VP AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, MAJESTYK, NEW YORK NY
Mark García is the Vice President and Creative Director of Majestyk, a studio focused on digital products. Responsible for the creative vision behind some of today’s up-and-coming tech innovations ‒ including CogniToys, a smart toy named one of TIME’s Best Inventions in 2015 ‒ his creative recommendation has sparked the success of countless products, campaigns and brand identities. His work has been recognized and awarded over 65 Industry Awards from organizations including the W3 Awards, Creativity International, Art Directors Club and more. With a passion for creative design and its intersection with technology, Mark focuses on creating a better everyday life through exceptional experiences.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN? WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Born in Queens NY and raised in New Jersey. I lived aboard for a bit after university before finally finding my way back to New York City.
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
Parsons, SVA
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Night owl. I’m notorious for sending out emails at 3 am. I like the quiet.
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU’VE ALWAYS IDENTIFIED WITH?
Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter. You underestimate him but by the end of that series he’s fearless enough to take on Voldemort.
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
I played the piano for 8 years and the clarinet for 4 as a kid. Can I play them now? No idea.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TV SHOW?
Fresh Prince of Bel Air
LAST BOOK YOU READ?
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
ANY PETS?
Two hermit crabs
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE YOU FLUENT IN?
Conversational in Spanish and Filipino, currently attempting to learn French and Portuguese
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Pan’s Labyrinth
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Roy Lichtenstein
FAVORITE CHARITY?
Dream Volunteers
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Anything fitness related, traveling, movies
WHAT’S THE LAST COMPLIMENT YOU GOT?
Nice backpack. Not sure if that was a pickup line or if they liked my backpack but I’ll take it.
DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?
I have an odd and maybe morbid fascination with skulls as objects and within design so I have a collection of skull-related items.
COLOR USED MOST OFTEN IN YOUR DESIGN?
Navy Blue
TYPEFACE USED MOST OFTEN?
Gotham
DO YOU HAVE A DESIGN MENTOR OR INSPIRATION?
Jessica Walsh has always been an inspiration. If she called me up and said she wanted to collaborate I’d fanboy. Then I’d get myself together to show her what I can do.
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
I get caught up in the details. You decide if that’s good or bad.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Be humble and stay hungry ‑ your career will be what you make of it so always push yourself to do more and be mindful of the importance of the relationships you make.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Restauranteur
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
Nothing is impossible.
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