I’m a visual storyteller and brand designer who transforms creative ideas into narratives that strengthen brands and spark engagement. I combine deep design expertise with a strategic mindset, guiding projects from concept to production across digital and print. I collaborate across teams and with clients to elevate brands through authentic, human storytelling that resonates with audiences. Most recently, as a Photo Art Director at Walmart, I focused on elevating the everyday. My background also includes art direction for Kaiser Permanente, where I helped reimagine wellness through their Thrive campaign. I’m a self-starter who thrives on curiosity and collaboration. Beyond execution, I think strategically, ensuring every design decision aligns with both brand vision and business goals. I'm inspired by all things creative — art, photography, architecture, fashion, film, literature, and culture in its many forms. These influences shape my perspective and allow me to bring humanity to every project.

Theresa Castro

I’m a visual storyteller and brand designer who transforms creative ideas into narratives that strengthen brands and spark engagement. I combine deep design expertise with a strategic mindset, guiding projects from concept to production across digital and print. I collaborate across teams and with clients to elevate brands through authentic, human storytelling that resonates with audiences. Most recently, as a Photo Art Director at Walmart, I focused on elevating the everyday. My background also includes art direction for Kaiser Permanente, where I helped reimagine wellness through their Thrive campaign. I’m a self-starter who thrives on curiosity and collaboration. Beyond execution, I think strategically, ensuring every design decision aligns with both brand vision and business goals. I'm inspired by all things creative — art, photography, architecture, fashion, film, literature, and culture in its many forms. These influences shape my perspective and allow me to bring humanity to every project.

Available to hire

I’m a visual storyteller and brand designer who transforms creative ideas into narratives that strengthen brands and spark engagement. I combine deep design expertise with a strategic mindset, guiding projects from concept to production across digital and print. I collaborate across teams and with clients to elevate brands through authentic, human storytelling that resonates with audiences. Most recently, as a Photo Art Director at Walmart, I focused on elevating the everyday. My background also includes art direction for Kaiser Permanente, where I helped reimagine wellness through their Thrive campaign.

I’m a self-starter who thrives on curiosity and collaboration. Beyond execution, I think strategically, ensuring every design decision aligns with both brand vision and business goals. I’m inspired by all things creative — art, photography, architecture, fashion, film, literature, and culture in its many forms. These influences shape my perspective and allow me to bring humanity to every project.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Principal at theresa castro design
January 1, 1999 - November 3, 2025
Lead the studio in transforming creative ideas into visual narratives that strengthen brands and spark engagement. Manage all aspects of the creative process across branding, identity, graphic design, and packaging for both consumer and B2B clients; guide art direction, photo direction, production, and project management for digital and print. Key projects include Palm Inc. packaging rebrand, Bolthouse Farms POP, Red Bull USA event marketing, adidas Originals retail campaigns, AbilityFirst marketing collateral, and the Race to Erase MS event marketing.
Senior Photo Art Director at Walmart
July 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024
Partnered with cross-functional creative and marketing teams to balance brand storytelling with Walmart’s strategic business goals, increasing brand visibility and driving authentic customer engagement. Coordinated with photographers, stylists, set builders, and production crews to elevate product and lifestyle photography across multiple vertical campaigns, while fostering inclusive and positive on-set environments.
Art Director, Photography/CGI-3D at Walmart
April 1, 2023 - April 1, 2023
Streamlined creative workflows with marketing, samples, and in-house photography/CGI-3D teams to produce cohesive art direction decks and mood boards, driving consistency across vertical and seasonal campaigns and aligning creative with strategic goals.
Senior Designer at Pinkberry Inc.
September 1, 2015 - September 1, 2015
Designed and executed marketing programs including POP displays, signage, menus, collateral, and brand guidelines. Managed concept development, design, photo direction, production, and vendor coordination. Developed a Local Store Marketing Toolkit rolled out across all franchisees to maintain brand standards and empower local campaigns effectively.
Art Director at Kaiser Permanente
December 1, 2008 - December 1, 2008
Art direction, design and production in support of Kaiser Permanente's Thrive rebrand initiative including marketing collateral, advertising, invitations and lifestyle photography. Managed all aspects of projects, from concept development and photo art direction to location scouting and post-production, supervising over 1,200 images for the in-house library and shifting narrative to healthier living to drive campaign resonance.

Education

Bachelor of Science at San Jose State University
September 1, 1986 - April 11, 1991
Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design at San Jose State University
January 11, 2030 - November 3, 2025

Qualifications

Adobe Creative Suite
May 15, 2015 - May 15, 2025

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Computers & Electronics, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Software & Internet, Professional Services