About
Hi, my name is Mike Parra. This is my online home and portfolio, welcome!
I list myself as a “Creative Designer”, but what does that mean exactly? It means that I do more than graphic design–I’m a researcher, communicator, and collaborator that produces visually beautiful and effective creative results for your brand.
My services include, but are not limited to: brand identity systems, logos/brandmarks, business cards, letterheads, posters, flyers, direct mailers, packaging, and front-end web design.
The pursuit of truth is my greatest value, the kind of truth that we talk about when we want honesty and clear communication. Graphic design is one form of visual communication and I believe, like any other form of communication, that it expresses an idea most effectively by being simple and direct. This core value drives many aspects of my life all the way from what I read to how I design a logo. Design is my tool for making the world a more open, honest, and beautiful place.
Background
In 2008 I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Arts and Technology from the University of Texas at Dallas. While there, I honed my skills in 2D design, color theory and psychology, 3D design, interaction design, and web coding standards and practices. Since obtaining my degree, my passion for design has continued to flourish and has pushed me to explore more specialized skills in branding, brand identity design, and advertising.
My personal growth has been very self-motivated by my interest in learning how to communicate through artistic means. Even through my childhood, I was always involved in doing something creative by taking art classes every year in grade school and drawing in my free time. At a very young age I designed my first website and took on my first freelance job doing a logo and business card for a local auto repair shop. I enjoyed the project and it made an impact on what I wanted to do for my future.
Although working full-time, I manage to continue my education on my own by taking on freelance projects and learning as much as I can about creating great designs. I guess it’s true that an artist never stops. Every new project is a unique experience that comes with its own lessons to learn and I emerge a more knowledgeable and skilled designer after each one.
In my free time I enjoy indoor rock climbing, running, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Music is another important part of my life and you can find me performing in Deep Ellum about once a month. I keep myself fairly active, but I do enjoy some downtime when it comes along.
Contact
Looking for a designer? Are you a designer looking to connect with others? Maybe you just want to say hello. You can either send me an e-mail at design@mikeparra.com, or fill out my contact form here.