Hey it’s Matt! Glad you made it to my site. This is the new home to my design business located here in beautiful Dana Point, CA. I’ve been here nearly 20 years working with clients around the world and around the corner – providing a unique combination of service, quality and value.

My design journey started at an early age, working for my dad’s studio in Costa Mesa where I introduced the first Mac, assisted on photo shoots and even did some design work for clients like Disney, Kenwood, Toshiba and Pacific Sunwear. From there I went off to formally craft my skills at Art Center College of Design where I majored in Graphic Design & Packaging with an emphasis on typography, printmaking and illustration. After school I moved to Venice Beach where I interviewed around LA – eventually taking a job at Bright Design right there in the heart of Venice. My uncle was a designer too and just happened to have one of the best studios in LA. Located at the former offices of Charles and Ray Eames, I worked in this design mecca with world-class designers and creative directors, surfed at lunch, and experienced big time design and advertising first-hand. Quickly promoted to Art Director, I created iconic brands and packaging, led photoshoots, managed teams, and worked really long hours. Wanting more autonomy, I hugged my uncle and colleagues goodbye and started Fortified Design where I brought big studio chops to a more streamlined operation working directly with agencies, small businesses and start-ups –building ‘virtual’ teams that offered value without sacrificing quality. Vast industry experience includes food & beverage, CPGs, action sports, wine, beer & spirits, education and non-profits to name a few. Upon the birth of our first son, my wife and I felt much less bohemian and got the heck out of Venice, relocating to Dana Point in 2006. Twenty-something years later I’m shedding the Fortified name and more stoked than ever to do what I do. Your brand’s story and success is my passion.