Resume
Contact
markgallo@me.com
760 683 4911
Chief Creative Officer/
Creative Director
Traina
2010 - present
Creative Leadership:
I help brands tell better stories. At Traina, I lead creative strategy and execution for global clients—including Microsoft, HP, Stater Bros Markets, Brooklyn Brewery, Taylor Guitars, Space Center Houston, and UC San Diego Health—building brand systems and integrated campaigns that connect with people across digital, social, experiential, and traditional channels. From creative strategy, concept development to full rollout, I work across identity, UX/UI, copy, video, and environmental design to bring brand vision to life with clarity and consistency.
Integrated Creative Development:
I work side-by-side with strategists, designers, and developers to create brand experiences that are as thoughtful as they are effective. I lead with visual direction, transparency, and collaboration—partnering closely with internal teams and executive stakeholders to shape messaging, define visual design, and keep projects moving forward in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. My hands-on approach is agile, iterative, and always audience-first.
Operational Excellence:
Behind great creative is a great system. I’ve built and scaled processes that improve team resourcing, reduce bottlenecks, and keep on schedule—without sacrificing quality. I oversee scoping, budgets, and delivery from end to end, helping teams stay aligned, inspired, and accountable.
Freelance Designer
2003-2010
As a solo creative partner, I collaborated with agency and in-house teams to bring brand stories to life across a wide range of formats—annual reports, visual identity systems, event and environmental design, marketing campaigns, and websites. I’ve had the chance to work with organizations like Clorox, Hornblower Cruises, Affymetrix, Ion Torrent, Stanford University, The Siebel Foundation and The Montana Meth Project, helping them craft thoughtful, well-executed creative that connects with real people.
Senior Graphic Designer
Cahan & Associates
2005-2007
Design for brand, event and campaign creative on projects for VM Ware (VM World), Fillmore Heritage Center, Herman Miller (See Magazine), and Aldo Shoes.
Senior Graphic Designer
Howry Design Associates
2005-2007
Lead designer on annual reports, corporate branding and collateral for clients including Del Monte, First Republic Bank, McKesson, Symantec, The American Red Cross.
Senior Designer
Artemis Creative
2000-2003
Led design for brand systems, investor decks, and event materials for high-tech and life science clients—translating complex ideas into clear, effective creative solutions.
Art Director
Hornblower Cruises
1996-2000
Responsible for concept, design and production of yearly regional and national print advertising campaigns. Managed design and production of high-volume corporate collateral and sales materials, implemented brand standards, and directed recurring on-location photo shoots at each operation center.
Skills
Creative Direction, Creative Strategy, Concept Development, Art Direction, Graphic Design, Copywriting, Visual Design, Video and Motion Direction
Software: Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Asana
Education
California State University, Chico
Visual Communications/Graphic Design
Section: Brand Strategy Certification
October 2021
Honors/Awards
My work has been recognized by Awwwards, Webbys, Communication Arts, Graphis, Print, ID, HOW, Graphic Design USA, The One Club, The Art Director’s Club, plus several local and national Addys.
Speaking/Community
Ad2 San Diego
UCDA Design Conference
Creative Haven podcast
Jury member, APA Untitled exhibition
Board Member, The One Club for Creativity San Diego