Character
Experiencias memorables
a través del diseño Built to stand out. Designed to connect. Engineering in Digital Graphic Design 02 I'm a freelance graphic designer with a passion for making brands shine. My expertise spans branding, print, digital design, web design, UX/UI, social media assets, photography, and audio/video editing. I'm here to transform your vision into stunning visuals, enhancing your brand's impact and visual presence. About 02. Memorable Experiences 03. 04. Why so Serious? Playful Creativity Creativity Meets Precision
Character
Inspirado por el mundo
en el que me creado Inspired by the world that shaped me We have fun here 03 I'm a freelance graphic designer with a passion for making brands shine. My expertise spans branding, print, digital design, web design, UX/UI, social media assets, photography, and audio/video editing. I'm here to transform your vision into stunning visuals, enhancing your brand's impact and visual presence. About 02. Memorable Experiences 03. 04. Why so Serious? Playful Creativity Creativity Meets Precision
Character
Creatividad y precisión,
Diseñador profesional Creative Thinking. Professional Execution. Design to open your mind 04 I'm a freelance graphic designer with a passion for making brands shine. My expertise spans branding, print, digital design, web design, UX/UI, social media assets, photography, and audio/video editing. I'm here to transform your vision into stunning visuals, enhancing your brand's impact and visual presence. About 02. Memorable Experiences 03. 04. Why so Serious? Playful Creativity Creativity Meets Precision back-3 back2room-1 back3gta-1
Showcase

Selected works.

Show All Works
Tacotopia at the Track – Event Branding & Marketing

Tacotopia at the Track – Event Branding & Marketing

Event Branding Identity San Diego Reader Social Media
Show project

Following the success of the original Tacotopia at Golden Hill Park, the concept was brought to the Del Mar Racetrack as part of its…

GAP Intelligence – Best in Show Holiday Card

GAP Intelligence – Best in Show Holiday Card

Creative Development gap Intelligence Identity Print
Show project

A holiday card campaign for GAP Intelligence inspired by the mockumentary-style world of Best in Show, featuring employees and their dogs as the stars…

United Way of San Diego – Annual Night Gala 2026

United Way of San Diego – Annual Night Gala 2026

Print
Show project

Event Branding, Creative Direction & Print Design In August 2026, United Way of San Diego brought together influential community leaders, distinguished guests, and philanthropic…

Burgers & Beer – Event Branding & Marketing

Burgers & Beer – Event Branding & Marketing

Branding Event Branding Identity San Diego Reader Social Media
Show project

Burgers & Beer was a San Diego food and beverage festival held at Golden Hill Park, bringing together local burger restaurants and breweries for…

GAP Intelligence – The Sith Annual Drives for Rides

GAP Intelligence – The Sith Annual Drives for Rides

Branding Creative gap Intelligence Print
Show project

For GAP Intelligence’s 6th Annual Drives for Rides, a fundraising golf tournament supporting local charities, I developed a Star Wars-inspired theme built around two…

Tacotopia – Event Branding & Art Direction

Tacotopia – Event Branding & Art Direction

Branding Event Branding San Diego Reader Social Media
Show project

Tacotopia was a “Best Taco in San Diego” competition held at Golden Hill Park, bringing together more than 30 of the city’s top taco…

Spin the fam
Services

Full-service creative production: design, branding, layout, motion, video, web, and print.

Branding and Identity Design
Print and Digital Design
Web Design UX/UI
Social Media Advertising
Vector Illustration
Event Branding and Signage 

Art Direction
Photo Editing / Production
Video Editing / Production 
3D Rendering and Animation
Apparel Branding Design
Packaging

0
Years of
Experience

Resume

Click here to download

Work as Usual

At The Lab

DESIGNING SINCE '99

San Diego based Senior Graphic Designer with 20+ years of experience creating branding, marketing campaigns, packaging, advertising, digital content, photography, and print materials for consumer and retail brands.

Experienced in taking projects from concept through final execution across branding, packaging and labeling, social media, digital advertising, print, video, and large-format production. My background includes leading creative work for ActiveHerb, the San Diego Reader, and a range of agency and freelance clients.

Known for being hands-on, adaptable, and comfortable working across both creative and production, from developing the initial concept and visual direction to designing, producing, and delivering the final work.

BRANDING, MARKETING & MULTIMEDIA

I create purposeful visual experiences across branding, advertising, packaging, digital, social media, motion, and video. From the first concept to the final execution, I build creative that strengthens brands, connects with audiences, and works across platforms.

WORKING WITH ME

I combine creative design with marketing strategy to help brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals. Whether it’s building a stronger brand, increasing engagement, or driving conversions, every design has a purpose.

ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS WITH

My Customers

Every project is an opportunity to build a strong creative partnership. I work closely with clients to understand their goals, communicate openly, and turn their ideas into thoughtful, effective design. By combining collaboration with a shared commitment to quality, I create work that not only meets expectations but helps bring their vision to life.

Creative Partnerships

What My
Clients Say.

Keep coming back for more

I've had the pleasure of working with Aleks for almost 10 years, as a colleague at the San Diego Reader and as a contractor for my marketing agency, Left Lane Digital. Aleks is hands down the most skilled and creative graphic designer I've ever worked with. You can give him precise instructions and he'll make your vision come to life just as you hoped, or you can give him free reign to let him lead and you won't be disappointed with what he creates. I have one of my longest client relationships because they love Aleks' design work and keep coming back for more. In addition to being an incredible graphic designer, Aleks is also fun and easy to work with and he feels like a true teammate.

Cara Polis

Founder, Left Lane Digital

Vector Illustration

Aleks produces art, graphic designs for my clients aboard Navy Ships. These clients purchase high end consumer products that are decorated with logos. I am amazed sometimes how quickly he can produce just what they are looking for.

Ronald Branham

President, Branham Marketing

Hard working and dependable

Alejandro has worked for me and with me for about 12 years. He is one of the hardest working and dependable employees I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. His communication and reliability have made him my go to person anytime I’ve needed a designer. My only complaint is that the company that I own now does not require a full time designer. He is always a pleasure to work with and I could not recommend him highly enough.

Chris Hansen

Owner, Gaslamp Seeds

Software & platforms

Always Exploring
What’s Next.

I work across the full creative production process, including design, layout, motion, video, digital marketing, and the systems that bring it all together. I’ve always kept up with evolving technology and creative platforms, adopting new tools early and incorporating AI and emerging technologies into my workflow to make production more efficient.

The Journal

News archive.

Show All Posts
  • Aleks
  • Posted by Aleks
June 18, 2023
3 min read

From Pixels to Print: Deciphering RGB and CMYK

  • Aleks
  • Posted by Aleks
July 5, 2020
3 min read

Crafting Visual Stories: Video Aspect Ratios in the Social Media Spotlight

  • Aleks
  • Posted by Aleks
June 5, 2020
3 min read

Mastering the Art of Branding

Work inquiries

Got something in mind?

Contact me

USA
Aleks Banales
aleks@aleksdesignlab.com
+1.619.946.8120

Mexico
Aleks Banales
aleks@aleksdesignlab.com
+52.664.684.1564

This website stores cookies on your computer. Cookie Policy

Event Branding Identity San Diego Reader Social Media
Tacotopia at the Track – Event Branding & Marketing

Following the success of the original Tacotopia at Golden Hill Park, the concept was brought to the Del Mar Racetrack as part of its…

View Project
Creative Development gap Intelligence Identity Print
November 10, 2017
GAP Intelligence – Best in Show Holiday Card

A holiday card campaign for GAP Intelligence inspired by the mockumentary-style world of Best in Show, featuring employees and their dogs as the stars…

  • Strategy

    Plan, Conceptualize, Coordinate, Design, Capture

  • Design

    Photography, Lighting, Studio, Photo Editing, Layout, Typography

  • Client

    GAP Intelligence

View Project
Print
United Way of San Diego – Annual Night Gala 2026

Event Branding, Creative Direction & Print Design In August 2026, United Way of San Diego brought together influential community leaders, distinguished guests, and philanthropic…

View Project
Branding Event Branding Identity San Diego Reader Social Media
Burgers & Beer – Event Branding & Marketing

Burgers & Beer was a San Diego food and beverage festival held at Golden Hill Park, bringing together local burger restaurants and breweries for…

View Project
Branding Creative gap Intelligence Print
May 4, 2018
GAP Intelligence – The Sith Annual Drives for Rides

For GAP Intelligence’s 6th Annual Drives for Rides, a fundraising golf tournament supporting local charities, I developed a Star Wars-inspired theme built around two…

  • Strategy

    Conceptualize, Communicate, Design, Execute

  • Design

    Photo Editing, Layout, Typography

  • Client

    gap Intelligence

View Project
Branding Event Branding San Diego Reader Social Media
Tacotopia – Event Branding & Art Direction

Tacotopia was a “Best Taco in San Diego” competition held at Golden Hill Park, bringing together more than 30 of the city’s top taco…

View Project