Michelle Villacorta,
Graphic Designer
After spending my whole life on Guam, an island of diverse culture, relaxed attitudes and beautiful people, I decided it was time to pick up the pace and relocate to California to begin my design education at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, a city that is the total opposite of what my life was all about. It was definitely a culture shock for this island girl, but I knew if I was to pursue my dream it would have to start here, a place where great design and inspiration thrive.
While attending the AAU, I learned that real life experiences in the field of design would play an important role in developing my skills outside of the classroom. I have worked in various retail establishments in sales and customer service roles but eventually began showcasing my creativity through point of purchase displays, posters and internal marketing materials. I landed an internship with Primo Angeli & Fitch, located in the industrial area of San Francisco, who are known for Ben & Jerry's and Trident package designs. It was here that I learned the concept of a creative team and loved it! Exchanging ideas and learning the process of what it takes to get the job done.
While finishing up my senior year, I worked for Sign & Sign Again, a full service production and design signage company located a few blocks from campus. As a production artist, I was responsible for many hands-on projects that required painting, building, consulting and constructing signage as well as file preparation for large format posters, mounting, and finishing. It was now 2004, and I finally earned my BA in graphic design. Yeah! After a few months of freelancing in the bay area, I moved to San Diego to get back that feeling of home and be closer to family. I continued to freelance for local businesses, non-profit, and start-ups.
As a Graphic Designer at Epiphany Marketing, I am responsible for conceiving and implementing print campaigns and branding for the firm's clients. I am very happy to be working in a team environment and going through the creative process once again with other talented individuals. We are a service oriented marketing agency that caters to our clients every creative need.
In my free time… what free time! I enjoy catching up on movies, eating good island food, and hanging out with friends and family, online or in person. I am driven by the passion for creativity and making things work. I thank god for blessing me with this talent and hope to continue to share it with the world!
"I am driven by the passion for creativity and making things work. I thank god for blessing me with this talent and hope to continue to share it with the world!"