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

Selected presenter, Internal Student Research Competition

February 2025

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

Outstanding Work in Graphic Design, Student Art Exhibition (Juried)

February 2025

University Art Gallery, Cal Poly SLO. Works selected on two occasions to be displayed in a selective gallery showing

Dean’s List & President’s Honors List

September 2022–June 2026

Recognized for academic excellence and consistency of good standing

WORK EXPERIENCE

Graphic Designer at Cal Poly ASI

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

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

UX Design Team Lead at Cal Poly Iter8

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

Co-leading a team of designers on a web design client project. Performing various user research methods in order to implement findings, and developing design iterations into final interactive prototypes

Graphic Designer at Robert E. Kennedy Library

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

Designing branded promotional materials for the Cal Poly SLO Library. Piloted digital signage to promote library resources, developed web designs for website update, and presented my work at library 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 and refreshing 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. Tasked with creating assets designed to promote workshops and company partnerships

Design Director at UX Fest SLO

June 2025–June 2026

Designing assets for a club that pushes boundaries in UI/UX Design, as well as promoting the annual 24-hour designathon competition

Fam Head at Pilipino Cultural Exchange (PCE)

August 2024–August 2025

Family line leader in a cultural club that builds community around shared identities. Active participant in the Big-Little program

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

© 2026 Valerie Legates // Updated April 2026

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

© 2026 Valerie Legates // Updated April 2026

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

© 2026 Valerie Legates // Updated April 2026