was using a little Nikon D3200 that might not have been the best choice for a low-lit environment, however, I loved the hazy effect it had. This was also a really cool opportunity to connect with people - even from behind the camera. “SELF-PORTRAIT”, 2020
Taking self-portraits has always been a fun challenge. What started out of necessity, has since become a way to preserve my own history and past selves. However, I cannot express enough just how difficult this challenge was without a flip screen on my camera. “GUSTAVO”, 2021
This was a BTS photograph of the first day on-set for a short film I co-produced - but the project remains unfinished. I styled and photographed my friend Gustavo and the set behind them. “GAROD”, 2022
Not pictured here is my dog Hank on Garod’s lap. “SAM”, 2019
In spite of this solemn feeling captured on-camera during Spiller’s practice, Sam’s upbeat ‘tude was hard to miss. I removed the basement backdrop and replaced it with a random photograph I found at a thrift store.
This photoshoot was an experimental piece involved in PC’s brand evolution. During my time as an art director & designer for the sexual health and education organization, I worked towards incorporating a more human touch into the product-focused assets. The strategy here was inspired by a desire to create product photography stills that were immediately sensual; this starkly contrasted the bright and fun illustrative style associated with the brand.
AD: Isa Ramos & Makayla Lee, Photographer: Evan Harvey
AD & Photographer: Malena Saadeh; CD: Isa Ramos
“The Creation of Adam”! But with a gathering of hands, love gloves, finger condoms, and lube!
AD: Isa Ramos & Makayla Lee, Photographer: Evan Harvey
AD: Jenna Boerlin, Photographer: Sophia Prince; CD: Isa Ramos
AD: Katherine Stallard, Photographer: Isabelle Hesse; CD: Isa Ramos
AD: Andrew Barron, Photographer: Charlotte Moerel; CD: Isa Ramos
AD: Kieran Gross, Photographer: Samantha Joh; CD: Isa Ramos
AD: Katherine Stallard, Photographer: Isabelle Hesse; CD: Isa Ramos
AD: Katherine Stallard, Photographer: Isabelle Hesse; CD: Isa Ramos
I stole away my brother’s holiday PTO simply to dress him up in KISS makeup!!! With the bulk of my photo work hosting saturated color schemes, my goal here was simply to work in black-and-white.
Half-asleep yet dressed up with nowhere to go: my subject, home lighting, and graduation grief made for some really moody photos.
I started taking photos more seriously in 2019. As with my illustration, I sought to capture human faces amidst the feelings of loneliness onset by the COVID-19 lockdown; I started photographing what was in front of me - close friends and my own reflection.
I styled and photographed my roommate. I still love the persona we created of a cowboy-turned-mobman.
I styled and photographed my roommate. I still love the persona we created of a cowboy-turned-mobman.
A technique I really enjoy employing is to light the backdrop from behind. This illuminates the edges of the subject, but also makes for much moodier lighting.
This was taken from my first photoshoot. I played with my DSLR and it’s built-in flash, the shutter speed, and my mother’s scarf to replicate a double-exposure-like-effect.
The lovely Lisa tucked away in my apartment on a cold November afternoon.
This man is one of my favorite musicians, but he gave me a hard glare when my camera bag was in his way as he stepped off the stage to mingle with the crowd. I’ll never forget that.
If you zoom in, you can get a better look at my infected pierced eyebrow! I had not photographed anyone in months, and, for this little shoot, I wanted to step away from my tendency towards overly saturated colorful lighting.
I wanted to recreate the signature style of the iconic French photography duo Pierre Et Gilles and their surreal use of hypersaturated colors.
By being so focused on photographing the show, I missed out on a chance to grab the set list (I was even in the front row).
I followed around one of my favorite bands from the DIY music scene in Eugene, OR, with my camera: from at-home practices and studio sessions to venues. I also served as their designer and created cover art for their single, “Potter Street”.
This was a still from a larger project, a solo performance piece. Created using a GoPro mounted onto my mirror with a projection overlaying my figure.
At this point in time during lockdown, I was living alone in a shared apartment and wanted to pass the time between online classes. Here, I took inspiration from a color scheme featured in photographer Andres Serrano’s “Piss Christ”.
As a freshman and journalism major (formerly) in college, I enjoyed attending house shows. I wanted to document everything! At this time, I was using a little Nikon D3200 that might not have been the best choice for a low-lit environment, however, I loved the hazy effect it had. This was also a really cool opportunity to connect with people - even from behind the camera.
Taking self-portraits has always been a fun challenge. What started out of necessity, has since become a way to preserve my own history and past selves. However, I cannot express enough just how difficult this challenge was without a flip screen on my camera.
This was a BTS photograph of the first day on-set for a short film I co-produced - but the project remains unfinished. I styled and photographed my friend Gustavo and the set behind them.
Not pictured here is my dog Hank on Garod’s lap.
In spite of this solemn feeling captured on-camera during Spiller’s practice, Sam’s upbeat ‘tude was hard to miss. I removed the basement backdrop and replaced it with a random photograph I found at a thrift store.
VIDEO
2022
My videography reel features work collected from 2019 into 2022. I have worked on six different short film productions as an editor, director, actor (only once), producer and as a director of photography. 2020
I created a live action stopmotion experimental short loosely inspired by queer villains, both in the horror canon and beyond. I directed, acted, and edited for this COVID-lockdown-era short. It took two days to shoot, and I actually fell asleep in the fake blood (gross!). This project has inspired me to pursue more narrative-driven film projects in the future.
2019
This promotional video made for a fun little challenge. I had no earplugs as well as no audio recording equipment and, using a 70-200mm zoom lens, was positioned directly behind the band during their set at a house show. I was successful in capturing the footage I needed all while protecting my camera from dancing drunken, beer-filled college students.
2023
I visited my father’s West Texas hometown, and took a walk around town, focusing on the landscape and food.
2023
I tried, failed, and then tried again to screenprint a design I made featuring my dog and hand lettering.
2023
Don’t ask whether I am Team Corn or Team Flour Tortilla. My grandma helped me make up my mind (it’s flour).
My videography reel features work collected from 2019 into 2022. I have worked on six different short film productions as an editor, director, actor (only once), producer and as a director of photography.
I created a live action stopmotion experimental short loosely inspired by queer villains, both in the horror canon and beyond. I directed, acted, and edited for this COVID-lockdown-era short. It took two days to shoot, and I actually fell asleep in the fake blood (gross!). This project has inspired me to pursue more narrative-driven film projects in the future.
This promotional video made for a fun little challenge. I had no earplugs as well as no audio recording equipment and, using a 70-200mm zoom lens, was positioned directly behind the band during their set at a house show. I was successful in capturing the footage I needed all while protecting my camera from dancing drunken, beer-filled college students.
I visited my father’s West Texas hometown, and took a walk around town, focusing on the landscape and food.
I tried, failed, and then tried again to screenprint a design I made featuring my dog and hand lettering.
Don’t ask whether I am Team Corn or Team Flour Tortilla. My grandma helped me make up my mind (it’s flour).