STEVEN C. DIAZ   |   DESIGNER/MENTOR

Simplifying Your Complex Experiences

I'm a Senior Visual Designer and Design Leader with a solid background in visual design, creative strategy, marketing, and leading teams—plus I love mentoring designers and helping newcomers find their own success in this changing industry.

STEVEN C. DIAZ   |   20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Simplifying Your Complex Experiences

I'm a Senior Visual Designer and Design Leader with a solid background in visual design, creative strategy, marketing, and leading teams—plus I love mentoring designers and helping newcomers find their own success in this bonkers industry.

     

23+ Years

Design & Leadership

4+ Years

Adjunct Design Instructor

15+ Years

Freelance Designer

6 IxDF

Design Certifications

23+ Years

Design & Leadership

4+ Years

Design Instructor

15+ Years

Freelance Designer

6 IxDF

Design Certifications

Oh, the Places I've been!

Oh, the Places I've been!

LIVE TULA 2023—CURRENT

Full Stack Designer

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • Led all branding and visual design as the sole designer
  • Built a unified design system for mobile, web, and digital assets
  • Designed a seamless member journey across physical and digital touchpoints
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to shape the experience
  • Partnered with engineers to bring the vision to life
LIVE TULA 2023—CURRENT

Full Stack Designer

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • Led all branding and visual design as the sole designer
  • Built a unified design system for mobile, web, and digital assets
  • Designed a seamless member journey across physical and digital touchpoints
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to shape the experience
  • Partnered with engineers to bring the vision to life
SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY GROUP 2021—2023

Senior Design Lead

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • 1 of 4 Design leads for UX/UI design consultants and conducted monthly 1-on-1's, portfolio reviews, and direction on upskilling and developing more knowledge as a designer.
  • Placed into 3 full time contracts within a 2 year stint with successful launch and implementations.
  • Conducted UX site audits, proposals, mockups, and prototypes for potential clients.
  • Provided direction to developers and engineers on functionality and usability of new workflows and interactions.
SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY GROUP 2021—2023

Senior Design Lead

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • 1 of 4 Design leads for UX/UI design consultants and conducted monthly 1-on-1's, portfolio reviews, and direction on upskilling and developing more knowledge as a designer.
  • Placed into 3 full time contracts within a 2 year stint with successful launch and implementations.
  • Conducted UX site audits, proposals, mockups, and prototypes for potential clients.
  • Provided direction to developers and engineers on functionality and usability of new workflows and interactions.
TESTOUT 2019—2021

Art Director/Senior Visual Designer

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • Took ownership of the established TestOut company brand to ensure consistency and growth.
  • Developed distinct brand identities for individual products within the company's portfolio.
  • Created cohesive visual styles, tone, and communication strategies tailored to each product line.
  • Strengthened the overall brand ecosystem while maintaining alignment with the core company identity.
TESTOUT 2019—2021

Art Director/Senior Visual Designer

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • Took ownership of the established TestOut company brand to ensure consistency and growth.
  • Developed distinct brand identities for individual products within the company's portfolio.
  • Created cohesive visual styles, tone, and communication strategies tailored to each product line.
  • Strengthened the overall brand ecosystem while maintaining alignment with the core company identity.
MOUNTAIN AMERICA CREDIT UNION 2015—2019

Senior Digital Designer

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • Led digital marketing campaigns, including landing page design, email marketing, and digital ad campaigns.
  • Designed and supported UX/UI initiatives across company platforms and member-facing products.
  • Mentored and guided junior designers in brand standards, design practices, and professional growth.
  • Expanded and refined skills through diverse responsibilities in digital design and marketing.
MOUNTAIN AMERICA CREDIT UNION 2015—2019

Senior Digital Designer

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • Led digital marketing campaigns, including landing page design, email marketing, and digital ad campaigns.
  • Designed and supported UX/UI initiatives across company platforms and member-facing products.
  • Mentored and guided junior designers in brand standards, design practices, and professional growth.
  • Expanded and refined skills through diverse responsibilities in digital design and marketing.
DESERET BOOK CORPORATION 2011—2015

Art Director/Senior Interaction Designer

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • Designed and developed new web experiences to improve customer engagement and usability.
  • Redesigned and launched updated email marketing campaigns focused on stronger user engagement.
  • Improved digital experiences across multiple brands under the Deseret Book umbrella.
  • Continuously tested and iterated on design solutions to ensure better user experiences.
DESERET BOOK CORPORATION 2011—2015

Art Director/Senior Interaction Designer

CONTRIBUTIONS
  • Designed and developed new web experiences to improve customer engagement and usability.
  • Redesigned and launched updated email marketing campaigns focused on stronger user engagement.
  • Improved digital experiences across multiple brands under the Deseret Book umbrella.
  • Continuously tested and iterated on design solutions to ensure better user experiences.

From Sock Drawers to Design

At eight years old, I thought every kid organized their sock drawer by color and use. Or that it was normal to spend hours splicing NES cables, extending cords, and rigging up ways to swap cartridges from the couch. I even hacked together a homemade crossbow from a wire hanger, clothespin, and bamboo skewers—though, unfortunately, that one did shoot a friend in the eye.

From as early as I can remember, I've been driven to simplify experiences and make things more enjoyable to use. That desire and drive is what led me to design..

My career has spanned multiple industries and roles, giving me a diverse skill set and the confidence to take on just about any challenge. I'm always learning and pushing forward—growing as a designer, creative, leader, thinker, and mentor.

From Sock Drawers to Design

At eight years old, I thought every kid organized their sock drawer by color and use. Or that it was normal to spend hours splicing NES cables, extending cords, and rigging up ways to swap cartridges from the couch. I even hacked together a homemade crossbow from a wire hanger, clothespin, and bamboo skewers—though, unfortunately, that one did shoot a friend in the eye.

From as early as I can remember, I've been driven to simplify experiences and make things more enjoyable to use. That desire and drive is what led me to design..

My career has spanned multiple industries and roles, giving me a diverse skill set and the confidence to take on just about any challenge. I'm always learning and pushing forward—growing as a designer, creative, leader, thinker, and mentor.

"You don't have to take my word for it."–IYKYK

"I highly recommend Steven…His strong visual design skills, coding experience, excellent soft skills, and design knowledge makes him a valuable addition to any project or organization."
Jessica S. Software Technology Group

"I cannot recommend Steve strongly enough. He was extremely creative, knowledgeable, and a thorough designer who is exceptionally easy to work with."
Joe M. Product Manager, BonusRight/VisionLink

"Ultimately a recommendation like this comes down to one question: Would I want to work with Steven again on another project? Without any hesitation, I say yes."
Tyler S. Mobile Equipment Manager, Savage Services

"I had the pleasure of working with Steven on numerous projects and initiatives. Three words that best describes his work is: dedication, passion, and creativity."
Chad B. Cybersecurity Leader
ONLY 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE!

1-on-1 Mentoring

Helping students and newcomers understand the "real-world" of design and what it takes to succeed as a designer in a challenging, competitive industry.

  • Learn from real-world experience: Gain insights from 23 years in the industry.

  • Accelerate your growth: Avoid mistakes and fast-track your skills.

  • Get professional feedback: Improve with critiques aligned to industry standards.

  • Build a standout portfolio: Create work that attracts employers and clients.

  • Expand your network: Access connections and opportunities in design.

  • Master soft skills: Learn communication, time management, and presentation.

GETTING STARTED

$30 / monthly

  • Monthly 30-minute video session
  • Portfolio review
  • Career advice
  • Design questions

BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE

$75 / monthly

  • 2 Monthly 30-minute video calls
  • Portfolio review
  • Career advice
  • Design questions
  • Email and DM support

SETTING YOUR FUTURE

$150 / monthly

  • 3 Monthly 45-minute video sessions
  • Portfolio review
  • Career advice
  • Design questions
  • Unlimited DM and Email Support
  • Mock Interviews
ONLY 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE!

1-on-1 Mentoring

Helping students and newcomers understand the "real-world" of design and what it takes to succeed as a designer in a challenging, competitive industry.

  • Learn from real-world experience: Gain insights from 23 years in the industry.

  • Accelerate your growth: Avoid mistakes and fast-track your skills.

  • Get professional feedback: Improve with critiques aligned to industry standards.

  • Build a standout portfolio: Create work that attracts employers and clients.

  • Expand your network: Access connections and opportunities in design.

  • Master soft skills: Learn communication, time management, and presentation.

GETTING STARTED

$30 / monthly

  • Monthly 30-minute video session
  • Portfolio review
  • Career advice
  • Design questions

BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE

$75 / monthly

  • 2 Monthly 30-minute video calls
  • Portfolio review
  • Career advice
  • Design questions
  • Email and DM support

SETTING YOUR FUTURE

$150 / monthly

  • 3 Monthly 45-minute video sessions
  • Portfolio review
  • Career advice
  • Design questions
  • Unlimited DM and Email Support
  • Mock Interviews
  • Digital Asset Library

How Can I Help?

Get in Touch

Have a question, an idea, or just want to chat about design? I'd love to hear from you! Whether it's a quick hello or a deeper conversation, feel free to reach out.