CASE STUDY #1: VARLO
Category: Triathlon, Cycling, Run, E-commerce
Deliverables: Apparel Graphics, Social Posts, Video Production, 3D Renderings, Custom Illustrations, Bespoke Seamless Patterns, Marketing Materials
My Role: Senior Designer, Illustrator & Production Handoff
Objective: Design a Stranger Things–themed tri suit for Netflix’s corporate triathlon team, to be debuted at a charity race supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Timeline: 1-day for initial concept
Design Process
The biggest challenge was the 1-day turnaround on a project with heavy illustration needs. With no time to hesitate, I dove into rapid research to capture as many iconic Stranger Things visuals as possible while also blending Hawkins, Indiana with Los Angeles, California—home to Netflix HQ. From there, it was a 12-hour sprint across Procreate, Photoshop, and Illustrator, illustrating Eleven, the Demogorgon, and the Mind Flayer, along with custom Hawkins school patches, an upside-down Republic of Vecna flag, waffles, baseball bats, and more.
To speed production, I used AI to generate supporting textures like grungy palm trees and the zombie bear for the flag, while leaning into Frank Miller–style illustration for Eleven and the Demogorgon. Design details reinforced the theme: waffles and baseball bats as leg icons, the Christmas light alphabet on the rear pockets, a Netflix color bar interior, and a dramatic back panel with the Mind Flayer looming over an upside-down LA skyline.
FINAL DESIGNS
IMPACT
While Netflix ultimately chose not to finalize the project with Varlo, the experience sharpened my time management, design, and illustration skills, and reinforced the value of moving forward with focus under pressure. Delivering a high-quality design for a premium client in just one day also built trust with Varlo, leading to opportunities as their sole designer across custom, in-line collections and sponsored pro athletes.
THERE'S MORE
ALL DESIGNS ARE BUILT from scratch
From seamless patterns and custom typography to brand assets and illustrations. My ability to draw enables me to craft unique wordmarks, detailed landscapes, and playful icons that emotionally resonate with both clients and consumers. Turning their stories and passions into designs that are functional, beautiful, emotionally resonant and make them money.
I was the sole creative behind each of these designs.
