Yes, I've tried it in blue.
RESUME
The Gift of a White Box
My grandmother saw it before I did. While I was just a kid who felt different—restless to create, build, explore—she recognized something worth nurturing. A graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago and former commercial artist, she handed me a plain white gift box filled with colored pencils and a blank pad. A simple gesture that changed everything.
She became my first mentor. I asked endless questions about technique, studied her work, and slowly understood that the "difference" I felt was actually a gift—one I've been living out for 25 years as a graphic designer.
Rooted in the Midwest
Growing up on a four-season farm shaped how I see design. Autumn forests catching fire in reds and oranges. Winter snow blanketing pastures. Spring's first stubborn green blades. Summer lightning bugs sparkling through cornfields. That rhythm of change—anticipating it, respecting it, working with it—still fuels my creative instincts. Trends shift like seasons. The question is always: who moves first?
13 Years Building Something from Nothing
When I joined ministry, there was no marketing department. I became the one-man show: brand developer, copywriter, graphic designer, web designer, project manager. It stretched me in ways I didn't know I needed.
As the church grew, so did the vision. I built out a full creative team spanning print, social, video, web, and stage design. But I never stepped back from the trenches—I believe creative directors should stay hands-on, in constant communication, woven into the work alongside their team.
What I learned:
Own your creativity. Taking that word seriously unlocked everything else.
Communication is half the job. Getting into someone's head when they can see what they want but can't articulate it—then landing the design together—that's the reward.
Teams multiply talent. Working with passionate creatives who speak the same language? Good for the soul.
Love the process. Every new brand, every illustration, every collaboration—it's energizing, every time.
What I Bring
I carry out brand vision with consistency and craft. I tell stories through design. I polish, fix, maintain—but I also dream and push into new territory. Whether the medium is digital, print, or social, I'm searching for what makes it different.
I'm not done growing. Art is part of me—it always will be. I'm looking for the next opportunity to learn, contribute, and be part of something great.
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Matthew Bennett
858.703.7017
What I enjoy everyday:
Every great creative journey begins with a simple truth: no two minds see the world the same way, and therein lies the magic. It's about planting flags—clear standards, sharp objectives—while remembering that brilliance withers under relentless pressure. Hand someone the right tools and watch them build cathedrals. Surround yourself with people who humble you, who make your best work feel like a rough draft. Embrace the sting of honest critique, because that's where mediocrity dies and real design is born. Draw every single day, even when it feels like nothing, especially when it feels like nothing. Fall in love with type again and again—the curve of a lowercase g, the weight of a serif, the silence between letters. Hold the vision for the brand like a torch, then roll up your sleeves and carry it forward yourself. And finally, the most radical act of all: get to work.
Creative experience in the following:
Illustration • Logo & Branding Design • Layout • Ad Design • Book Design • Stage Design • Interior Design • Video Titling & Graphics • Web Design • Copywriting • Build Brand Style Guides • Clothing Design • Environmental Design • Digital App Design • Multimedia Video Projection Content
Strengths:
Creativity • Technology • Typography • Leading a Creative Team • Time Management • Communication • Multitasking
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My Freelance Journey
TELCLOUD: Logo and Brand Development • Print • Technical Illustrations
MomsmakingSixFigures.com: Brand Management • Print Design • Social Media Design • Blog Design • Video Production
Hope Leadership Academy: Brand Management • Print Design • Web Design • Event/Fundraiser Design
Premier Energy Strategies: Powerpoint Design • Print and Brand Design • Web Design • Marketing
Hybrid Homes: Powerpoint Design • Print and Brand Design • Web Design • Marketing
You Power: Branding & Design
Other Sons Agency: Branding & Design - Kilroy/Little Italy Project
Potsreplacement.com by MarketSpark: Branding & Design • Web Design • Social Media Design & Marketing • Video Production
Touch Germ Block: Branding & Design • Web Design • Social Media Design & Marking • Video Production • APP Dev.
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Katz & Associates
San Diego | Los Angeles | San Francisco
Art Director - May 2018 - 2025
Horizon Christian Fellowship, Rancho Santa Fe, CALIF
Creative Arts Director, Graphic Designer - January 2004 - 2017 | Creative Arts Pastor 2013 - 2017
As the Creative Director, I am responsible for the creative process for designing, creating and executing all creative elements used in weekend worship services as well as the brand management and communication channels for the church and ministries. Along with those tasks I lead the Video and Graphics team working with them directly on all design projects.
Weekly tasks:
Bulletin Design • Flyer Design • Sermon Branding • Web Design & Management • Live Production Design • Manage All Printing
Work with Outside Vendors • Manage Creative Team • Work with Senior Staff • Marketing & Large Campaign Design • Maintain Church Branding
Key Achievements:
Developed brand standards for Horizon during a strong season of growth for the church • Built a creative team for Horizon to execute excellence in the community through design • Created effective presentations on a weekly basis for the weekend services to set a new standard for design in ministry at Horizon • Developing stage designs that complimented the sermon series branding on a weekend basis.
Dikaioo Restaurant, Encinitas, CALIF
Lead Independent Designer, January 2003 - January 2004
I was given the opportunity to create a restaurant concept from the ground up. The tasks included: logo and brand development, website, menu design, ad campaigns for all marketing and advertising, merchandise design: t-shirts etc., interior design i.e. color, design of tables and booths, wall finishes, color and layout.
Key Achievements:
Develop a brand independently from logo to interior design having all the creative tasks assigned to me. Executing at a level of agency work.
Father Joe's Villages, San Diego, CALIF
Senior Graphic Designer, May 2002 - June 2003
As the Senior Graphic Designer, I worked directly with the Communications Director on all Design and Marketing Projects as well with Father Joe Carroll on the larger Capital Projects.
Monthly tasks:
Monthly Newspaper Design • Capital Campaign Design • Direct Mail Design • Logo Design • Working with Inner City Youth Teaching Art Classes
Launching the first annual Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk Campaign • TV/Radio Commercials
Key Achievements:
Re-brand of all the logos used at Father Joe's Villages • Developing Brand Standards for the organization. Redesign of the "Village News" for their monthly Newspaper.
I-Street Magazine, Chicago, IL
Art Director, January 2000 - May 2002
As the Art Director, I was responsible for working directly with the editor and copywriters on a monthly magazine publication that covered the dot.com technology start-up scene of Chicago. i-Street magazine was a full color tabloid production.
Monthly tasks:
Paginate and layout the monthly magazine • Work with writers on design and photo/illustrations for articles • Work directly with printer for press checks
Key Achievements:
I was hired to redesign the magazine and give it a new look via layout, photo and editorial design to build consistency of the brand and through the website.
Inside Publications, Chicago, IL
Art Director, March 1998 - January 2000
Art Director for weekly North Side family owned newspaper. Responsible for weekly layout and design of ads and editorial content.
The Post Tribune, Gary, Indiana
Graphic Designer - 1997 - 1998
Education:
Purdue Calumet - 1995, General Education
Columbia College - 1996 -1997 - Art, Audio, Creative Writing
Mac University - 1997 - QuarkXpress Certification