my background
I'm a graphic designer based in the Washington DC - Baltimore area. I specialize in creating innovative, multilayered deliverables tailored for creative projects. I ground my approach to creative storytelling in social context, emotional resonance, and strategic goals. Accessibility is my standard and pushing boundaries is my goal
I'm a graphic designer based in the Washington DC - Baltimore area. I specialize in creating innovative, multilayered deliverables tailored for creative projects. I ground my approach to creative storytelling in social context, emotional resonance, and strategic goals. Accessibility is my standard and pushing boundaries is my goal
I completed my bachelors of fine arts in design at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and am eager to join a team where I can put my comprehensive professional, academic, and personal experience to use.
I completed my bachelors of fine arts in design at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and am eager to join a team where I can put my comprehensive professional, academic, and personal experience to use.
what excites me
I enjoy collaborating with others to not only solve creative challenges but also exceed expectations. I consistently seek to innovate and refine project deliverables, ensuring what's produced leaves a lasting positive impact. Knowing I've done everything possible to create designs that achieve this gives me immense satisfactio
I enjoy collaborating with others to not only solve creative challenges but also exceed expectations. I consistently seek to innovate and refine project deliverables, ensuring what's produced leaves a lasting positive impact. Knowing I've done everything possible to create designs that achieve this gives me immense satisfactio
my favorite quote
“Talent is Good
Practice is Better
Passion is Best”
my favorite quote
“Talent is Good
Practice is Better
Passion is Best”
why I design
Design excites me because it's endless exploration—pushing boundaries, experimenting boldly, and discovering what creative solutions can truly achieve.
Design excites me because it's endless exploration—pushing boundaries, experimenting boldly, and discovering what creative solutions can truly achieve.
I've always been a problem solver and inherently I feel that design has a near endless potential for application and I want to be one of the people pushing that potential to be realized. Design is exciting, meditative, and above all, a craft I deeply cherish.
I've always been a problem solver and inherently I feel that design has a near endless potential for application and I want to be one of the people pushing that potential to be realized. Design is exciting, meditative, and above all, a craft I deeply cherish.
What they say about me
What they say about me
"There are few students who are as engaged in the classroom and willing to try new things. He would be a great addition to any creative team."
Katie Heater, M.F.A.
Visual Arts Professor at UMBC
"There are few students who are as engaged in the classroom and willing to try new things. He would be a great addition to any creative team."
Katie Heater, M.F.A.
Visual Arts Professor at UMBC
"Jalen is insightful, curious, and willing to go beyond expectations consistently to deliver amazing results"
Kelley Bell, M.F.A.
Visual Arts Professor at UMBC
"From first concepts to final delivery, Jalen is reliable to a fault and always brings forward momentum to any team he's apart of"
Corey Livelsberger, M.A.
Community Director at UMBC Residential Life
my experience
Ada Portillo Agency
Graphic Designer
Working with startups and small businesses to create strategic brand identities that help them stand out and connect with their customers.
2025 - 2026
Ada Portillo Agency
Graphic Designer
2025 - 2026
UMBC
Graphic Designer
Collaborated with senior administrative staff of UMBC residential and student life on creative design projects to serve the campus community
2022 - 2025
UMBC
Graphic Designer
2022 - 2025
Freelance Designer
Creative Lead
Supported clients with social media graphics, print materials, and brand guideline development
2022-present
Freelance Designer
Creative Lead
2022-present
Freelance Designer
Creative Lead
Supported clients with social media graphics, print materials, and brand guideline development
2022-present