Portfolio

Donta Santistevan is a San Francisco based illustrator and designer known for his bold and playful work. With years of experience as an in-house agency designer at Thrasher Magazine.
He has developed a sharp eye for graphics that resonate across apparel, print, and digital platforms. His illustrations bring a mix of energy, humor, and style, making his work stand out to both brands and audiences.

Polaroid × Thrasher Collaboration

Led the creative direction for a limited edition Polaroid camera celebrating skate culture. Defined the visual concept, look, and cultural positioning for an audience both inside and outside skateboarding. Partnered closely with Polaroid to push production capabilities, ultimately selecting a hydro-dipped process
to mimic the layered sticker aesthetic common
in skateboarding.The collaboration sold out within weeks of launch.

Responsibilities:

-Creative direction and visual concept development

-Camera and film border design

-Branded packaging design across products

-Marketing and launch assets

-Event concepts to extend reach and engagement

DEATH MATCH

Part of the core team responsible for branding Thrasher’s annual Death Match festival, a large scale skate and music event. Developed yearly themes that remained cohesive with Thrasher’s brand while adapting to new concepts and co-sponsors.

Responsibilities:

-Concepting themes and brand systems

-Collaborating with outside artists on hero imagery

-Managing and mentoring a junior designer

-Delivering a full visual system across social, environmental graphics, billboards, stage branding, merch, and on-site signage

Skater of the Year (SOTY)

Designed the complete visual identity for Thrasher’s most prestigious annual award. Owned the look and feel from concept through execution for a globally anticipated event with massive organic social reach.

Responsibilities

-Annual visual identity and creative direction

-Social media assets across all platforms

-In-person award ceremony visuals

Lacoste × Thrasher Collaboration

Was a crucial part of the creative direction for the unexpected and controversial collaboration with heritage tennis apparel brand, Lacoste. Defined the visual concept, look, and cultural positioning for an audience both inside and outside skateboarding. Partnered closely with Lacoste to design a collection that felt true to both audiences.

Responsibilities:

-Creative direction and visual concept development

-Graphic illustration

-Apparel design

-Marketing and launch assets

-Event concepts to extend reach and engagement

40 Year Graphic

Designed a flagship graphic commemorating Thrasher’s 40-year milestone. Built the artwork using archival magazine covers to create a historically rooted yet punk-driven typographic system used across apparel and promotion.

Responsibilities:

-Concept and execution of anniversary graphic

-Tech packs and production approvals

-Marketing assets for global skate shops

-Social media and billboard design

Betabrand

Led a small creative team while supporting a company-wide rebrand from humor-driven menswear to business-focused womenswear. Worked closely with the Creative Director to redefine tone, visuals, and brand systems during a major strategic shift.

Responsibilities:

-Team leadership (2 designers + photographer)

-Brand redefinition and visual systems

-High-fidelity Photoshop comps and product visualization

-Billboard, email, catalog, retail signage, apparel graphics, and illustrations

Skateboard Graphics

Designed skateboard graphics for professional and commercial use over the past decade. Work focuses on narrative, color, and identity tied directly to the skater and brand.

Video Bumpers

Designed graphics and created a storyboard for animation used at the beginning of skateboard videos. Worked directly with animator to execute animation according to brand guidelines. Links to animations in use:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m8gvIzgfik

https://youtu.be/1O94C8p8Zns?si=42WFc0NVjABzwVwS

https://youtu.be/X0hUeFGe4-Y?si=UJGuECaSc96YAoti