I am an experienced and highly skilled graphic designer with over 20 years of freelance practice, specializing in exceptional art direction and design. I have demonstrated expertise in collaboration, leadership, presentation, and project management, with a deep understanding of design theory. Throughout my career, I have led, mentored, and inspired numerous aspiring designers to create exceptional graphic design work. From 2000 to 2022, I played a primary role in shaping the direction and character of a successful graphic design program at a liberal arts college. I enjoy delivering impactful design work across various media including print, web, and motion graphics, and continuously strive to exceed client expectations.

José Montoto

I am an experienced and highly skilled graphic designer with over 20 years of freelance practice, specializing in exceptional art direction and design. I have demonstrated expertise in collaboration, leadership, presentation, and project management, with a deep understanding of design theory. Throughout my career, I have led, mentored, and inspired numerous aspiring designers to create exceptional graphic design work. From 2000 to 2022, I played a primary role in shaping the direction and character of a successful graphic design program at a liberal arts college. I enjoy delivering impactful design work across various media including print, web, and motion graphics, and continuously strive to exceed client expectations.

Available to hire

I am an experienced and highly skilled graphic designer with over 20 years of freelance practice, specializing in exceptional art direction and design. I have demonstrated expertise in collaboration, leadership, presentation, and project management, with a deep understanding of design theory. Throughout my career, I have led, mentored, and inspired numerous aspiring designers to create exceptional graphic design work.

From 2000 to 2022, I played a primary role in shaping the direction and character of a successful graphic design program at a liberal arts college. I enjoy delivering impactful design work across various media including print, web, and motion graphics, and continuously strive to exceed client expectations.

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Language

Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Art Direction + Graphic Design
November 1, 2001 - Present
Delivered highly impactful design work for various clients, including architecture firms, law offices, and non-profit organizations, spanning website design, motion graphics, and print. Directed captivating motion graphics and presentation designs, managed large design projects such as school yearbooks, provided visual identity and web design for environmental projects, and led comprehensive website redesigns including hand-coding aspects.
Project Manager, Graphic Designer at Amplify Graphics & Branding
November 5, 2024 - Present
Provided creative design services and project development for custom wall coverings, window graphics, and branded environments for high-profile clients including sports teams and architectural firms. Collaborated with clients and teams to deliver visually compelling brand-aligned solutions, facilitated design consistency and quality, and introduced in-house design capabilities while leading team onboarding of new tools.
Graphic Design Manager at Fashion Angels Enterprises
February 28, 2023 - August 15, 2025
Created product design, packaging design, motion graphics, and illustration projects showcasing versatility and creativity. Conceptualized innovative brand and product designs to drive market growth, revitalized established illustrations, created engaging social media motion graphics, and developed a new DIY resin project brand to expand company offerings and revenue potential.
Instructor, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Carthage College
August 31, 2022 - August 15, 2025
Taught graphic design courses including visual design, web design, and motion graphics. Provided academic advising, served on committees, and oversaw the computer lab. Developed comprehensive curriculum fostering student creativity and leadership, introduced campus-wide access to LinkedIn Learning, and chaired committees managing significant budgets.

Education

Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
January 11, 2030 - August 15, 2025
Master of Arts, Graphic Design at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
January 11, 2030 - August 15, 2025
Bachelor of Arts, Spanish Literature at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
January 11, 2030 - August 15, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction, Consumer Goods