CAP UCLA - 2019
CREATIVE DIRECTION

Creative direction, Graphic and Web Design for UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance. Worked under Marketing Coordinator to develop 2018-19 and 2019-20 identity. Both seasons are based on dynamic grid systems and sophisticated color theories. Specialized in large-format posters, print brochures and ads, and motion graphics/video editing.

THE CHANNEL ISLANDS: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND - 2021
WEBSITE DESIGN

Documentation for my Senior Project at UCLA's Design | Media Arts program. Combines livestreams with an interactive timeline of the anthropocentric and geological changes across Santa Cruz Island (SCI). Situated west of The West, Santa Cruz Island is home to the earliest remains of indigenous settlement in North America. It serves as a microcosm of the change and devastation brought on by Spanish and English colonialism. This interactive website is designed to promote awareness of California's rich indigenous and ecological history. Currently developing a public mobile version for use while on Santa Cruz Island!

Both the site and its installation encourage touch and exploration. Users can explore changes on the islands by sliding their fingers across the timeline, or sift through dirt below to hold minerals found on SCI. "Pins" gradually populate the map of SCI, pointing to the location of historical events.

Users can also filter out events based on three categories: Biology, Geology, and Anthropology.

COLAB - 2019
PAMPHLET DESIGN

Identity for a USC-based app helping college students pay loans by teaching tech-savviness at local elderly homes. Expressive colors and a bold typeface made to appeal to students and elderly alike.

LIFECLOUD- 2017
BRANDING & BROCHURE DESIGN

Dynamic and minimal brand identity, logo, and standards manual for a fictional brain uploading organization.

Using Circular and Averta typeface, I developed a dynamic "header" motif that can be applied to a variety of marketing material.

THE SOUTHERN REACH: ANNIHILATION- 2018
BOOK DESIGN

Cover design for a Science Fiction novel based around an uncontrollable infectious, and invisible intelligence. Inspired by a scene where spores grow along words written on a wall, the book title "grows" beyond the bounds of its letters.

HOMELESSNESS IN LOS ANGELES - 2017
POSTER DESIGN

Illustrative infographic detailing Los Angeles' homelessness crisis, as it relates to food, shelter, and those with homes.

KWE Season Animation - 2020
ANIMATION

Collaborated with company to develop a seasonal animation aimed at celebrating the company ethos. Screenshots below, please inquire to view full animation.

Animated on Unity, edited on After Effects and Premiere.

MEMORYLOOP - 2020
MUSIC VIDEO

A 4-minute shortfilm exploring the relationship of memory to travel. Inspired by the loops we entertain when traveling between city and nature.

DLMD - 2020
MUSIC VIDEO

For Kloxii's DLMD EP release, I created an electric music video that translates the tension and mood of DLMD into abstracted and synaesthetic video. Pointclouds were created with Azure Kinect. Footage was then processed and editing with VDMX and Adobe After Effects.

As Kloxxi explains in an interview, DLMD stands for "Dont Let Me Down" and represents the inner battle we all struggle with at times. Through warm color and minimal composition, I tried to create a music video that captivates viewers and guides them through an ever-intensifying experience.

BIG VOID - 2021
LOGO DESIGN

Creative direction and logo design for Electronic label, Big Void Records. I developed a clean logotype uniquely combining organic and contemporary motifs.

The logo was developed in monotone so that a "style" could compliment each release using a Style Transfer neural network.

CUTS CLOTHING - 2021
POSTER CONCEPT & MOTION GRAPHICS

An iterative poster concept based on a grid system that merges the craftsmanship of CUTS' products with the lifestyles of their audience.

Two fast-paced clips for social media were created to hype up CUTS' active outerware and casualware. Please inquire to view full clips.

IQAir
Campaign Infographics

Selection of illustrations and infographics highlighting layout, typography, and storytelling.

about

press

Michael Montenegro is a Latinx graphic designer and instructor based in Los Angeles. Working primarily in digital, this website emphasizes creative direction and branding.

•:• Kaltblut Magazine
•:• Inverted Audio Magazine
•:• Avyss Magazine
•:• HighClouds Blog