Welcome to my corner of the web! I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself with you.

I was raised in the charming city of Watsonville in Santa Cruz County, California, where community values run deep and small-town charm is a way of life.

My professional journey officially began at Cabrillo Community College, where I delved into the world of graphic design and found myself utterly captivated. With each project, I uncovered new ways to blend creativity with communication, sparking a fire within me to pursue this path further.

Eager to expand my horizons, I transferred to California State University Monterey Bay(CSUMB), where I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Communication Design with a focus on visual design. There I learned a lot about graphic design, UI/UX, web design, and even game design! Even though the pandemic affected my education in many ways, those years were transformative and kickstarted my professional career. I honed my skills, explored new techniques, and developed a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling.

But my thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. Driven by a desire to merge design with education, I continued at CSUMB and pursued a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology(MIST Program), laying the groundwork for a career that seamlessly blends creativity with purpose. I value the new experiences that came with the program as we were guided by professionals who worked in the field for many years. We also worked with several clients for many projects and tackled real-world problems to create intuitive e-learning experiences. You can find more about my time in the MIST program through my separate portfolio website here: https://pena-mist-portfolio.weebly.com/

Today, I find myself in Salinas, CA as a print designer for a local family-owned business, with agriculture businesses as their primary clientele. As a graphic/print designer, I have the privilege of crafting materials that serve the needs of our local agricultural community. It’s a role that allows me to blend my passion for design with my commitment to our community—a perfect fusion of artistry and purpose. During my time at Intrend Studio, I have honed my professional skills through close collaboration with both clients and my team.

In every project I undertake, whether it’s designing a logo for a local business or creating intuitive E-learning experience for an organization, I strive to infuse every pixel with meaning and every design with intention. Because to me, design isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about making them matter. I hope to continue to create memorable experiences that help people in education and the workforce. 

Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. Feel free to connect with me through LinkedIn or email!