Hi, I'm Diego Salas. I'm an art teacher with a background in animation, illustration, sculpture, and various mixed media. Over more than a decade, I’ve guided students through sculpture projects, mixed media, flip books, and even comic books, always infusing humor and empathy into every lesson. I design engaging assignments that encourage experimentation with available materials— scraps of paper, buttons, dried-up markers, and more— and I aim to help students not only produce great work but genuinely enjoy the creative process. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your school and support students as a guiding, collaborative mentor.

L. Diego Salas

Hi, I'm Diego Salas. I'm an art teacher with a background in animation, illustration, sculpture, and various mixed media. Over more than a decade, I’ve guided students through sculpture projects, mixed media, flip books, and even comic books, always infusing humor and empathy into every lesson. I design engaging assignments that encourage experimentation with available materials— scraps of paper, buttons, dried-up markers, and more— and I aim to help students not only produce great work but genuinely enjoy the creative process. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your school and support students as a guiding, collaborative mentor.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Diego Salas. I’m an art teacher with a background in animation, illustration, sculpture, and various mixed media. Over more than a decade, I’ve guided students through sculpture projects, mixed media, flip books, and even comic books, always infusing humor and empathy into every lesson.

I design engaging assignments that encourage experimentation with available materials— scraps of paper, buttons, dried-up markers, and more— and I aim to help students not only produce great work but genuinely enjoy the creative process. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your school and support students as a guiding, collaborative mentor.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
See more

Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent

Work Experience

Youth Mentor at New Focus Academy
July 1, 2025 - September 26, 2025
Worked closely with neurodivergent youth, providing supportive mentorship and facilitating treatment through attentive presence and empathy.
YOUTH MENTOR at NEW FOCUS ACADEMY
July 1, 2025 - September 26, 2025
Provide close mentorship to neurodivergent youth, supporting their treatment and development through attentive presence and empathic guidance with tailored activities.
Youth Mentor at New Focus Academy
July 1, 2025 - September 26, 2025
Provide supportive mentorship to neurodivergent youth, facilitating their treatments through attentive presence and empathy.
Youth Mentor at New Focus Academy
October 1, 2024 - July 1, 2025
Working with neurodivergent young people closely and facilitating their treatments through an attentive presence and empathy.
ESL Teacher at INX Academy
August 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025
Taught intermediate-level English using American cinema from the 1890s to the present, integrating film analysis with language practice.
ESL TEACHER at INX ACADEMY
August 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025
Teach English at an intermediate level using American cinema from the 1890s to the present to engage learners through media.
ESL Teacher at INX Academy
August 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025
Teach English at an intermediate level using American cinema from the 1890s to the present.
Art Teacher at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
March 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025
Taught K–8 art across sculpture, illustration, animation, and mixed media, developing engaging, hands-on projects.
ART TEACHER at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
March 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025
Teach K-8 students in the arts across sculpture, illustration, animation, and mixed media, designing projects that align with curriculum goals.
Art Teacher at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
March 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025
Teach K-8 students in the arts across sculpture, illustration, animation, and mixed media.
Art Teacher at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
August 1, 2023 - March 1, 2024
Teaching K-8th grade in the arts, including sculpture, illustration, animation, and mixed media.
Substitute Teacher at Various
May 1, 2023 - September 26, 2025
Taught K–12 as a substitute teacher, with three months of experience as an art teacher.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER at VARIOUS SCHOOLS
May 1, 2023 - September 26, 2025
Cover classes for K-12 as a substitute teacher, with additional experience serving as an art teacher for several months.
Substitute Teacher at Self-employed / Various
May 1, 2023 - September 26, 2025
Teach K-12 as a substitute, with three months of experience as an art teacher.
Substitute Teacher at Various Schools
August 1, 2022 - May 1, 2023
Teaching K-12 as a substitute teacher, with experience as an art teacher.
Mail Sorter at Exela Technology
July 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Sorted medical records and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
MAIL SORTER at EXELA TECHNOLOGY
July 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Sort medical records and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
Mail Sorter at Exela Technology
July 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Sort medical records and correspondence.
Mail Sorter at Exela Technologies
December 1, 2021 - July 1, 2022
Sorting medical records and correspondence.
Graphic Designer at Freelance
June 1, 2019 - September 26, 2025
Designed elements for a senatorial candidate in Salt Lake City, Utah.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER at FREELANCE WORK
June 1, 2019 - September 26, 2025
Designed elements for a senatorial campaign in Salt Lake City, Utah, contributing to branding and print-ready visuals.
Graphic Designer at Freelance Work
June 1, 2019 - September 26, 2025
Design elements for a senatorial candidate in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sales Associate at Macy's Department Store
December 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Displayed jewelry and promotional items; sold jewelry and watches; assisted customers with repairs or replacements.
SALES ASSOCIATE at MACY'S DEPARTMENT STORE
December 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Displayed jewelry, assisted customers, arranged promotional items, and supported repairs or replacements of items as needed.
Sales Associate at Macy's Department Store
December 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Display jewelry, arrange promotional items, sell jewelry and watches, and assist customers with repairs or replacements.
Graphic Designer and Video Editor at Dowell Dental Products
February 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Edited presentation videos for customers and site; organized video newsletter for company use; updated logos; created new means of presenting visual and auditory information to clients.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND VIDEO EDITOR at DOWELL DENTAL PRODUCTS
February 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Edited presentation videos for customers, organized a company video newsletter, updated logos, and created new means of presenting visual and auditory information to clients.
Graphic Designer and Video Editor at Dowell Dental Products
February 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Edit presentation videos for customers and site; organize video newsletters; alter existing logos; create new visual/auditory presentations for clients.
CAD Artist at Active Apparel
July 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Altered company graphics for printing production, prepared pitch images, and readied logos for textile printing.
CAD ARTIST at ACTIVE APPAREL
July 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Altered company graphics for textile printing, prepared pitch images for future clients, and readied logos for printing on textiles.
CAD Artist at Active Apparel
July 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Alter graphics for printing on textiles; prepare pitch images for future clients; ready logos/insignias for printing.
Graphic Designer at Certa SPEC
February 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Designed brochures; redesigned company logo to be more contemporary and concise; prepared design elements for printing to present to potential clients.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER at CERTA SPEC
February 1, 2017 - Present
Designed brochures, redesigned the company logo to be more contemporary, and prepared design elements for printing for potential clients.
Graphic Designer at Certa Spec
February 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Design media including brochures; redesign company logo; prepare design elements for printing to present to clients.
Graphic and Web Designer at A. Geo. Diack, Inc.
January 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Redesigned company logo and design elements; updated website layout; designed newer, more cutting-edge flyers for distribution to clients.
GRAPHIC AND WEB DESIGNER at A. GEO. DIACK, INC.
January 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Redesigned company logo and design elements; modified and developed website layout; created new flyers for client distribution.
Graphic and Web Designer at A. Geo. Diack, Inc.
January 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Redesigned company logo and design elements; modified and developed website layout; designed newer flyers for client distribution.
Graphic and Web Designer at A. Geo. Diack, Inc.
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Redesigned company logo and design elements; modified and developed website layout; designed newer, more cutting-edge flyers to distribute to clients.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Utah
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2015
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS at University of Utah
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2015
Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Utah
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2015
Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Utah
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2015

Qualifications

Associate Degree in Animation Skills & Abilities
January 11, 2030 - December 10, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services