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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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2024
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Fort Worth, TX

The redesigned Fort Worth website, www.fortworth.com, offers a visually captivating and user-friendly experience that immerses visitors in the city’s rich cultural landscape. With a modern layout highlighting iconic attractions like the Stockyards, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and the city’s celebrated Western heritage, the site brings Fort Worth’s vibrant charm to life, encouraging exploration and engagement.

Project Build:

  • Services: Website Redesign, Interactive Thematic Map
  • Prototyping: Figma
  • Design Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop

Awards:

  • 2024 Gold Marcom Awards
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Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA
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Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA
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Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA
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2023
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Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA

The redesigned 'Surf City USA' website, www.surfcityusa.com, delivers a visually vibrant and engaging user experience that celebrates Huntington Beach’s iconic surf culture. With vivid imagery and streamlined content, the site makes it easy for visitors to explore key highlights, from activities and events to accommodations. This user-friendly interface prioritizes accessibility and creates a more immersive, narrative-driven journey, allowing visitors to feel the spirit of Huntington Beach with each interaction.

Project Build:

  • Services: Website Redesign, Interactive Thematic Map
  • Prototyping: Webflow
  • Design Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Nikon D750

Awards:

  • Internet Advertising Competition: Outstanding Website, WebAward Competition: Outstanding Website, Communicator Award: Award of Excellence, dotCOMM Awards: Gold, Hermes Creative Award: Gold, Davey Awards: Gold, AVA Digital Award: Gold
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Livingston County, NY
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Livingston County, NY
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Livingston County, NY
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Livingston County, NY
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Livingston County, NY
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2022
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Livingston County, NY

The redesigned Visit LivCo website, www.visitlivco.com, is crafted to elevate tourism in Livingston County, NY, by providing a more interactive and visually engaging experience. With improved navigation, the site invites visitors to explore the county’s offerings with ease, from outdoor activities and events to dining and accommodations. This user-centered approach ensures a seamless journey through Livingston County’s unique attractions and local charm.

Project Build:

  • Services: Website Redesign
  • Prototyping: Webflow
  • Design Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop

Awards:

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Screenwriting TruthScreenwriting Truth
Paul Guyot during his first local author event at Stacks Book Club in Oro Valley, AZ.
Screenwriting Truth
Paul Guyot presenting at Stacks Book Club in Oro Valley, AZ
Screenwriting Truth
Kill The Dog — Book Cover Illustration & Design By Desi Aragon
SamCat: The Cat Does Not Need Saving — T-Shirt Design by Desi Aragon
SamCat: The Cat Does Not Need Saving — Illustration by Desi Aragon
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2022 - Ongoing

Screenwriting Truth

ScreenwritingTruth.com is an online platform crafted by renowned screenwriter Paul Guyot to provide essential insights and resources for aspiring and seasoned screenwriters. The website serves as a comprehensive guide to the art and craft of screenwriting, featuring insightful blog posts, in-depth articles, and a curated selection of resources. Visitors can also explore Paul Guyot’s book, Kill The Dog, which offers practical industry tips, explores current trends, and shares candid advice to inspire and support like-minded storytellers.

Project Build:

  • Services: Apparel Graphics, Book Cover Design, Brand Identity, Creative Direction, Photography, Website (CMS, Design & Development, E-commerce, Printful, Mailchimp)
  • Website Platform: Webflow
  • Design Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Nikon D750

Awards:

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Awesoos: The Photo Wranglers
Play Video — Awesoos: The Photo Wranglers debuts at The Arizona Taco Festival
Awesoos: The Photo WranglersAwesoos: The Photo Wranglers
Play Video — Awesoos: The Photo Wranglers debuts at Phoenix Comicon
Play Video — The Slow Motion Booth by Awesoos: The Photo Wranglers
Awesoos isometric graphic illustration of full floor plan of services
Awesoos: The Photo Wranglers
The Awesoos floor plan included three stations comprised of an area for props, photos, and prints.
Awesoos 7ft x 4ft mirrored productAwesoos Mini Adjustable Height Rig
The Awesoos proprietary hardware builds comprised of a 7x4 foot mirror (left) and a smaller height adjusting build (right).
Awesoos: The Photo Wranglers
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2012 - 2020

Awesoos: The Photo Wranglers

Founded and operated by Desi Aragon, Awesoos: The Photo Wranglers brought unmatched energy and excitement to every event, making photo sessions irresistibly fun and memorable. Known for capturing moments that were as lively as they were professional, Awesoos specialized in everything from festivals and comicons to charity events and weddings. Their work celebrated the spirit of each occasion, creating visuals that were vibrant, engaging, and full of life. Awesoos wasn’t just a photography service; it was an addictive experience that made every event unforgettable.

Project Build:

  • Services: Branding, Marketing, Proprietary Hardware & Software Applications, Website Design & Development
  • Website Platform: Wordpress, Flickr, SmugMug
  • Design Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Nikon Cameras

Awards:

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Aikido Academy of Southern ArizonaAikido Academy of Southern ArizonaAikido Academy of Southern ArizonaAikido Academy of Southern ArizonaAikido Academy of Southern Arizona
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2019-2023

Aikido Academy of Southern Arizona

The Aikido Academy of Southern Arizona was a dedicated martial arts institution, offering in-depth training in traditional Japanese Aikido. Focused on physical and mental well-being, the academy provided a welcoming environment for students of all ages and skill levels. Led by skilled instructors, it offered a range of classes designed to enhance self-defense skills, improve fitness, and teach the core principles of harmony and non-aggression. The academy’s approach fostered personal growth, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the art of Aikido.

Project Build:

  • Services: Branding, Creative Direction, Photography, Social Media, Website Design & Development
  • Website Platform: Webflow
  • Design Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Nikon D750

Awards:

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One-eyed fish creature in a bucket of water and a tentacled creature in a boxPaul Guyot: Screenwriting Truth - The cat does not need saving.Shepard Fairy inspired illustration of Carl Sagan"That's What Sushi Said" Food truck branding"NERDS 4r3 53xy" apparel design
Arizona Taco Festival and Awesoos Photo Backdrop
Plant Your Wood Illustrative Bookmark concepts
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2000 - Ongoing

Design & Illustrations

My illustration style has always leaned toward bold, visually impactful graphics. During my college years, I was inspired by the distinctive styles of Douglas Fraser and Mark Frederickson, specializing in Prismacolor techniques and mastering my Iwata Airbrush. Over time, I transitioned into digital vector applications and found inspiration in artists like Shepard Fairey, particularly his iconic Obama Hope poster. Now, I’m considering a return to my illustrative roots and exploring AI as a dynamic tool for ideation, using it to expand creative possibilities rather than as a means to create finished work.

Project Build:

  • Design Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Wacom One 12, A Sketchpad & Pencil

Awards:

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A fantastic view down of the early afternoon fall landscape from the ski lift at Jay Peak Resort, Vermont.
Taken before the morning hustle during my stay at the Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort.
A lone mushroom nestled in its friendly neighborhood moss was captured during a hike up the Jay Peak mountain.
A single mushroom nestled among the friendly neighborhood moss was captured during a hike up Jay Peak Mountain.
The enthusiastic warm-up at the Tough Mudder USA event in Phoenix, AZ.
The enthusiastic warm-up at the Tough Mudder USA event in Phoenix, AZ.
Down the pipes and into the bog is one of the obstacle courses at the Tough Mudder USA event in Phoenix, AZ.
Down the pipes and into the bog at one of the many obstacle courses at the Tough Mudder event in Phoenix, AZ.
The moment framed within a heart shape before the official kiss to their right of marriage.
The moment framed within a heart shape before the official kiss to their right of marriage.
A boy and his dad near the Huntington Beach Pier in California.
A boy and his dad near the Huntington Beach Pier in California.
Gourmet Hawaiian-themed chocolates at a local dessert venue in Huntington Beach, California.
Gourmet Hawaiian-themed chocolates at a local dessert venue in Huntington Beach, California.
Element 119 performing at Gaslight Theater in Oro Valley, AZ
The keyboardist of Element 119 performing at Gaslight Theater in Oro Valley, AZ.
The third night of theblazing Santa Catalina Mountains was set off by a single lightning bolt.
The third night of the blazing Santa Catalina Mountains that was set off by a single lightning bolt.
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2011 - Ongoing

Photography

I have a passion for capturing candid, spirited moments that tell a story. My journey in photography began with the birth of my first child, inspiring me to document each special moment and milestone. As I continued refining my skills, I developed a natural eye for framing moments within the viewfinder, leading to rewarding opportunities beyond family gatherings. While I’m proficient with both Nikon and Canon, I typically shoot with Nikon to achieve my desired style. Take a moment to explore some of my most memorable shots and the stories they tell.

Project Build:

  • Website Platforms: Flickr, Smugmug
  • Design Tools: Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Nikon D750, Nikon 24-70mm 2.8, Nikon 70-200mm 2.8

Awards:

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Creating Visual Stories That Engage & Inspire Audiences Worldwide

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Desi Aragon

Animated waterfall foaming at the bottom.Animated waterfall foaming at the bottom.Animated cascading waterfallA photo of the Cumberland Falls, located in the Kentucky Wildlands.

Introduction

Desi Aragon at Pier 7 Vista point in San Francisco, CA.

Creative Design & Storytelling

As a Senior Designer at Simpleview | Granicus, I shape digital experiences for destinations across North America and beyond. My work highlights the unique character of each location—from coastlines to historic sites—through visual storytelling and engaging design. Explore a selection of my latest award-winning projects to see how my designs connect and inspire audiences globally.

Professional Experience

A Journey from Print to Pixels: From Editorial Graphic Arts to Interactive Design

After graduating from The Savannah College of Art & Design, I launched my career as an Editorial Graphics Artist in Jacksonville, Florida. Working on weekend news infographics and illustrations was a thrill, especially knowing family and friends shared those experiences with me.
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As the digital world began to expand, I felt the pull westward, trading the southern comforts of the East Coast for new opportunities in web design beneath Tucson’s blazing sunsets and saguaro-lined horizons. Remarkably, I’m only a mere three clicks away from our very own “Mountain Target.”
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Tucson, Arizona has since become my creative hub, where I continue to provide art direction, capture documentary-style photography with an eye for candid moments, and, when the occasion arises, rediscover my illustrative roots.
‍Explore a handful of these candid shots  View a selection of my illustrative works
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Photo by Nicholas Bartos - Unsplash

Endeavors

  

Beyond my work with travel destinations, I dive into a range of projects that fuel my ongoing creativity. From helping small business startups to tackling diverse creative ventures, I take a multi-disciplinary approach that has provided some of my most memorable and rewarding experiences in recent years.