Graphic designer and art director based in Richmond, VA with 15+ years of professional experience, specializing in branding, art direction, and typography. Proven track record managing and mentoring junior creatives while carrying projects from start to completion.…

Mauricio Vargas

Graphic designer and art director based in Richmond, VA with 15+ years of professional experience, specializing in branding, art direction, and typography. Proven track record managing and mentoring junior creatives while carrying projects from start to completion.…

Available to hire

Graphic designer and art director based in Richmond, VA with 15+ years of professional experience, specializing in branding, art direction, and typography. Proven track record managing and mentoring junior creatives while carrying projects from start to completion.

See more

Language

Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Adjunct Instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University & Brightpoint Community College
August 1, 2023 - May 1, 2026
Adjunct instructor teaching 3-Dimensional Design. Guides students in basic fabrication methods, design thinking, and development of three-dimensional artworks and sculptures; supports group learning and project management.
Senior Graphic Designer at Howard Hughes Corp
August 1, 2021 - December 1, 2022
Responsible for designing collateral and concepts across Howard Hughes properties in the U.S. Produced deliverables including brand identity guidelines, advertising campaigns, large-scale window vinyls, lighting design, and spatial installations for events at the South Street Seaport and Merriweather District.
Creative Director / Founder at Envelope Services
May 1, 2020 - Present
Founded Envelope Services, a Richmond-based art and design studio. Leads branding and design work for clients including Adidas, Devlin’s NYC, Foot Locker, Adobe, UVA School of the Arts, TEDx, and Park House NYC. Owns creative direction across projects from concept through delivery.
Senior Graphic Designer at Verizon Media
May 1, 2017 - July 1, 2018
Worked across pitch creation for prospective clients, collateral design for clients, and directed/design work on the studio publication RYOT zine.
Lead Designer at PDN Magazine / Emerald Expositions
August 1, 2015 - August 1, 2016
Led design and direction for print and digital marketing needs for the Media & Events department of PDN & Rangefinder. Designed monthly contest and galleries, laid out advertorial content, redesigned PDNedu, and created visual identity and collateral for Photoplus Expo 2016 at Javitz Center in NYC.
Graphic Designer at Quidsi / Amazon
August 1, 2011 - September 1, 2013
Designed and delegated emails, web banners, social media campaigns, and print collateral for Diapers.com. Reported to the art director and creative director; assisted with advertising campaign conception and direction of photo shoots for Clothing & Shoe shop.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (Interdisciplinary Art) at University of Hartford
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2022
Typeface Design Certificate at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Communication Arts) at Virginia Commonwealth University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007

Qualifications

Typeface Design Certificate, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
August 11, 2019 - January 1, 2019

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Real Estate & Construction, Consumer Goods, Non-Profit Organization