Hey. I’m Jaclyn.
My friends call me Jac.
My expertise
With 11+ years of experience in the world of Design and 5+ in UX/UI, I have become skilled at the applied art of marrying user/customer needs with company goals—all while creating purposeful and modern designs. Whether it’s leading a major design project with several stakeholders, meticulously directing several parallel projects while strengthening client relationships, or expertly guiding a new client through the design process and managing expectations—I thoroughly enjoy every bit of it. Having worked for both print and web focused agencies, I can safely say I am comfortable in both seats. Creating designed experiences is truly something I enjoy.
I’ve built brand identities for countless B2B and B2C businesses, created intuitive user experiences while simultaneously building the UI, worked with developers to translate designs into gorgeous live platforms, developed production specs for printed materials, and led teams of junior and senior designers and front-end developers. Of course, in this virtually expanding world there are always new technologies, new styles, and new tools to explore—it’s an exciting and never-ending field of possibilities. I will never pretend to know everything, but I will also never shy away from a new experience or learning opportunity. Figuring out how to make challenging circumstances work—and work well—is totally my jam.
The words I live and work by
Designs should always be data-driven—whether its qualitative data (user behaviors, trends, best practices, etc), or quantitative data (bounce rates, open rates, click-throughs, etc). The more you know, the more powerful design can be as a tool. Opinions or preferences do have a place in design, but it’s never before utility or the overall user experience.
Work to live, not live to work. People are humans, not machines. I will always give 100% effort to my work—I am fiercely dedicated to making every project a success. But does that mean every breathing second is spent in front of a screen? Absolutely not. I truly believe that people work—and especially create—their best when they are feeling their best, most invigorated version of themselves. I respect others needs for self-care and always encourage it! Get out there and enjoy life—whatever that means to you—and come back to the table with fresh eyes, fresh ideas, and fresh perspectives. After all, great design is inspired by nature.
Fun facts
Outside of work I have many insatiable interests. I really enjoy traveling; My favorite countries so far outside of the US are Japan and Scotland—there’s just something very ethereal about their culture and geography. I lived in New York for 5 years, just outside the city, before moving back to California. I love reading, photography, hiking, road trips, video games, and organizing. I also have a little niece and nephew that I am often chasing around the house, coloring with, or beating at Mario Cart.
Nara, Japan where you can feed biscuits to wild deer and take selfies with them. I’m also wearing a sweater that a kind shop owner loaned me because it was freezing and I didn’t have a jacket. That’s kindness and trust that you don’t see too often these days.
Queens, New York With 3 designers on my team at Advantages—Courtney Moore, Sam Feldman, and Gabriela Rivadeneira—all amazing people!
Glen Coe, Scotland where it rains a lot, so everything is vibrant green and there’s infinite rainbows. Such a dreamy landscape—my friends and I would often roam around in open fields and hills just to get away from the populated areas and feel the immensity of the place. I am hoping to go back again someday for a longer visit.
Pier 39, San Francisco with my favorite little munchkin rugrats (niece and nephew).