Creative Director · Creative Architect · Creative Builder · Creative Thought Leader · 15+ years
I am the other AI: Aesthetic Intelligence. iMake ideas come to life, colors dance, voices heard, chaos harmonize, boundaries bend, pixels pop, brands shine, connections strong, audiences fall in love, impact count, brands unforgettable, sparks ignite, experiences unforgettable. iMake it happen.
- Formats
- Video, photo, web, social, editorial, copywriting, packaging, retail, events, AI
- Teams
- In-house staff, freelancers, illustrators, agencies, vendors, photo + video crews
- Based
- San Francisco
Artificial intelligence: efficiency.Aesthetic intelligence: taste, empathy, restraint, connection, and knowing what belongs.
Trained as a journalist, I direct like an editor: find the story, cut what doesn’t serve it, and build a visual system that carries it across packaging, digital, print, environments, photo and video.
Across every format.
Packaging · Video · Photo · Digital · Brand guides · Environmental
- machiko.info · Creative Director, independent2022–now
Clients across beauty, nonprofit and financial services.
- Shaklee · VP of Creative2024–26
360° global product and brand launches. Turnaround −30%.
- World Market · Creative Director2024–25
Brand refresh across retail, eCom and packaging.
- Google · Retail CD, freelance2023–24
Brand system into signage across Google stores.
- Huda Beauty · Retail CD, freelance2023–24
Campaigns into window and in-store systems.
- Mixbook · First Creative Director2021–23
Rebrand, App 2.0 launch, 600+ templates.
- bareMinerals · Creative Director2020–21
Took creative fully remote through COVID.
- Rodan + Fields · Global Creative Director2017–20
Team 3 to 20, global guidelines, convention creative.
- Joyus · Creative Director2016–17
Built the in-house photo studio. Costs −25%.
- Gap Factory · Global Sr. Art Director2013–15
Gap Outlet to Gap Factory rebrand. GapFactory.com.
Also forSephora · Biossance · Levi’s · The Body Shop · Walmart · Sony Style · BCBG Max Azria
EducationB.S. Journalism, minors in Photography and Nonverbal Communication, CU Boulder · A.S. Graphic Design, FIDM
Style guides I have made.
Standards that scale
3→20
in-house creatives, hired and led in 3 months
Rodan + Fields
16,000
attendee global convention, on a $3M budget
Rodan + Fields
30%
faster turnaround with AI-supported workflows
Multiple
181K
app downloads in 1 month of launch creative
Mixbook
In their words.
References
“She brought a strong, authentic leadership style, streamlined processes, and developed comprehensive brand guidelines.”
“Machiko has a rare blend of creativity and process management skills. She quickly elevated our style at Joyus, even with limited resources.”
“…a mentor who brings clarity and focus to a fast-paced environment. She cuts through the noise, empowers her team to grow independently, and provides support when it matters most. Her leadership creates a collaborative, positive environment where designers can thrive.”