Hey, I’m
Morgan
Mantilla
Graphic Designer & Art Director
About Me
I am Morgan Mantilla, a graphic designer & art director based in Los Angeles, CA. By first immersing myself in the brand identity, I endeavor to create visual stories that draw people in and spark curiosity. I really enjoy the challenge of layering my perspective with those of my collaborators to create something that’s both new and nostalgic, unique and recognizable.
I believe the most compelling stories are the ones with substance as well as imagination. I am drawn to people, getting inside their heads, figuring out what makes them tick, and finding the common threads amongst us all.
Graphic Design
As a graphic designer, I see myself as something like an orchestral conductor, arranging all the parts to achieve a harmonious new sound. Effective visual communication requires equal parts art and structure to draw the eye and make a lasting impression. My background in communication theory paired with my carefully honed eye and creative instincts allows me to design work that is fresh yet familiar. One of my favorite parts of this process is immersing myself in a brand world and learning it inside and out so that I can create on behalf of a company.
Art Direction
As an art director, I use visual storytelling to create a dynamic and memorable context for products that will inspire the consumer and evoke specific feelings that align with the brand world. From concept, to design, to execution I am passionate about crafting a compelling visual experience. My ever-expanding, rich visual vocabulary often helps me draw together seemingly disparate concepts to create something that feels both known and new.
Photography
Fashion & Editorial
As a photographer, I am drawn to composing vibrant images through a combination of shadow play and movement. My background as a competitive dancer means I’m fascinated by creating unusual shapes with the body and using it for creative expression. I feel that light is a powerful tool that can be used to create an almost sculptural effect on the body, as light and shadow further accentuate it’s curves and angles. Additionally, connecting with my subjects to reveal their essence is an integral and transcendent part of my process. I aim to conjure specific emotions and evoke a sense of heightened reality through the images I create. View my work in the slideshow gallery below.
Product & Stop Motion
Product photography and stop motions bring out a different side of my creativity. In a matter of seconds, this one image must bring the product to life and instill a memorable impression upon someone who is seeing it for the first time. It is tasked with not only capturing the attention of the viewer, but also stirring an emotion, a memory, or a reaction. To accomplish this, I use creative composition, intentional prop choice, an inspiring color scheme, and an intense attention to detail to tell the story of the product.
