Design Mentor for graphic design & motion graphics

Rafael M.

Adobe After Effects

I’ve been using After Effects professionally for over two decades in motion design, animation, and visual storytelling. I taught motion design at UCLA, where I created an introductory course focused on using After Effects for typography and creative animation. I work with students of all levels — from beginners to experienced designers — and help them understand both the technical tools and the creative process. Whether you're looking to animate text, build dynamic compositions, or improve your visual rhythm, I can help you use After Effects with clarity and purpose.

Adobe Illustrator

I use Adobe Illustrator for typography, logos, and packaging design, including turning hand-drawn logotypes into clean vector files. I’ve also created commercial illustrations, sometimes in isometric style. I can show you how to prepare files for a portfolio or for production, and how to export them to Photoshop or InDesign. My approach is balanced between technical and creative, so I can help you build skills that support your own design vision.

Adobe Photoshop

Photo retouching Color correction and enhancement Compositing and blending images Working with layers and masks Using adjustment layers and filters Typography and layout basics Illustration and painting tools Preparing files for print or web Organizing an efficient Photoshop workflow

Adobe Premiere

I have been working with Adobe Premiere for over 20 years, using it as an essential part of my creative projects rather than defining myself solely as an editor. I’ve edited short films I directed, commercials, demo reels, content for social media, and videos for my YouTube channel, often in combination with Adobe After Effects to create a full workflow for motion graphics and video production. I began editing on Premiere, later switched to Final Cut Pro for a few years while working on Apple systems, and then returned to Premiere about 12 years ago, where I continue to work within the Adobe ecosystem. This mix of experience has given me both versatility and a strong, practical understanding of modern editing workflows.

Animation

My background in animation combines hands-on practice with a solid understanding of core animation principles. I work mainly with Adobe After Effects, and I also create on the iPad using tools like Procreate and other animation apps. Alongside the software, I’ve studied the basics of traditional cell animation, which helped me build a foundation in principles such as squash and stretch, timing, and anticipation—essential for creating movement that feels natural and expressive. I also bring in my knowledge of storytelling, rhythm, and sound to make animations more engaging. Whether for motion graphics, short creative pieces, or commercial projects, I use After Effects and my understanding of animation principles to bring ideas to life.

Drawing

I’ve worked as a commercial illustrator and designer for over 20 years, creating visuals for advertising, publishing, branding, and motion graphics. My foundation in drawing comes from Swiss art schools, where I studied composition, anatomy, perspective, and expressive techniques. Drawing has always been central to my creative process — from quick concept sketches to polished illustrations used in campaigns. I help students develop confidence in their lines, understand visual structure, and find their own drawing voice, whether they’re just starting or refining a professional portfolio.

Graphic Design

I’ve worked as a graphic designer and art director for over 20 years, collaborating with leading motion graphics studios in Los Angeles on projects for broadcast, branding, and digital media. My background includes typography, layout, illustration, and concept development — all rooted in a strong design process. Along the way, my work has been recognized by organizations like AIGA, AICP, and D&AD. I help students sharpen both creative and technical skills, whether they're building a portfolio, shifting into motion design, or refining their visual storytelling.

Macintosh

I have been using Macintosh systems since 1996, building a deep, practical understanding of both their software ecosystem and hardware management. Running my own creative studio has required me to be fully self-reliant, handling all IT tasks without outside support. This includes not only daily creative workflows but also the complete setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Mac systems. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and a variety of 3D applications on Mac. Beyond software, I have developed strong technical expertise in system administration—creating and managing user accounts, setting secure admin passwords, and organizing network resources. I have also configured mixed Mac/PC environments, ensuring seamless connectivity and file sharing across platforms. My hardware knowledge is equally solid. I have personally handled installing and configuring printers and scanners, adding and upgrading RAM and other electronic components, formatting drives, and performing full system setups. I am adept at diagnosing and fixing issues when something goes wrong, whether related to software conflicts, hardware failures, or system optimization. In addition, I have implemented robust data management and backup strategies, including local and network backups using NAS solutions such as Synology. This has ensured the security and stability of critical creative work within my studio. My ability to manage both the creative demands of professional software and the technical requirements of IT troubleshooting demonstrates a comprehensive mastery of Macintosh systems, developed through decades of hands-on, independent experience.

Video Production

I have been involved in video production since 2000, working on projects that range from commercials and feature film graphics to smaller creative pieces. Over the years, I have collaborated with editors, producers, musicians, and sound designers, which has given me a solid understanding of how the different parts of video production come together. I’ve also worked on trailers, teasers, and short films, as well as handled editing and graphics for my own projects. Because I’ve experienced both professional environments and smaller, independent work, I can adapt easily to the needs of a project—whether it’s a school assignment, a short creative video, or filming content for social media. My background allows me to help with many stages of production, from pre-production planning—developing ideas, storyboarding, preparing a shot list, choosing a location, and organizing casting or voiceover—through filming, editing, and adding graphics or sound. With years of hands-on practice and a wide range of experiences, I bring both creativity and technical knowledge that can support projects of different sizes and goals.