Hi, I’m David Alvarado—a graphic designer, illustrator, and art director with over 10 years of experience collaborating with nonprofits, small publications, and local design studios. I specialize in crafting visual identities, editorial illustrations, and print-ready assets that balance clarity, personality, and function. I’ve had the privilege of working with Pulitzer Prize and James Beard Award–winning organizations, helping them tell their stories through thoughtful design. My work has connected with a range of clients—from City Bureau and the American Libraries Association to craft breweries and lifestyle brands. I love building cohesive brand systems, exploring typography, and delivering accessible design across print and digital media, always aiming to elevate the message with clear visuals and thoughtful craft.

David Alvarado

Hi, I’m David Alvarado—a graphic designer, illustrator, and art director with over 10 years of experience collaborating with nonprofits, small publications, and local design studios. I specialize in crafting visual identities, editorial illustrations, and print-ready assets that balance clarity, personality, and function. I’ve had the privilege of working with Pulitzer Prize and James Beard Award–winning organizations, helping them tell their stories through thoughtful design. My work has connected with a range of clients—from City Bureau and the American Libraries Association to craft breweries and lifestyle brands. I love building cohesive brand systems, exploring typography, and delivering accessible design across print and digital media, always aiming to elevate the message with clear visuals and thoughtful craft.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m David Alvarado—a graphic designer, illustrator, and art director with over 10 years of experience collaborating with nonprofits, small publications, and local design studios. I specialize in crafting visual identities, editorial illustrations, and print-ready assets that balance clarity, personality, and function. I’ve had the privilege of working with Pulitzer Prize and James Beard Award–winning organizations, helping them tell their stories through thoughtful design.

My work has connected with a range of clients—from City Bureau and the American Libraries Association to craft breweries and lifestyle brands. I love building cohesive brand systems, exploring typography, and delivering accessible design across print and digital media, always aiming to elevate the message with clear visuals and thoughtful craft.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Contracted Designer at Good Beer Hunting
January 1, 2024 - Present
Illustrated and defined visual style for ad hoc projects; completed illustrations and cover for Beer & Brine magazine; developed the label for New Belgium specialty brews. Continued maintenance of marketing assets for Cinnderlands Brewing, including illustrations for popup bars and logo creation.
Designer at Good Beer Hunting
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Developed and executed visual brand strategy for illustrations in the James Beard winning piece, 'Lost in Translation — How Flavor Wheels and Tasting Tools Can Evolve to Speak with Global Beer Drinkers'; developed branding for brick-and-mortar brewpub Long Story Short; created logo, merchandise, evergreen signage; responsible for tone of voice and media assets; improved brand position while expanding target audience.
Designer at Busy Beaver Button Co.
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2022
Developed and managed Design & Printing department best practices for machine maintenance and design assets for large format inkjet printers, laser copiers, laminators and guillotine cutters. Designed graphics, promotional materials and marketing assets for customers with a focus on brand values & tone of voice. Maintained quality of printing and proofing custom materials for pin-back buttons, stickers, magnets, lapel pins and color matching; ensured print quality for outsourced large projects; coordinated with marketing for SEO, social media and campaigns.
Store Graphic Artist at Whole Foods Market
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
Designed printed materials, illustrated chalkboards and built visual displays to promote sales and events; managed seasonal design and sign installation; created visual experiences for holidays and specialty products. Collaborated on Wayfinding design and advised on sign location, size, and visuals; ensured ADA-compatible materials.
Designer/Illustrator at Freelance
January 1, 2011 - Present
Illustration, design and art direction for editorial illustration, custom lettering, cover illustration, merchandise/apparel design and site-specific murals. Led visuals and brand work for an independent comic and art book fair; collaborated with non-profits on end-of-year fundraising campaigns creating visual themes and design assets.
Cover Illustrator at American Libraries Association
January 1, 2025 - March 1, 2025
Special projects as cover illustrator for Quarterly Magazine; January 2025–March 2025.
Graphic Designer at City Bureau
February 1, 2024 - February 28, 2024
Contributed to the 2024 Annual Report & Executive Director Announcement design work.
Student at Type Design, Readable Font Development Course
February 1, 2024 - March 1, 2024
Participated in Readable Font Development Course.

Education

BFA, Illustration at Columbia College Chicago
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011

Qualifications

Type Design
February 1, 2024 - March 1, 2024
Readable Font Development Course
February 1, 2024 - March 1, 2024

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Professional Services, Manufacturing