MICHELLE VILLACORTA | Art Director

After spending my whole life on Guam, an island of diverse culture, relaxed attitudes and beautiful people, I decided it was time to pick up the pace and relocate to California to begin my design education at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, a city that is the total opposite of what my life was all about. It was definitely a culture shock for this island girl, but I knew if I was to pursue my dream it would have to start here, a place where great design and inspiration thrive.

While attending the AAU, I learned that real life experiences in the field of design would play an important role in developing my skills outside of the classroom. I have worked in various retail establishments in sales and customer service roles but eventually began showcasing my creativity through point of purchase displays, posters and internal marketing materials. I landed an internship with Primo Angeli & Fitch, located in the industrial area of San Francisco, who are known for Ben & Jerry’s and Trident package designs. It was here that I learned the concept of a creative team and loved it! Exchanging ideas and learning the process of what it takes to get the job done.

While finishing up my senior year, I worked for Sign & Sign Again, a full service production and design signage company located a few blocks from campus. As a production artist, I was responsible for many hands-on projects that required painting, building, consulting and constructing signage as well as file preparation for large format posters, mounting, and finishing. It was now 2004, and I finally earned my BA in graphic design. Yeah! After a few months of freelancing in the bay area, I moved to San Diego to get back that feeling of home and be closer to family. I continued to freelance for local businesses, non-profit, and start-ups.

As a Graphic Designer at Epiphany Marketing, I was responsible for conceiving and implementing print campaigns and branding for the firm’s clients. I was very happy to be working in a team environment and going through the creative process once again with other talented individuals. We’ve been a service oriented marketing agency that caters to our clients every creative need.

Now I’m doing the same kind of work for both Shindy.TV and the new Shindy Media and am excited about the services we’ll provide to clients in the lifestyle market.

In my free time… what free time! I enjoy catching up on movies, eating good island food, and hanging out with friends and family, online or in person. I am driven by the passion for creativity and making things work. I thank god for blessing me with this talent and hope to continue to share it with the world!”