I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected as a Student Assistant for Marketing and Outreach at the University of North Texas, starting in the summer of 2024. Just one month into the role, I was specialized in marketing, allowing me to channel my creativity into projects that incorporate UNT’s rich history and elements. As a student assistant, I’ve been tasked with creating social media posts, designing flyers, updating pamphlets, editing Acrobat PDF files, and developing a variety of creative assets. This section showcases the work I’ve produced so far, reflecting both my personal inspiration and UNT’s spirit. I’m excited to keep adding to this collection as I continue in the role! - this section of of my portfolio is tp show my freedom, whenever I dont have a task for the day or week, I still create creative assets, so here is an entry into my creation of digital items that may or might not be used but are fun to create

Gio’s Slide Deck Era: When Creativity Meets Business

One thing every industry has in common? Presentations. And if there’s one thing about me, it’s that when I’m given a theme—I deliver. When I have creative freedom? I deliver. Whether it’s a class project, a staff meeting, or a deep dive into brand strategy, I find a way to make slides engaging, visually dynamic, and (most importantly) memorable.

I like to have fun, but I also get business done. From bold branding decks to playful team presentations, every slide is crafted with intention, energy, and just the right amount of flair.

So, enjoy this collection of presentations I’ve designed—because, ugh… I fear I ate. 🍽️💅✨

Baggu Keychain Door Decs – A Little Piece of Gio

This year, I wanted to create something special—something that captured the spirit of our clubs and the support I have for my staff. Inspired by one of my favorite brands, Baggu, I designed custom keychain charms for each club, crafting mascots that reflect their unique identities.

For my staff members, I created the Gio Praying Keychain—a little reminder that "Gracias a Gio" is always with them. It’s my way of saying, I see you, I support you, and I’m always here to cheer you on.

This project was equal parts fun and stressful, but every detail carries a piece of my personality. Whether it’s a club mascot or a small token of encouragement, these keychains symbolize the creativity, care, and community I love bringing into everything I do.

I created the Study Abroad Spotify Wrapped campaign, a social media series inspired by Spotify’s annual Wrapped feature. The campaign highlighted key study abroad statistics in an engaging, data-driven format that resonated with students.

Using a mix of vibrant graphics and storytelling, I showcased the number of students who studied abroad that year, the top destinations they traveled to, and the scholarships awarded to support their experiences. To make the campaign even more immersive, I curated a Spotify playlist featuring songs from the most popular study abroad locations, tying music to the emotions and memories students created while abroad.

This section is dedicated to an experimental and personal project between me and my best friend, Jalynn. We had always talked about starting a podcast and YouTube channel, and with our ambitious minds, we made it happen. After half a semester of planning, we settled on the concept of "BedtimeBFFs". Since we only saw each other once a week, usually at night, our catch-up sessions would last hours (we were neighbors as RAs, living in the same wing).

As the creative mind behind our brand, I handled all the digital assets and video editing. This project was more than just a hobby; it was a passion project created for ourselves, showcasing our personal commitment to each other and the process. While we created the channel and social media accounts, the videos remain private – we’re still a bit hesitant to share them publicly.

The video, "Gio and Jalynn’s Journey," reflects the evolution and deconstruction of BedtimeBFFs. We decided to move away from the initial vibe and capture our experiences as a college student (me) and a master’s student (Jalynn). This file gives you a glimpse into my creative side and how we approached building a shared brand.

This section is an archive of my physical art pieces spanning from my AP art classes to my college career. Each piece has a story to tell, reflecting my growth as an artist and the evolution of my techniques. I began with Prismacolor pencils, a medium I grew up loving, before discovering acrylics – a medium I have a love-hate relationship with. Eventually, I found my true passion in oil paints, and I haven’t looked back since.

This portfolio showcases the more technical side of my artistic abilities, capturing the progression of my skills and the stories embedded in every artwork. Explore the world of 2-D art through my eyes.

Esmeralda’s ZOMBIES-Inspired Birthday Invitation

When my niece, Esmeralda, turned 6, I knew I had to bring her favorite Disney+ movie, ZOMBIES, to life in a special way. To help out my sister-in-law and make Esme’s day even more magical, I designed this custom invitation—combining vibrant neon splatters, yearbook-style portraits, and her favorite characters, Addison and Zed.

Little did she know, Tío Giovanni has serious design skills. I pulled inspiration from the movie’s aesthetic, got her yearbook photo, and made sure she felt like part of Seabrook High.

Was February misspelled? Absolutely. But we decided it just adds character. And when Esme saw the final design, her reaction said it all:

"OMG, it’s me with Addison and Zed! Thank you, Tío Giovanni!"

Mission accomplished. 💚💖✨

Gio’s Besties Valentine

Some friendships deserve a little extra love—so I made sure to deliver (literally and digitally).

With just 5 hours of sleep and an early morning ahead, I had to bring this idea to life. I designed, printed, cut, and hand-delivered these Valentine’s cards for my friends on campus, while also creating a digital version for my long-distance besties—those who graduated early, are miles away, or are busy with their own love stories.

This project was equal parts creative expression and heartfelt appreciation, proving that no matter where life takes us, our friendship is worth celebrating.

Because the best friendships? They deserve a Gio-designed Valentine.

As part of my role as a Program Advisor at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS), I co-led the creation and execution of RE-Vamp, an educational program focused on what fast fashion. How to practice sustainability and upcycling. Designed to align with the October season, REVAMP cleverly combined the theme of "revamping" with upcycling fashion. Our tagline, "Come suck the life out of your clothes," drew in student participants eager to learn about sustainable fashion.

We collaborated with Amanda Avina, a graduate student from the University of North Texas College of Merchandising, who delivered an informative session on the real cost of fast fashion, greenwashing, and how students can contribute to sustainability. The event then transitioned into hands-on upcycling activities, including iron-on felt designs, transforming t-shirts into tote bags, and fabric painting.

This interactive experience not only educated participants but also gave them practical tools to upcycle their own clothes and make a difference in reducing fashion waste. The event successfully fostered both creativity and environmental awareness among the TAMS student body.

As a house leader at TAMS, I was tasked with creating a fire safety video for our dorm, covering crucial topics like full building alarms and smoke detectors. I believe this project showcases my fun and quirky side as well as my ability to lead creatively.

My team wanted to do have fun with two themes - "quirky and kawaii" aesthetics with a "Men in Black" for our video, and instead of saying “no,” I embraced their vision with an enthusiastic “Let’s do it!” This was my first time using video editing software (CapCut), and the result? A fire safety video that not only provided the most information but was also captivating and entertaining—standing out as the best among all the staff submissions. This project exemplifies my commitment to creativity, teamwork, and leading by example.

I share my story, including the hardships I’ve faced and overcome, revealing a side of myself that goes beyond the surface. I wanted to offer a glimpse into who I am as an individual – my perseverance, my identity, and my journey.

Created during the fall semester of my junior year (2023), this video served as a submission for the Ogilvy 2024 Summer Internship. Through this project, I hoped to share my personal story through visual storytelling of images of my life, my people, and I.

**Yearbook Design: Replay - "The Year Replayed"**

As the Program Advisor for Replay, the yearbook club, I led the creative direction of the yearbook when my team sought guidance in the design process. I embraced the challenge of incorporating our theme, "The Year Replayed," a concept centered on music and self-discovery within the two years at TAMS. Each spread was album-inspired, and I designed the cover to reflect a student entering TAMS, choosing their "genre" of music, symbolizing the diverse clubs and experiences that shape personal growth. The back cover celebrated the vibrant club culture at TAMS, highlighting their impact on student development.

This project honed my skills in graphic design and taught me how to creatively convey a story that connects with a community’s unique journey.

As a TAMS Program Advisor, I led a team of 7 co-workers, organizing staff meetings, employee training, and creating social and educational events for 300 residents. I coordinated multiple events for three organizations( HOPE, pROfiLE and Replay) , including blood drives, prom, plays, fundraisers, and yearbook production. I focused on promoting positive leadership and fostering inclusive relationships within the community of 300 residents and 30 co-workers in the University, Residential Life, and Event Planning spaces.

- Led the planning and execution of large-scale events, including blood drives, prom, plays, and fundraisers for a community of 300 residents, ensuring a balance of creativity and logistical efficiency.

- Organized and managed multiple events across three student organizations, utilizing strong project management and creative problem-solving skills to deliver impactful, engaging experiences.

- Fostered a collaborative and inclusive environment, mentoring student leaders and co-workers while designing social and educational events that promoted community building and creative expression.

Since founding Gio's Photography at the age of 13, I have spent years honing my craft while balancing my education. What started as a passion project has evolved into a professional venture, where I consistently produce high-quality work and manage various aspects of the business. As a photographer, I have steadily improved my technical and creative abilities, focusing on developing an artistic mindset that is reflected in each photoshoot.

Throughout my career, I have photographed a wide variety of clients, capturing everything from senior portraits to lifestyle and event photography. I engage in approximately four photoshoots monthly, generating 50-150 professionally edited images, continuously pushing myself to explore new techniques and styles. My growing expertise in Adobe Creative Suite has allowed me to enhance my editing capabilities, ensuring that each image reflects a high level of precision and creativity.

Running Gio’s Photography has also enhanced my organizational and communication skills. Managing multiple photoshoots requires effective time management, and I have developed systems to ensure deadlines are met while maintaining a personal connection with my clients. The professional relationships I’ve built have expanded my outreach and provided opportunities to work with diverse individuals, further enriching my portfolio.

In addition to photography, I manage my business's website, which serves as a platform for clients to view my portfolio, book sessions, and access pricing information. This site has streamlined communication with clients and helped me present my work in a professional manner.

By consistently growing both creatively and technically, I’ve maintained a high standard of quality in my photography. Over the years, Gio’s Photography has not only been a source of personal and artistic growth but also a successful business that I’ve proudly managed throughout my high school and college career.

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- Built and managed a personal brand through Gio's Photography, overseeing all aspects of marketing, including social media promotion, client outreach, and portfolio presentation to drive business growth.

- Developed creative and visually appealing marketing materials using Adobe Creative Suite, enhancing client engagement and strengthening brand presence across digital platforms.

- Conducted market research and leveraged client feedback to refine services and tailor marketing strategies, ensuring personalized experiences that increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

As a TAMS RA, I managed daily room checks for 24 students aged 15-18 and performed monthly inspections. I focused on creating a supportive community that promoted mental and physical well-being while helping residents acclimate to college life. I also executed various administrative duties, including on-call responsibilities, incident reports, maintenance, budgeting, program planning, and enforcing residential hall rules, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

- Designed and implemented engaging, community-building programs that focused on creative expression, mental health, and inclusion for 24 high school residents, fostering a supportive and dynamic living environment.

- Led the planning and execution of themed events, utilizing creativity and attention to detail to enhance resident experiences and encourage participation in social and educational activities.

- Collaborated with students to develop art-based workshops and stress-relief activities, integrating artistic elements to promote well-being and creative exploration.