FOUNDER, IF ONLY CREATIVE, SAN ANSELMO CA

Marisa Sanchez-Dunning is the Chicana woman behind If Only Creative, a Bay Area creative studio founded in 2022 that builds and executes brand design, strategy, and trend-setting commercial photography. A veteran of working with POC-owned, purpose-driven brands, Marisa possesses a POV that taps into diverse cultures and resonates with global audiences.

Central to Marisa’s core are sustainability, equity, transparency, authenticity, and quality. If Only Creative became a reality because she was motivated and driven to craft a better world for creatives from all backgrounds. Whether it’s developing a sustainable materials guide, working with high-profile brands like Whole Foods, Bawi, and Date Better or hosting, El Otro Lado, a series of dinners reclaiming and celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Marisa has proven herself a game-changing creative director and founder with a talent for design leadership and strategic thinking, dreaming up brands rooted in human connection and industry know-how. She has spoken at conferences like AIGA, Brand New, and Dieline

What principles guide your design decisions?

My design decisions are guided by intentionality, cultural respect, and human connection. At If Only Creative, we are purpose-driven and craft work that centers on real people and their diverse lived experiences, helping brands connect meaningfully with the communities they serve. We specialize in partnering with POC and women-owned founders and lead with equity and transparency, meaning every visual choice is made with purpose, not for the sake of trend-chasing. Strategy and storytelling are the backbone of the agency, ensuring that our work isn’t just aesthetically beautiful, but also grounded, meaningful, and timeless.

How do you stay relevant in an industry that changes so quickly?

Relevance demands staying curious and critical. I don’t blindly chase trends; I pay attention to why they emerge and who they serve. I’m constantly learning through collaboration, conversation, and hands-on client work, which keeps me connected to real audiences and real needs. By balancing evolving tools and platforms with a strong foundation in strategy and storytelling, I adapt without losing clarity or purpose.