Background and Education
HI -> SoCal -> PNW -> HI
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu, Matt is a Punahou School alumnus who received a Bachelor of Studio Arts, with emphasis in graphic design, from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. While earning his degree, Matt was awarded for Scholar of Distinction in Graphic Design by Loyola Marymount University’s Department of Art and Art History. He was also selected to display his senior thesis project in Loyola Marymount University’s Annual Research Symposium.
Upon receiving his Bachelor’s degree, looking for a change, Matt decided to make his way up to Seattle and experience the Pacific Northwest. After doing contract work for Google Maps and CDK Global, he was fortunate enough to land a full time role at Fluke Corporation, a global leader in test and measurement. At Fluke, Matt grew from a junior designer to a senior designer within 3.5 years — well ahead of the typical 6 year requirement for Fluke designers — and expanded upon his knowledge of graphic design, visual UX design, branding, and process improvement.
With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and ability to work remote, Matt decided it was time to move back home. Returning to Oahu, he continued working remotely for Fluke until an unfortunate round of company-wide layoffs. After a lengthy job search, due to poor market conditions across the creative industry, both locally and abroad, Matt landed a contract role with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Market Development Branch. In this role, he helped the team revamp their marketing collateral by bringing his knowledge of brand and campaign identity to their assets. Additionally, he used his UX and Web design knowledge to update their webpages and online interactive forms. Outside of work, Matt is happily enjoying everything that he loves about being home and hopes to give back to the community with his design skills.
Path to Design
One joy leading to another
Since a young age, Matt always found enjoyment in art and the ability to create things using clay, wood, charcoal, paint, ink, or— his favorite medium at the time — pencil. He loved to draw. Drawing was an easily accessible and convenient way to release his creative imagination, while also combating any sort of boredom. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, it was a consistent hobby that brought joy, while also challenging him to improve his skills.
Upon entering college, when it was time to decide upon a major that would influence his career path, once he saw that there was a program for graphic design, he instinctively knew that this was the path that he wanted to pursue. Matt could continue his love for drawing and being creative while also getting introduced to new methods of using digital programs to create works that are both attractive and functional.
By the end of college, Matt’s freshmen year instincts were confirmed that design was the career path he wanted to pursue. When Matt moved to Seattle, although he was unable to immediately showcase the design skills he had learned, contract roles exposed him to other “real world” knowledge and eventually led to him to his design role at Fluke.
Passion for Design
More than just art
As a designer, Matt enjoys the challenge of being a storyteller through the creation of graphics that are meaningful, functional, and aesthetically innovative. He appreciate the visual problem solving and critical thinking required during the creative process, the satisfaction of producing something with purpose, and the reward of helping others achieve their creative aspirations. He is particularly fond of branding and identity which incorporates all the aforementioned components of design into one cross functional, cross media project. He has also gained an affinity for UX design, creating interactive experiences across different devices and platforms.
Other Interests
Because there’s more to life than just a career
Aside from design, Matt is a laid back guy who appreciates what nature has to offer, particularly the beach. He enjoys chilling in the water; hiking up to a scenic view; eating all kinds of foods; trying new beers, cocktails, and wines; exercising; cruising with friends; and listening to Hawaiian style, Jazz, and EDM music.