Russell Toynes
President
Owner + Creative Director | Studio Dzo “You can talk about it, or you can be about it.” Spend enough time with Russell, and you’ll hear these words. He has many mantras, but this one is his manifesto. A wearer of many hats—father, husband, business owner, creative director, design educator, and unashamed Disney adult—Russell is quick to share a laugh, a cup of coffee, and what's left of his time. Since discovering AIGA in 2010, he has been passionate about supporting designers and creative problem-solvers through education, mentorship, and good work.
Angel Ortega
Vice President
Owner | GARZIG Hello, I'm Angel Ortega aka GARZIG; a graphic designer + illustrator in Austin, TX. I'm a proud graduate of Austin Community College, class of 2015. When I'm not talking about design I'm probably talking about dogs, heavy metal or wrestling. Let's chat sometime, yeh?
Tasha Bowling
Chapter Manager
Account Executive | Capital Printing Tasha has lived all over the world and chooses Austin to call home. She loves making new connections, especially to further the AIGA Austin mission.
Bart Kibbe
Design Ranch Director
Senior Designer | Arrow With over 18 years of experience, Bart has built a solid background in branding and identity design, art direction, and print production. Since 2011, he has proudly served on the AIGA Austin board in many roles, passionately supporting and building the creative community. His enthusiasm for creativity and collaboration drives everything he does.
Luke Morris
Communications Director
Brand Design Manager | AMD Luke is a graphic designer, art director, and occasional chef. He's also a spoon carver, forager, and artfully restores clawfoot tubs. He is a Brand Design Manager at AMD.
Brandon Guidry
Technology Director
Marketing & Brand Manager | CapMetro Brandon is a creative that enjoys utilizing his skills in graphic design, writing, photography and web design to help craft compelling messages and stories. He has a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Arlington where he focused specifically on visual storytelling and web design. He is a tech-enthusiast, foodie, spur-of-the-moment traveler and life-long learner.
Tiffany Vurek
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair
Experience Director | Digital Experience Consulting Tiffany is a UX Consultant, product design vision and strategist, and international jet setter. She has a deep passion for mentoring the next generation of designers and helping them grow their design careers.
Kathia Ramirez
Student Development Chair
Associate Design Manager | St Edward’s University Kathia is a seasoned designer dedicated to creating beautiful brand experiences. Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, and raised in Texas, she now resides in Austin. Passionate about community engagement, she actively contributes to AIGA Austin. Kathia enjoys exploring Austin’s vibrant food scene, hiking the scenic trails of the Hill Country, and illustrating at local coffee shops, one of her favorite pastimes.
Daniela Dunman
Scholarship Chair
Graphic Designer | Projeto Brasil Daniela is an Austin native, and hippo collector, currently holding about 80 hippos of various shapes, sizes and materials. As Scholarship Chair, she is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an organization like AIGA Austin that strives to empower young creatives with the resources and awareness they need to help them grow on their creative journeys.
Gray Taylor
Content Chair
Freelance Graphic Designer | Gray Taylor is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator experiencing Austin and attending AIGA since 2019. He carries a BFA in Graphic Design from Louisiana Tech and has a deep passion for film, flying, and fandom. Originally from Louisiana, he has been interested in art and design after years of watching his mother painting and creating. Gray is a rare blend of his mother’s artistic talent and his father’s aviation skills who has managed to carve a career occupying the best of both worlds.
Margaret Barry
Student Development Chair
Owner, Producer, and Director | Exit 6 Productions Margaret Barry is the Owner, Producer, and Director of Exit 6 Productions, specializing in creating budget-friendly videos for nonprofits. Her films are crucial for her clients' marketing and fundraising efforts. In addition to her nonprofit work, Margaret produces and directs documentary short films for festivals and community events nationwide. Her first film,The Polish Hotel (2012), marked the beginning of her journey in filmmaking. She is currently working on a new short documentary about Austin’s tiniest “pocket” parks.
Tara Boyum
Creative Mass Chair
Passionate about creative expression, Tara has explored writing, poetry, music, theater, and photography. Tara's love for illustration, photography, and typography drives her interest in brand and print design. Working with AIGA Austin, she's found joy in organizing events that bring people together and foster creativity. Born and raised in the greater Austin area, Tara enjoy movies, reading, crafting, and exploring. Tara cherishes time with her daughter, Matilda, rediscovering the world from her perspective.
Amber French
Social Media Chair
Visual Designer | Austin Regional Clinic Amber is passionate about the power of design and its ability to break down barriers through education, advocacy, and inclusion. She has a bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications from the University of Texas at San Antonio. On her free time, she likes to travel, explore the outdoors, and find new spots to hang with her pup Charlie.
Mars Tello
Special Projects Chair
Marketing Manager | Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group Mars is a graphic designer and photographer specializing in food & beverage. Her passion for hospitality and knack for marketing led her to start Ctrl+Cmd Creative in 2016 and she's been working closely with bars & restaurants ever since. She is currently the Marketing Manager for the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group. Her work has been published in Eater and New York Times. She has also self published a mindful coloring book.