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Fort Worth, TX
Insights

Collaborating closely with Fort Worth’s creative leadership, we reimagined the site as a clean, intuitive, and sophisticated canvas for storytelling. We introduced dynamic content modules, a bespoke interactive district map, and a redesigned blog experience rooted in editorial elegance. Drawing inspiration from local icons like Hotel Drover and Fort Worth’s Art Deco architecture, the design incorporated warm textures, muted color palettes, and handcrafted touches to honor the city’s roots while pushing forward its modern identity.

Key features included a branded hero video, curated itinerary highlights, social integration, simplified navigation, and accessible UX across devices. We also developed scalable design components to unify sub-brands like Film Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Sports Commission under a consistent visual language. The result is a user-friendly, visually engaging site that speaks to both locals and travelers, capturing the hospitality, vibrancy, and creative spirit that define Fort Worth today.

Fort Worth, TX
Additional Layouts

We maintain the brand's identity across the main interior page layouts, which generally consist of several key components: a listing page, a detail page, a blog page (if applicable), a content page, and a collection page. The collection page features a styled arrangement of various components. We also maintain those standards across the mobile layouts as seen below with the mobile homepage.

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

As the lead visual designer for the Fort Worth, TX website redesign, I transformed the city's digital presence to reflect its brand evolution: The Modern West. The previous site was content-heavy, visually outdated, and difficult to navigate, especially for older audiences and first-time visitors. Our challenge was to streamline the user experience while capturing Fort Worth’s unique blend of western heritage, artistic flair, and modern energy.

Project Build:

  • Services: Website Redesign, Interactive Thematic Map, Blog, Microsites
  • Design Process: Client Discovery > Design Introduction > High-Fidelity Prototypes
  • Collaborators: Customer Success Consultant, Project Manager, Creative Lead, Lead Developer(s)
  • Role: Lead Designer
  • Design Tools: Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop
  • Project Timeline: Oct 2023 - Feb 2024

Awards:

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

While the existing site featured core elements like blogs, maps, and events, few were actively used or optimized. Through stakeholder collaboration and onsite immersion, we identified areas to streamline and simplify by removing redundant microsites, clarifying navigation, and updating the Listings detail experience. Key features like the TripBuilder, Timeline widget, and new DTN modules were redesigned for better usability and ad support.

We used clean layouts, modern typography, and wave-inspired animations to create a visually calm and interactive site. Accessibility and mobile hierarchy were also prioritized, with better buttons, magnifying-glass icons, and spacious, touch-friendly layouts. Thematic icons, ADA-friendly color palettes, and subtle motion effects reinforced the laidback luxury aesthetic. The result is a refined platform that feels true to Surf City USA making it sophisticated yet approachable, clean yet fun, with a design system built to support weddings, meetings, events, and even an upcoming action sports microsite for the 2028 Olympics.

Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA
Additional Layouts

We maintain the brand's identity across the main interior page layouts, which generally consist of several key components: a listing page, a detail page, a blog page (if applicable), a content page, and a collection page. The collection page features a styled arrangement of various components. We also maintain those standards across the mobile layouts as seen below with the mobile homepage.

Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA
Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA
Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA
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2023
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Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, CA

I was brought in for the Huntington Beach redesign to modernize a beloved yet underperforming tourism site no longer aligned with the city’s polished, surf-forward brand. The goal was to elevate the digital experience to embody their signature vibe: a surfer stepping out of her Tesla in flip-flops.

Project Build:

  • Services: Website Redesign, Interactive Thematic Map
  • Design Process: Destination Immersion > Client Discovery > Design Introduction > High-Fidelity Prototypes
  • Collaborators: Customer Success Consultant, Project Manager, Creative Lead, Lead Developer(s)
  • Role: Lead Designer
  • Design Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Nikon D750
  • Project Timeline: Oct 2021 - Apr 2022

Awards:

  • IAC: Outstanding Website, WebAward: Outstanding Website, Communicator: Excellence, dotCOMM: Gold, Hermes Creative: Gold, Davey: Gold, AVA Digital: Gold
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Livingston County, NY
Insights

The previous site was seen as “good enough” for too long. Our mission was to shift that mindset, creating a design that embraced outdoor recreation, food tourism, wellness, and rural lifestyle by transforming LivCo into a magnetic destination for weekenders, city escapees, and creative spirits alike.

Design-wise, we leaned into a playful “Low-Fi” grid style, quirky color combinations, and warm textures inspired by stickers, rustic signage, and Wes Anderson-esque aesthetics. The content strategy highlighted signature events like the NY State Festival of Balloons and the Hunt Race, while promoting hidden gems like local craft breweries, farm-to-table spots, and seasonal adventures.

We prioritized flexible modules for storytelling (via the new “LivCo Stories” blog), an inclusive tone with LGBTQ+ business badges, and visual cues that emphasized sustainability and small-town authenticity. Every page reflected a deeper message: Come as you are, there’s space for you here.The end result? A youthful, visually rich platform that makes rural feel relevant and setting the tone for LivCo’s next chapter as a destination on the rise.

Livingston County, NY
Additional Layouts

We maintain the brand's identity across the main interior page layouts, which generally consist of several key components: a listing page, a detail page, a blog page (if applicable), a content page, and a collection page. The collection page features a styled arrangement of various components. We also maintain those standards across the mobile layouts as seen below with the mobile homepage.

Livingston County, NY
Livingston County, NY
Livingston County, NY
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2022
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Livingston County, NY

Livingston County’s redesign was as much about storytelling as structure. With a bold new visual identity in development, I partnered closely with their tourism and economic development team to craft a digital experience that honored their charm while reaching a younger, more progressive, and adventure-seeking audience.

Project Build:

  • Services: Website Redesign
  • Design Process: Client Discovery > High-Fidelity Prototypes
  • Collaborators: Customer Success Consultant, Project Manager, Creative Lead, Lead Developer(s)
  • Role: Lead Designer
  • Design Tools: Webflow, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop
  • Project Timeline: Sep 2021 - Nov 2021

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

I founded and operated Awesoos: The Photo Wranglers, bringing unmatched energy and excitement to every event, making photo sessions irresistibly fun and memorable. It was 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. The 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 (Desktop +iPad), 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 beautiful purplish and orange sky during the golden hours of sunsetA photo of the Cumberland Falls, located in the Kentucky Wildlands.Rock formation in the foreground at Cumberland FallsMore rock formations in the foreground at Cumberland Falls

Introduction

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

Creative Design & Storytelling

As a Sr. Digital Designer at Simpleview, I shaped 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.

Embracing The Creative Flow

A Journey from Print to Interactive Pixels

After graduating from The Savannah College of Art & Design, I launched my career as an Editorial Graphics Artist in Jacksonville, Florida. Working on daily news infographics and illustrations for featured weekend stories was a thrill, especially knowing family and friends shared those experiences with me.
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As the digital world grew, I felt a draw westward, leaving behind the soothing comforts of the serene and endless East Coast shorelines for new opportunities in web design. Interestingly, I traded the ocean for Tucson's blazing sunsets and saguaro-lined horizons and found a home a mere three clicks away from our “Mountain Target.”
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Tucson, Arizona, has since become my remote creative hub, where I continue to flow with my creative curiosities. I've developed a passion for capturing candid moments, and whenever the opportunity arises, I revisit my illustration roots. Both of these ongoing pursuits have strengthened my emotional connections to my visual design projects.
‍Explore a handful of these candid shots  View a selection of my illustrative works
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Explore a handful of these candid shots
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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 various 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.