KIKS IGNACIO
HI, NICE TO
MEET YOU
CISCO JAVIER
DE ROSAS IGNACIO
But most people call me
KIKS
I'm a creative lead based in Los Angeles. I specialize in branding and marketing design and have training and experience in UX, motion design, photography, packaging, and even traditional art! My work and interests have lead me to projects in food and pop culture (Anime, Comics, and Video games) spaces. I've been called a one man swiss-army knife by folks I've worked with but working with people is what really brings out my best. My design process is driven by the idea that "play leads to making" - experimentation and fun curiosity pushes the best of design.
My free time is mostly spent playing and listening to music, binge watching old shows, building model kits, and playing with our cats. My cash though, is mostly spent on collectible toys and video games! Nice to meet ya'll!
CONTACT
EDUCATION
California College of the Arts
Masters in Fine Arts - Design
2013 - 2015
Ateneo De Manila
Bachelor in Fine Arts - Information Design
2006-2010
WORK EXPERIENCE
Production Manager
Jazwares
July 2021 - Present
Los Angeles, CA
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Manages production design team through project scheduling and press prepping packaging for the Squishmallows™ (A billion dollar brand!)
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Facilitates communication between multiple teams: from brand, design, legal, compliance, and overseas manufacturers, to make sure all packaging follows brand standards.
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Acts as team lead promoting employee growth and development for a very passionate, kick-butt team!
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Oversees brand integrity across the Squishmallows™ umbrella making sure all packaging including licensed goods and sub-brands follow assigned visual guidelines.
Brand Manager - Creative Lead
Japan Crate
June 2018 - July 2021
Los Angeles, CA
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Handles ongoing coordination between design team, marketing, and international manufacturers.
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Responsible for upholding brand unity across all products, advertising, and business facets
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Facilitate communication between US and Japan teams
Creative Lead
Japan Crate
August 2016 - June 2018
Tokyo, Japan
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Responsible for managing creative team including task delegation and onboarding
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Created brand guidelines and templates for company visual assets (exp. website, promo landing pages, emailers, advertising, packaging, etc.)
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Handled design and production coordination between major brand partners (exp. Bandai Namco Entertainment, Funimation, etc.) and design team.
Senior Designer
Japan Crate
August 2015 - August 2016
San Francisco, CA
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Built the visual structure of Japan Crate helping it grow from 5000 active subscribers to 15,000 subscribers.
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Developed the branding of 4 new product lines and all others there after.
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Created social media assets that helped boost our Facebook followers to 500k and growing
Co-Founder - Design Lead
Tender Blender Food Design
June 2012 - June 2015
Quezon City, Philippines
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Co-Founder of a small design firm focused on food related design services
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Developed branding and visual identity for restaurants and franchises across Manila
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Styled and designed for major brands such as Lipton, Knorr, and Unilever.
Lecturer - Introduction to Graphic Design
Ateneo de Manila University
March 2013 - May 2013
Quezon City, Philippines
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Taught a design course of 16 college level students
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Developed a class syllabus around the basics of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
Contract Designer
Heima Home and Lifestyle
July 2012 - December 2012
Makati City, Philippines
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Designed brand guides and graphic design assets for the company's various clients
Design Associate
24/7 International Corporation
July 2011 - December 2012
Quezon City, Philippines
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Worked as part of the in-house design department creating assets for the company and some of their partners.
Creatives Intern
Leo Burnette Philippines
April 2011 - May 2011
Makati City, Philippines
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Worked under their art team helping pitch concepts and do clean-up for posters and print ads