Hi, I’m Yajá Mulcare.

(Pronounced “Yah-jay”)

I am a Brooklyn-based Designer & Illustrator that loves creative thinking, problem-solving, and expressing myself freely. My passion for Fine Art, Music, and Creative Writing drives me to keep creating and coming up with new ideas for products & designs.

My creativity is fueled by movies, video games, manga/comics, and music, as well as by the inspiration I draw from other cultures. Japanese culture—its language, folklore, and history—has been a significant influence on my projects. Some of my favorite Japanese creators include Junji Ito, Hayao Miyazaki, Ai Yazawa, and Tatsuki Fujimoto. Game design and movie scriptwriting helped me gain a better understanding of storytelling; how to weave art and narrative together into something relatable for the audience.

I am currently studying for my MFA in Design for Social Innovation at the School of Visual Arts. I chose to join DSI because of its emphasis on working with the community. While I love creating beautiful works of art, I aspire to contribute to more impactful, long-lasting projects. In many ways, design thinking often focuses on solving problems at a surface level, but I believe it is essential to move beyond that framework. For me, creating meaningful work starts with fostering genuine, interpersonal relationships—listening deeply, understanding experiences, and building trust within the communities I aim to serve.

SPECIALTIES

  • I employ rigorous qualitative and quantitative methodologies to uncover the underlying motivations and behaviors of your target audience. My approach translates raw human feedback into actionable insights that inform every stage of the design process. This evidence-based foundation minimizes development risk and ensures the final product solves real-world problems.

  • I specialize in creating high-fidelity prototypes that allow for the rapid testing and iterative refinement of complex systems. This hands-on approach validates functionality and user flow before significant engineering resources are committed. By identifying potential friction points early, I streamline the path from initial concept to successful launch.

  • I craft compelling visual narratives that transform abstract concepts into clear, engaging brand stories. By integrating design with strategic intent, I ensure every visual element serves a specific purpose in the user journey. The result is a memorable experience that resonates deeply with its intended audience.

  • I develop comprehensive creative strategies that align aesthetic vision with overarching business objectives. By defining a clear tactical roadmap, I help brands navigate complex market landscapes while maintaining a cohesive and impactful identity. This strategic framework provides a scalable foundation for both immediate results and long-term growth.


EXPERIENCE

Senior Designer

Orchestrated full-cycle project management for creative deliverables, ensuring all assets met rigorous quality standards and were delivered within strict timelines.

Managed cross-functional communication to define project objectives and ensure brand consistency across all platform touchpoints.

Directed the translation of brand objectives into cohesive visual narratives across digital and print media to ensure alignment with target audience needs.

NYC Ferry - Hornblower Corp. / 2022-2026

Production Illustrator

Facilitated collaborative ideation sessions with design teams to define the visual strategy and key art for editorial headers and feature stories.

Managed the conceptualization of diverse illustrative styles across multiple brands to maintain narrative consistency and editorial integrity.

Coordinated with design leadership to ensure that medical and editorial illustrations met specific brand requirements and stylistic guidelines.

Healthline Media / 2021-2022

Freelance Graphic Designer

Managed end-to-end client relationships for organizations, translating specific business needs into actionable creative strategies.

Spearheaded the ideation and conceptual development of brand identity, social media promotions, and advertising campaigns based on market trends and current events.

Controlled project timelines and deliverables for multiple simultaneous accounts, ensuring high-quality output while adhering to strict client budgets and deadlines.

Multiple Clients / 2019-2022