About Me
contactme@gabrielehernandez.com
415-225-7029
Design That Powers Teams,
Products, and Transformation
I'm Gabriel Hernandez, a design leader with 20+ years of experience building brands, leading teams, and crafting thoughtful user experiences. I’ve partnered with incredible companies like Tesla, Spotify, Levi’s, Disney, Seagate, Cisco, PayPal, Upwork, and more. I help shape the stories people see, feel, and interact with every day.
What I Do
I specialize in brand development, marketing design, and user experience, bringing together strategy, storytelling, and execution that moves the needle. Whether embedded with in-house teams or collaborating as a consultant, I focus on work that connects emotionally, performs functionally, and scales with business needs.
Leadership & Team Building
As a manager, I lead with empathy, clarity, and trust. I’ve built and led multidisciplinary design teams, helping creatives grow in their careers while delivering high-impact work. I believe great teams thrive when they’re supported, challenged, and empowered. I work hard to create that kind of culture.
Mentorship is a core part of my leadership style. Whether it’s one-on-one coaching or career guidance, I enjoy helping designers sharpen their skills, gain confidence, and find their voice in the industry.
Experience
For over a decade, I’ve led projects as a freelance Design Director, working with startups, agencies, and enterprise brands. I’ve helped launch products, scale design systems, and evolve brand identities for companies like Adidas Y-3, Sephora, Del Monte Foods, Levi’s, and Disney.
My work spans industries and mediums. But the common thread is always this: strong visual thinking, strategic intent, and collaborative execution.
Skills & Strengths
I bring a wide toolkit: brand identity, UX/UI, product design, design systems, animation, photography, and print. Paired with team leadership, creative operations, and mentorship. I thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where design can drive real transformation.
Background & Education
I grew up in Southern California, where my love for design started early. As a kid, I enjoyed drawing comics with my cousins and obsessing over every detail. That passion led me to earn a BFA in Graphic Design through the joint program at the University of San Francisco and California College of the Arts.
Later, I completed the Yale School of Management’s Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders program. It allowed me to strengthen my foundation in business strategy, leadership, operations, and negotiation.
Community
Design isn’t just my job—it’s my community. I stay active through AIGA, IxDA, and by mentoring emerging designers, helping them grow creatively and professionally. I believe in paying it forward and building a better creative industry for the next generation.