EDUCATION

B.F.A. Art & Design, Concentration in Graphic Design

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

  • Summa cum laude (GPA: 3.93)

  • Class of 2026

SKILLS

  • UI design and prototyping for web and mobile applications in Figma

  • Publishing layout styles in InDesign

  • Brand design and design systems development in Illustrator

  • Photo retouching in Photoshop and Lightroom Classic

  • Carrying UX designs into front-end development using HTML & CSS

  • Experimental web design and generative art sketches using p5.js

  • UI design and prototyping for web and mobile applications in Figma

  • Publishing layout styles in InDesign

  • Brand design and design systems development in Illustrator

  • Photo retouching in Photoshop and Lightroom Classic

  • Carrying UX designs into front-end development using HTML & CSS

  • Experimental web design and generative art sketches using p5.js

AWARDS & HONORS

Outstanding Work in Graphic Design, Cal Poly Department of Art & Design

June 2026

Selected by faculty as the sole recipient of this award, recognizing exceptional achievement as the top student in the concentration

2026 Spring Scholarship Award, Paperboard Packaging Alliance

May 2026

Nominated by professors as an outstanding graphic design student for dedication and quality of work in the 2026 PPA Student Design Challenge

Selected presenter, Internal Student Research Competition

February 2025

One of 30 student projects, presented original UI/UX design demonstrating quality of research and creativity

WORK EXPERIENCE

Web Designer at The Financial Maniac

June 2026–present // San Jose, CA

Graphic Designer at Cal Poly ASI

May 2025–June 2026 // San Luis Obispo, CA

Created campaigns across digital and print applications to promote student events, opportunities, and resources. Managed simultaneous project milestones in a fast-paced environment, while collaborating closely with peers, requesters, and print vendors

UX Design Team Lead at Cal Poly Iter8

January 2026–June 2026 // San Luis Obispo, CA

Co-led a team of designers on a web design consulting project. Performed user research in order to implement findings, and developed design iterations into interactive prototypes

Graphic Designer at Cal Poly Robert E. Kennedy Library

April 2023–June 2026 // San Luis Obispo, CA

Designed branded promotional materials for the Cal Poly SLO Library. Piloted digital signage to promote library resources, developed UX prototypes for website update, and presented my work at staff & faculty events

Visual and Web Design Intern at DataFinity Group

June 2024–September 2024 // San Jose, CA

Led the update of DataFinity’s brand and marketing assets, with priority on creating a cohesive design system in order to launch a full redesign of the previous website

CLUBS & LEADERSHIP

Junior Design Director at Cal Poly Iter8

June 2025–June 2026

Design director in a UX design club created to give students professional experience in collaborative spaces. Created design assets to promote Figma workshops and professional partnerships

Design Director at UX Fest SLO

June 2025–June 2026

Designed assets for a club that pushes boundaries in UI/UX design, promoted events and partnerships through print and digital formats, and provided logistical support for the annual 24-hour designathon competition

AWARDS & HONORS

Outstanding Work in Graphic Design, Cal Poly Department of Art & Design

June 2026

Selected by faculty as the sole recipient of this award, recognizing exceptional achievement as the top student in the concentration

2026 Spring Scholarship Award, Paperboard Packaging Alliance

May 2026

Nominated by professors as an outstanding graphic design student for dedication and quality of work in the 2026 PPA Student Design Challenge

Selected presenter, Internal Student Research Competition

February 2025

One of 30 student projects, presented original UI/UX design demonstrating quality of research and creativity

AWARDS & HONORS

Outstanding Work in Graphic Design, Cal Poly Department of Art & Design

June 2026

Selected by faculty as the sole recipient of this award, recognizing exceptional achievement as the top student in the concentration

2026 Spring Scholarship Award, Paperboard Packaging Alliance

May 2026

Nominated by professors as an outstanding graphic design student for dedication and quality of work in the 2026 PPA Student Design Challenge

Selected presenter, Internal Student Research Competition

February 2025

One of 30 student projects, presented original UI/UX design demonstrating quality of research and creativity

//v.l.//

Designing experiences that challenge and excite.
Feel free to reach out or keep exploring!

© 2026 Valerie Legates // Updated June 2026

//v.l.//

Designing experiences that challenge and excite. Feel free to reach out or keep exploring!

© 2026 Valerie Legates // Updated June 2026

//v.l.//

Designing experiences that challenge and excite. Feel free to reach out or keep exploring!

© 2026 Valerie Legates // Updated June 2026