Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Beltran.
Hi Mark, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in El Centro, California, a small desert town near the Mexico border. I got into skateboarding, music, and art early on, but what really stood out to me was the branding side of it all. Why people bought certain brands, how an illustration on a skateboard could say everything without even showing a logo, that fascinated me.
I also started drawing and illustrating on the computer when I was about 16, making logos and flyers for local bands and musicians. That eventually led me to design album artwork for artists like Tranzformer, J57, and Brown Bag All Stars, which even featured artists like Action Bronson.
That curiosity and love for design pushed me toward graphic design as a career. I went to school in San Francisco and started learning how design could be used to tell stories and shape a point of view. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to work for companies such as Amazon, Disney, Rivian, Lyft, Fox Entertainment, and Tubi. Each one gave me different experiences. From how the tech industry pushes you to look at things differently, to the storytelling side of entertainment.
Along the way, I’ve been lucky to work with some really talented designers and be mentored by creative directors who came from places like Pentagram and other world-renowned agencies.
Eventually, I wanted to take what I learned and build something of my own, which is how Studio Down South came to life. It started small, but it’s grown into a way to help brands create their design that feels real and connects with people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been smooth in some ways and tough in others. There have been a lot of long hours, especially trying to push the studio to put out the best work possible while also making sure clients are happy. Running a small studio means I have to wear every hat — creative, business, and marketing.
One of the challenges has been figuring out how to promote myself on a small budget. I’ve had to get scrappy and think outside the box, like with my “Grandma for Hire” campaign, which was both fun and a way to get people’s attention.
I’m also really lucky to have family and friends who support me. They’re always there to bounce ideas off of, share my work, or just encourage me to keep going.
The struggles can be tough, but they’ve pushed me to be more creative and resourceful. I’m still learning every day, and that’s part of what keeps me going.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Studio Down South is a small but growing design studio I started to help brands tell their stories in a way that feels real and connects with people. We focus on branding, design systems, and marketing design. Such as logos, branding, marketing campaigns, and any other creative needs a business might need to get their word out there.
We try to keep things simple and human. I want clients to feel like they can trust the process and know that the work will represent them. What makes us different is that we don’t just chase trends. We focus on design that’s timeless and meaningful for the client.
I’m proud of the work we’re putting out and the attention it’s starting to get. For me, that’s the real win, seeing the work connect with people. And along the way, the work has gotten some awards too, which is great to see.
What I want people to know about Studio Down South is that we’re here to help businesses small or big, grow their brand into the vision they see. It’s about creating design that brings a business’s vision to life and helps people connect with it in a real way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your brand to the next level, I’d love to help you get there.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I love to save design mementos. It could be a hotel keycard, a cool pen, or a well-designed restaurant menu. If it catches my eye, I’ll keep one for myself. Part of it is inspiration for my work, part of it is just a fun keepsake, and it’s also a reminder to try and make something that cool one day myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiodownsouth.com
- Instagram: @astudiodownsouth
