Aaron Winters
Over the past 25-plus years, I’ve developed a true “Generalists’ Specialization” in crafting intelligent, inclusive and innovative design solutions adapted to near-constantly evolving communications needs.
Currently
Since joining the California Housing Finance Agency in November 2022. I design and update collateral to meet ADA/508 compliance standards and develop comprehensive brand guidelines. This role underscores my expertise in accessible design and long-document production.
My independent design consultancy Primarily continues on in a limited form. This work reflects my interest in experience-driven brand development projects, including experiential graphics, augmented, and built environments. A brief collection of other past client and personal work is available on Behance. Inquire for case studies in the fields of: Design Consultation & Web Design, Brand Analysis & Discovery, Social Media Planning & Digital Content Strategy.
My professional activities and industry recognition further highlight my engagement with the design community. In 2024, I presented for the second time at Designweek Sacramento and exhibited artwork at A Space in Between and Gallery 916.
Previously
My main creative outlet from 2020-'22 was the publishing of Songs Illuminated skateboard magazine. Going on hiatus after its sixth issue, the effort brought together photographers and illustrators from in and around Northern California to represent skate culture and heritage in the Sacramento region.
In April 2018, I became the sole User Experience Designer inside the Information Resources & Technology division at California State University, Sacramento. In this full-time, in-house role, I often supported the development, adoption, and maintenance of an accessible user experience across the University’s core web property. Central to the school’s Accessible Technology Initiative, I administered accessibility monitoring, reporting, and training for campus content editors. I most notably led the design and custom implementation of a sub-site that supported the University Advancement fundraising campaign in 2020-'21.
While pursuing my MFA at Vermont School of Fine Arts from 2012–’14, I worked as a Digital Marketing Consultant & Trainer at the Northeastern California Small Business Development Center and taught graphic design in the Los Rios Community College District. I taught at the Art Institute of California, Sacramento in 2015–’16.
In what feels like a previous life by now, I was the in-house Art Director for the California Landscape Contractors Association for ten years. During that time I also took on graphic design projects under the Abide Visuals and Aaron Winters Creative Professional names.
I produced award-winning package designs for the Weird Forest, Suicide Squeeze, Narnack, 5RC, and Clairecords record labels for artists such as Noveller, Lil B, Grouper, Emeralds, Hella and dozens more. I also handled freelance art direction duties for a variety of print magazines, from the local Fork It, Legend, and Midtown Monthly titles to the Canadian COLOR skateboarding magazine.
Also during that time, I was active showing in, organizing, and curating group art shows locally and across the West Coast from 2003–’07. I self-published two issues of the Exit Strategy art annual and managed The Ultramega artists' collective.