ABOUT
Doug Rodas is a Toronto-based creative director and illustrator with over a decade of experience shaping brands, campaigns, and visual systems. He loves exploring ideas from multiple angles, obsessing over details and turning complex concepts into work that feels deliberate, thoughtful and human.
He has contributed to organizations including Wacom, The Globe and Mail, Twilio, The Walrus, Coca-Cola, IL MAKIAGE NY and hugo, and his work has been recognized in El Salvador, Spain, and Argentina. Across disciplines —from brand identity and scalable systems to illustration and typography— Doug creates work that communicates clearly, tells stories and carries a sense of warmth and intention in every detail.
For illustration projects outside Canada, please contact Spinning Yarn ↗.
GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS
EXPERIENCE
Senior Digital Design Lead
IL MAKIAGE NY (USA)
Aug 2020 — Nov 2025
Built and led a global design team spanning 3D, motion, and lettering disciplines, raising overall creative output across digital and retention channels. Expanded and maintained a scalable design system to support CRM-driven email, SMS, and DTC campaigns in the beauty industry. Directed creative strategy that increased engagement and long-term customer value while implementing AI-powered workflows using Weavy, Runway, Kling, Luma, and Adobe Creative Cloud to streamline ideation and production. Developed market-specific assets for Europe, Australia, and Japan, supporting localized launches and multi-channel growth.
Lead Brand Designer
hugo Technologies (ESA)
Feb 2020 — Aug 2020
Led a company-wide rebrand and established a scalable design system tailored to multiple regional markets. Developed visual identities for service verticals and internal business units, ensuring clarity, cohesion, and alignment with strategic objectives. Created regional campaigns and marketing assets for fintech, on-demand delivery, and ride-hailing services, supporting growth initiatives and DTC adoption. Mentored regional design teams and developed digital and print guidelines that standardized workflows and improved production efficiency across markets.
Brand Visual Designer
The Lab Studio (ESA)
Jun 2017 — Feb 2020
Redesigned the studio’s visual identity and built a flexible, scalable design system to support client work. Led identity and campaign projects for local and international clients across agency, retail, and corporate sectors, applying Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design principles to guide strategy and execution. Developed advertising campaigns and digital content to strengthen brand engagement and conversion, while curating studio communication channels to ensure consistency across platforms. Designed packaging, promotional assets, and environmental graphics to deliver cohesive, impactful brand experiences.
Creative Director & Illustrator
Doug Rodas Studio (CAN)
Apr 2015 — Present
Conceptualized and executed original illustration systems, typographic assets, and brand visuals for clients across multiple industries. Designed scalable brand identity frameworks and visual libraries that ensured cohesion across campaigns and channels. Collaborated closely with copywriters, animators, and multidisciplinary teams to translate brand strategy into distinctive, high-impact creative executions. Pioneered experimental motion, interactive, and narrative-driven illustration techniques to elevate engagement while delivering projects across digital, print, and merch, managing timelines, budgets, and creative quality throughout.
EDUCATION
Art and Design Professional Skills Certificate
OCAD University (CAN)
Apr 2023 — Feb 2024
Focused on the business side of creativity, exploring professional practices, labour costs, and accounting principles tailored for creative professionals. Designed dynamic projects in typography and colour theory, with a strong emphasis on digital design.
Illustration Diploma
Seneca College (CAN)
Sep 2021 — Dec 2022
Specialized in editorial, children’s, and advertising illustration, with a hands-on, self-managed approach to creative direction. Academic projects helped refine skills in crafting compelling visual narratives.
BA Graphic Design
Universidad Dr. José Matías Delgado (ESA)
Jul 2012 — Dec 2018
Grounded in conceptual design, with a focus on visual identity, commercial illustration, and advertising. Developed creative problem-solving abilities, blending strategy with artistic execution across various design projects.
PRESS
Wix | FWD
Nov 28, 2024
Feature on Wix Studio’s FWD blog, covering insights on building a successful portfolio website. Doug's newly revamped website was featured in their article highlighting exceptional portfolio designs.
Noun Project
Jul 18, 2024
Doug was shortlisted as one of the top designers and illustrators of 2024 by Dribbble. In his interview with Noun Project, he discusses his creative process, inspiration, and approach to design.
The Black Sheep Agency
Jun 6, 2023
Article that celebrates the remarkable work, talent, and diverse backgrounds of individuals from the vibrant queer community working in the creative industry.
Demetres
Jun 2, 2023
Blog article published by Demetres discussing their collaboration with Doug, his creative process, the inspiration behind the artwork and advices for young creatives.
Wacom
Sep 1, 2022
Interview with Wacom in which Doug discusses his creative process, his inspiration and his experience as a creative who is part of the diaspora.
Dribbble
Jun 24, 2022
Article that delves into the way in which as creatives we influence art and design through our queer identities.
Hecho En Co.
Aug 6, 2020
Interview with the Florida-based digital magazine for Hispanic creators, discussing Doug's work, inspiration and design process.
EXHIBITIONS
MEMORABLE
MARTE, El Salvador
January, 2025
Kottilesben | QUEER SKIN
Nåpoleon Komplex, Germany
October, 2024
Helluva Grad Show
Gallery 1313, Canada
December, 2022
Quimera: Collective Illustration Exhibition
Boca Boca, El Salvador
September, 2019
Somos Arte Music & Arts Festival
Museum of Latin American Art, United States
September, 2019
Ma Chanson Préférée
Alliance Française de San Salvador, El Salvador
July, 2019
Opulencia Pipil
CIFCO, El Salvador
September, 2018
Infortunio
Galería 503, El Salvador
May, 2017
Coca Cola's Tómate la Ciudad Fest
CIFCO, El Salvador
April, 2017
Festival de Ilustración Salvadoreño y Terrícola (FIST)
MARTE, El Salvador
November, 2016
AWARDS
Winner — 1st Place | MEMORABLE: Illustration and Memory Contest
Museo de Arte de El Salvador (MARTE), El Salvador
January, 2025
Cohort Artist | ArtWorksTO Program
City of Toronto, Canada
January, 2024
Honourable Mention | Student Codex
Asociación Salvadoreña de Agencias de Publicidad (ASAP), El Salvador
October, 2016
Selected Work | Graphic and Visual Communication
Bienal Iberoamericana de Diseño (BID), Spain
November, 2015
Selected Work | Latinx Impact: Best Latin American Illustrations of 2014
Universidad de Palermo (UP), Argentina
March, 2015
EVENTS
Guest Speaker | Diseño Desde Casa Fest
Escuela de Comunicación Mónica Herrera (ECMH), El Salvador
September, 2020
Guest Speaker | World Design Day
Universidad Don Bosco (UDB), El Salvador
May, 2018
Guest Speaker | Cromática 17
Universidad Francisco Gavidia (UFG), El Salvador
April, 2017
Guest Speaker | Surface Design Day
Universidad Don Bosco (UDB), El Salvador