Mackenzie Costa

Being from Bermuda, where art and design opportunities were scarce, I was inspired to pursue a design path by the prospect of joining a vibrant art-driven community. Regardless of geographic or cultural barriers, I value the ability to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and collaborate on impactful projects. In addition, being part of the dynamic creative scene in Los Angeles, coupled with my love of music and new experiences, further fuels my passion for graphic design. I thrive in the energy and innovation of the LA art scene, which motivates me to push boundaries and explore new avenues of expression within the realm of design. Los Angeles is a melting pot of creative talent, offering endless opportunities for collaboration and inspiration. Networking events, industry conferences, and cultural festivals provide invaluable platforms for connecting with like-minded individuals and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and software developments in the field.

As a freelance graphic designer specializing in apparel and merchandise, as well as designing collateral for the music, entertainment, and fashion industries, my role involves creating visually compelling materials that are seen, worn, and used around the world. For design professionals, the ability to stay up-to-date with trends, create trends, and stay contemporary is paramount to success in the ever-evolving landscape of design. This requires constant vigilance, adaptability, and a keen eye for innovation to ensure relevance and resonance with the target audience.

As a designer specializing in apparel and merchandise, as well as designing collateral for the music, entertainment, and fashion industries in Los Angeles, I am immersed in one of the world's most vibrant and influential creative hubs. In this dynamic environment, my role extends beyond traditional graphic design. I work closely with clients from musicians to established brands, using my expertise to translate their vision into visually captivating print designs. Whether creating artwork for album covers, designing clothing, posters, and other merchandise for events, or developing marketing materials for fashion brand campaigns, I make sure every project not only meets but exceeds expectations. In this competitive landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential. I remain committed to honing my craft by staying agile, adaptable, and responsive to the changing needs of my clients and the industries I serve. I strive to deliver impactful and memorable designs that resonate locally and globally.

A successful marketing, media, or communication project/presentation effectively communicates its message, engages the audience, aligns with objectives, maintains consistency, delivers measurable results, and showcases uniqueness that sets it apart from competitors.

My design style blends experimentation and contemporary sophistication with bold, playful elements, all while maintaining the aesthetic and functional needs of my clients. I incorporate dynamic compositions and striking colors to create visually captivating work that leaves a lasting impression. Each design is crafted with a purpose, aiming to make a positive impact and convey meaningful messages while remaining true to the client's vision. Overall, my style is characterized by its fusion of modernity, playfulness, and social consciousness, ensuring engaging and empathetic design.

My design process starts with thorough research and an understanding of project requirements and client objectives. I delve into gathering inspiration from various sources such as art, nature, culture, and current design trends. I also like to refer to Instagram, Pinterest, Are. na, Fonts in Use to name a few. Brainstorming sessions, sketching, and mind mapping help me generate a diverse range of ideas and concepts. Once I have a pool of ideas, I narrow down options based on feasibility, alignment with project goals, and target audience preferences. I then begin the iterative process of refining and iterating on the selected concepts, exploring different visual elements, layouts, and color schemes. Collaboration with clients and receiving feedback at key stages of the design process is crucial. This ensures that the final result not only meets their expectations but also effectively communicates the intended message. Throughout the ideation process, I remain flexible and open to experimentation, allowing room for creative exploration and innovation. iterating on designs, incorporating feedback, and constantly refining until the optimal solution is achieved is key to my approach.

Thank you! Winning a Gold Award at the NYX Awards is an incredible achievement for me as a solo designer. It means a lot to receive this recognition for my hard work and creativity. Receiving an NYX Awards opens up exciting opportunities for me, such as gaining exposure, attracting new clients, and expanding my portfolio. It also strengthens my confidence and reaffirms my belief in my abilities as a designer. Ultimately, this award serves as a milestone in my career, inspiring me to keep pushing myself creatively and pursuing my passion for design. This distinction validates my dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my craft. I am grateful for the recognition and excited for what the future holds as I continue to grow and evolve as a designer.

Receiving an international award as a solo designer from such a small island has provided instant credibility and recognition within the industry. This validation of my skills and expertise helps me stand out from competitors and attract potential clients. In addition, winning an international award generates significant exposure and publicity, leading to increased visibility and recognition for my work on a global scale. This exposure not only promotes my current projects but also helps to establish my brand as a reputable and talented designer.

The creation of the "Solitude in Motion" dance poster for The Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance presented unique challenges, especially the constraint of a short time to design and finalize the poster. With the event fast approaching, and a last-minute request for the poster, I had to work efficiently to capture the essence of the performance while ensuring that the poster effectively communicated the theme and details of the event. Balancing creativity with time constraints required quick decision-making and prioritizing design elements to create a visually captivating poster that would engage audiences. Despite these challenges, the process was invigorating, pushing me to think creatively and strategically to deliver a poster that would effectively promote the event and captivate viewers.

Coming from Bermuda, a small island with vastly different life stories, I am constantly looking for ways to push my creative boundaries. Because of this, I wanted to move to a big city and land in Los Angeles, which is known for its diverse cultural landscape, where the intersection of art, music, entertainment, and fashion breeds innovation and sets global trends. Living in LA greatly contributes to my thinking process as a designer. The city's unique cultural landscape serves as a constant source of inspiration, providing me with a wealth of creative influences to draw upon in my work. Moreover, being surrounded by a community of friends and fellow creative industry professionals fosters collaboration and exchange of ideas, further fueling my design aesthetic. In addition, the dynamic and fast-paced nature of life in Los Angeles keeps me on my toes, encouraging me to think quickly and adaptively. Whether navigating tight deadlines or responding to changing client demands, living and designing in LA has taught me to embrace flexibility and experimentation in my approach to design.

I'm most excited about the use of 3D in design. The integration of three-dimensional elements, such as typography, adds another level of interesting depth and sometimes realism to designs. I appreciate the boldness and unique ways in which 3D can blend with traditional design principles. In addition, I am drawn to the use of abstract art, shapes, patterns, and illustrations to create visually engaging and unique forms. A trend that is quite common today, although not always well executed, is vintage design. However, I admire it when done carefully and purposefully, using nostalgia to push contemporary design, as being inspired by past eras is important in making progress. Finally, I also love the use of mixed media, combining various design elements such as photography, illustration, and typography to create eclectic and dynamic compositions.

1. Creativity and Innovation: I enjoy the freedom to experiment with different visual elements, typography, and layouts to create impactful designs that effectively convey messages and tell stories. 2. Collaboration and Variety: Working in these industries allows me to work with diverse clients and teams, each with their unique vision and goals. I appreciate the variety of projects that come my way. Diversity keeps my work interesting and challenges me to adapt my design skills to different contexts and audiences. 3. Impact and Influence: One of the most rewarding aspects of being a graphic designer in marketing, media, and communications is the ability to make a tangible impact. I enjoy seeing how my designs can help clients achieve their goals, whether it's raising brand awareness, driving sales, or raising awareness for important causes. Knowing that my work has the power to influence and connect with people on a meaningful level is incredibly fulfilling.

One invaluable resource I highly recommend is Adobe Creative Suite, known for its continuous technological advancements and new AI integration. While platforms like Pinterest offer inspiration, they can sometimes become saturated with trends. In such cases, exploring alternative sites like Are. na can provide fresh perspectives. Engaging with design studios on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can provide invaluable insights and connections to designers and their work around the world.

I believe that in the next 5-10 years, graphic design will undergo significant changes for the better. AI will streamline processes, making them more efficient. I hope that sustainability will become a focal point, with designers prioritizing eco-friendly practices. The integration of AI into graphic design has caused some controversy, with concerns about its potential impact on the role of designers. However, AI is not here to replace talented designers but rather to boost their capabilities and streamline their workflows. Ai lacks the creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence that humans bring to the table. Talented designers possess a unique ability to think critically, solve problems, and infuse designs with personality and meaning that AI cannot replicate.

Hila Klein's journey from Israel to the United States as an international artist and founder of Teddy Fresh has profoundly influenced my approach to design and fashion. Her fearless style not only encourages creativity and individuality but also pushes the boundaries of conventional fashion. I admire how Hila stays true to herself through Teddy Fresh, celebrating the unconventional in an industry often driven by trends. Her fearless experimentation and self-expression inspire me to embrace authenticity and take creative risks in my work.

My key to success lies in my commitment to continuous growth and innovation. I believe that the willingness to explore uncharted territory and embrace change is critical to personal and professional development. Each new venture presents an opportunity to learn, adapt, and refine our skills. By embracing challenges and stepping outside of our comfort zones, we expand our horizons and uncover new talents. In parting, I encourage everyone to remain curious, and adaptable and never shy away from the unknown. It is through this fearless pursuit of growth and innovation that we achieve true success and fulfillment.