I'm Diego Sommariva, a graphic designer and illustrator who builds contemporary visual mythologies, symbols, systems, and universes that connect culture, brands, and people. With over 20 years of experience, I blend deep cultural insight with razor-sharp commercial design to create work that resonates and performs. My journey started in menswear for surf and skate brands, teaching me how design drives identity and sales. Since then I’ve shaped visuals for global franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Stranger Things, Spin Master, Minecraft, and Xbox. I specialize in brand systems, logos, icons, patterns, and apparel graphics, plus art direction and campaigns that capture imaginations.

Diego Sommariva

I'm Diego Sommariva, a graphic designer and illustrator who builds contemporary visual mythologies, symbols, systems, and universes that connect culture, brands, and people. With over 20 years of experience, I blend deep cultural insight with razor-sharp commercial design to create work that resonates and performs. My journey started in menswear for surf and skate brands, teaching me how design drives identity and sales. Since then I’ve shaped visuals for global franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Stranger Things, Spin Master, Minecraft, and Xbox. I specialize in brand systems, logos, icons, patterns, and apparel graphics, plus art direction and campaigns that capture imaginations.

Available to hire

I’m Diego Sommariva, a graphic designer and illustrator who builds contemporary visual mythologies, symbols, systems, and universes that connect culture, brands, and people. With over 20 years of experience, I blend deep cultural insight with razor-sharp commercial design to create work that resonates and performs.

My journey started in menswear for surf and skate brands, teaching me how design drives identity and sales. Since then I’ve shaped visuals for global franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Stranger Things, Spin Master, Minecraft, and Xbox. I specialize in brand systems, logos, icons, patterns, and apparel graphics, plus art direction and campaigns that capture imaginations.

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Language

English
Fluent
Portuguese
Fluent
Italian
Beginner

Work Experience

Art Director - Graphic Artist at PowerStation Studios
April 1, 2022 - May 31, 2024
Developed comprehensive style guides and brand systems for market-leading clients including Netflix, Activision, Lucasfilm, Xbox, and Nerf. Architected end-to-end creative solutions—from concept to final delivery—for global entertainment franchises, ensuring brand integrity across all touchpoints. Led the visual strategy for high-impact graphic content and collaborated with the Design Director to mentor junior designers, elevating team creativity. Conducted trend research and mood board development across entertainment, fashion, and pop culture to keep output forward-looking and culturally relevant.
Graphic Artist - Illustrator at Rockstar Games
March 1, 2020 - April 30, 2022
Contributed to the iconic GTA V Online and GTA VI visual identities; pioneered in-world 2D asset design—brands, signage, and apparel—that advanced environmental storytelling in AAA games. Produced assets from concept to final artwork within a cross-functional team, ensuring brand consistency across projects. Conducted ongoing market and trend research to guarantee designs remained fresh and culturally resonant.
Graphic Designer - Illustrator at SGame Pro
November 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019
Launched the brand’s debut apparel collection (60+ products), defining the creative direction from concept to print-ready artwork. Created bold, eye-catching graphics bridging gaming culture and streetwear, enhancing brand identity and player engagement. Supported UI/UX design reviews for the SGame Pro app and built mood boards and trend decks to align with gamer aesthetics.
Apparel Graphic Designer at Freeday Skateboards
January 1, 2017 - September 30, 2018
Directed seasonal creative vision for the brand’s apparel lines, delivering graphics and illustrations that resonated with streetwear and skateboard audiences. Conducted in-depth trend research, developed mood boards and creative briefs, and designed custom trims and packaging, elevating brand perception. Managed the full design workflow from ideation to final art delivery.
Localization Product Designer at Santa Cruz Skateboards | Independent Truck Co. | Child Skates | Drop Dead Skateboards
February 1, 2009 - March 1, 2017
Adapted and expanded the global apparel collection for the Brazilian market, aligning product strategy with local consumer trends. Developed localized graphics and product variations, led material sourcing, and created technical specification sheets; defined color palettes and presented concepts to the sales team with a clear creative and commercial rationale.
Graphic Designer and Illustrator at Free Surf – Tropical Brasil Surfboards
February 1, 2007 - August 31, 2008
Developed graphic collections for surf and lifestyle apparel, directly contributing to a 48% increase in surfboard sales. Collaborated with design directors to ensure brand-consistent graphics across apparel and accessories, and supported end-to-end product development.
Lead Designer at Vida Marinha Surf Co.
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2006
Advanced from Junior Graphic Designer to Lead Designer, steering trend research and end-to-end design for graphics across product lines. Built foundational design systems and processes, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and contributed to the brand’s growth with consistent, scalable creative output.
Graphic Designer and Illustrator at Free Surf – Code Session | Tropical Brasil Surfboards
February 1, 2007 - August 1, 2008
Developed graphic collections for surf and lifestyle apparel, directly contributing to increased sales. Collaborated with design directors to create compelling graphics for t-shirts, tanks, hoodies, jackets, pants, and accessories, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends. Played a key role in the commercial strategy by presenting collections to the sales team and highlighting design techniques and storytelling to empower the sales force.
Junior Graphic Designer to Lead Designer at Vida Marinha Surf Co.
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2006
Rapidly advanced from an entry-level position to a leadership role, leading trend research and analysis of top-selling products to inform seasonal collections. Managed end-to-end design for graphics, typography, and illustrations across product lines, collaborating to establish deadlines, streamline workflows, and maintain consistent creative quality. Built foundational design systems and processes to support brand growth and seasonal launches.

Education

Graphic Design - Manga Illustration at SATC - Associação Beneficente da Indústria Carbonífera de Santa Catarina
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2006
High School Diploma at Colégio Universitário Criciúma
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1999
Graphic Design - Manga Illustration at SATC - Associação Beneficente da Indústria Carbonífera de Santa Catarina
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2006
High School Diploma at Colégio Universitário Criciuma
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1999

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Software & Internet, Retail, Professional Services