About Me

D A N N Y • A M A T O Guy in charge of creative stuff. BigDoor​Studio@me.com www.BigDoorStudio.com 760-969-2687 With over two decades of design expertise, I specialize in transforming complex ideas into compelling visual narratives that deliver measurable business impact. My career is defined by a passion for building iconic brand identities, leading high-performing teams, and delivering innovative creative solutions across digital and traditional platforms. I spearheaded design strategy, overseeing end-to-end branding initiatives, product launches, and digital marketing campaigns. I bring a unique ability to align creative vision with strategic business goals, ensuring every project not only meets but surpasses expectations. My multidisciplinary expertise spans UX/UI design, motion graphics, and visual storytelling, complemented by strengths in project management, client collaboration, and team leadership. I excel in dynamic, fast-paced environments where I can drive innovation and inspire growth. I am now seeking a senior creative leadership role where I can push the boundaries of design excellence, craft transformative brand experiences, and guide teams in delivering groundbreaking work. E X P E R I E N C E BigDoorStudio - Creative / Freelancer Palm Springs, CA • Jun 2018 – Present Art Direction for Automotive, Oil, Natural Gas, Healthcare, Cannabis Web Design for Agriculture, Restaurants, Food Service, Training Branding and Logo Design for Food Service, Events, Healthcare Packaging for Food Service Franchise, Vape Industry, Agriculture Motion Graphics for Advertising Agency, Tourism, Hospitality BuzzFactory - Creative Director Palm Springs, CA • July 2009 - July 2018 Responsible for naming, branding, space planning, interior design and all creative direction and execution of final product for BuzzFactory, a full- service advertising agency. Client categories serviced are, Forever Marilyn Palm Springs, Measure J ( one percent sales tax ) several political candidates, Wessman Construction, Integrated Wealth Management, The Pinnacle Fund, City of Rancho Mirage Tourism, and Kraft Nabisco Championship. Completed projects in print, direct mail, broadcast, web and social media. AceDirect - Creative Director Palm Springs, CA • 2006 - July 2009 I have put to the task of re-branding a traditional printer into an interactive graphic solutions provider. I worked both in marketing services and new business development for strategic acquisitions of clientele to drive sales for print, web, direct mail and large format graphics. Also, I created specific products for variable data printing and direct response products for use on our new Xerox iGen3 digital press. BigDoorStudio - Creative / Sole Proprietor Palm Springs, CA • Jan 2004 – Oct 2006 Professional free-lance advertising creative for print, web, and broadcast. Completing projects regionally for clients in several categories, jewelry, collectible guns and knives, non-surgical cosmetics, luxury resorts, and health care. AL&Z Advertising Inc. - V.P. / Creative Director Palm Desert, CA • Jan 1993 - Jan 2004 Responsibilities include: overseeing ( 12 ) person art, interactive and web staff, creative product, strategic direction, and new business pitches. Concepting for complete media campaigns including print, web, broadcast, outdoor, direct mail and interactive. E D U C A T I O N La Jolla Academy of Advertising Arts Bachelor Degree in Graphic Design La Jolla, CA Instructors were working professionals in the advertising industry and I was hired directly after graduation by Richard Mark Sickman Agency, former Creative Director of Leo Burnet in Chicago, IL. R E F E R E N C E S Just ask. A W A R D S Many. S K I L L S All things creative, tangible and intangible. A mark, a hat, a digital doodle, all can ignite an entire empire of goods. I can draw, I am very skilled in Adobe Creative Suite. I am very hands-on and I can make things...happen!