ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Javier Santillán, a multidisciplinary designer based in Zurich, originally from Mexico. I’m passionate about nurturing ideas and solving problems through creativity. With experience in graphic design, print, and UX/UI design, I pour my heart into every project, blending creativity with a deep understanding of design principles. I believe that each project is an opportunity to craft visually compelling and strategically sound designs. Let’s collaborate to bring your vision to life with dedication and flair.
My Journey
My life began on the night of August 3, 1984, in Mexico City. Although my life started in Mexico, my experiences span the globe. I’ve lived in Sydney, Chicago, Florence, and Milan, and I travel frequently. My international background brought me to the beautiful Zurich, Switzerland, which has been my home since 2009. I’m proud to call myself Swiss and have settled in Zurich, where I live with my wife, two daughters, and my cat, Maui. These international experiences have shaped who I am and the way I approach both life and design. They’ve also enriched my ability to communicate across cultures in four languages fluently: Spanish, German, Italian, and English: and who knows, maybe I’ll take on French next, allowing me to speak nearly all of Switzerland’s national languages! Italian is probably the second language I speak the most, as my wife is Italian.
career life
My journey into design has been shaped by my curiosity and need for creativity. After studying Product Design at Rigoletti Casa de Diseño in Mexico City, I pursued a Master’s in Visual Design at the Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milan, where I honed my skills and expanded my design perspective. I believe in continuous learning, which has driven me to explore new techniques and design disciplines, including a recent UX/UI Design program at CareerFoundry in Berlin. This commitment to growth is a cornerstone of my professional ethos.
Throughout my career, I’ve held significant roles that have shaped my identity as a designer. My time at Mondaine Watch Ltd. as a Senior Brand & Graphic Designer was particularly noteworthy. I spearheaded the design of key marketing assets, including catalogs and advertising visuals, while ensuring brand consistency across platforms. Additionally, I played a crucial role in enhancing Luminox’s brand image, developing creative solutions that improved visibility and appeal in global markets. In addition to my role at Mondaine, I have worked as a Senior Graphic Designer at FocusMedia, as well as an Art Director & Graphic Designer at the advertising agency FCB Zürich, and the agency Wirz Werbung AG. I began my career in Switzerland at Honegger&Bregenzer.
In 2023, I took a purposeful pause to focus on personal and professional development, as well as to spend time with my family. During this time, I took various courses to expand my skills and volunteered as a UX/UI and Graphic Designer for Startup Nights in Winterthur, where I contributed to enhancing the website’s usability and developed graphic design materials.
Core Values
These core values represent the principles that shape my personal and professional life. From curiosity and creativity to adaptability and collaboration, each value highlights my approach to problem-solving, communication, and building meaningful connections. These values not only define my character but also influence the quality and impact of my work.
Curiosity
Curiosity drives my approach to both life and design. I have a genuine passion for exploring new ideas and learning from every experience. This inquisitive nature helps me remain open-minded and fosters creativity in all aspects of my journey.
Adaptability
Adaptability is a cornerstone of my character. I thrive in dynamic environments, adjusting to new challenges and perspectives with ease. This flexibility enriches my personal life and professional interactions, allowing me to respond effectively to whatever comes my way.
Nurturing
Creativity
From a young age, I’ve been driven by an insatiable need to create and solve problems in diverse ways. I generate new ideas by thinking outside conventional boundaries, often connecting disparate concepts and experimenting with various materials. Today, I leverage my wide-ranging experiences, diverse skills, and extensive knowledge to generate novel ideas and solutions.
Cultural Awareness
Communication
As a passionate communicator, I believe in clear communication and open dialogues to foster trust and understanding in all my interactions. Speaking four languages enhances my ability to connect with diverse individuals. This skill is vital for successful collaboration and working towards a shared vision.
Versatility
Versatility is a key aspect of my personality. I embrace the opportunity to blend different skills and perspectives, whether in work or personal interests. This adaptability allows me to approach challenges creatively and find integrated solutions.
Attention to Detail
I have a keen eye for detail, which influences both my work and personal life. I believe that the little things matter and can significantly impact overall experiences. This attention to detail allows me to appreciate and enhance the quality of everything I do.
Problem-Solving
I view life as a series of challenges to be navigated creatively. My problem-solving mindset enables me to approach obstacles with optimism and resilience, allowing me to find innovative solutions in both my personal and professional endeavors.
Doer Mindset
My doer mindset drives me to actively seek solutions and tackle challenges head-on. I believe in taking initiative and making things happen rather than waiting for change. This proactive approach shapes both my work and personal life.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Craftsmanship reflects my passion for creation and building. From childhood projects with simple materials to my home workshop today, I find joy in hands-on work. I use a variety of tools and techniques to bring my ideas to life, satisfying my creative instincts.
People-Centric Approach
I believe in putting others first, whether in professional settings or personal relationships. Understanding the unique needs and perspectives of those around me helps me build strong connections and deliver thoughtful, tailored solutions.
Collaboration
Collaboration enriches my life and work. I value the insights and creativity that emerge from teamwork, believing that great ideas often come from diverse perspectives. Together, we can achieve more than we could individually.
Excellence
I am committed to excellence in all areas of my life. I strive to meet high standards and deliver quality outcomes, recognizing that small improvements can lead to significant impacts while maintaining a healthy balance without succumbing to perfectionism.
Strategic Thinking
I approach challenges with strategic thinking, ensuring that my decisions align with my overall goals. This mindset allows me to create meaningful solutions in my work and navigate life’s complexities with purpose.
Structure and Systems
I value structure and systems as a foundation for creativity and productivity. By establishing organized workflows in my work and personal life, I can navigate complexity efficiently, ensuring that every detail contributes to a cohesive and fulfilling experience.
“Discover how my core values can bring fresh perspectives and impactful solutions to your projects.”
Let’s connect and see how my approach can help you achieve your goals and make a meaningful difference.