Rick Tesoro Design / about me

I live and work in New York City as a graphic designer / illustrator. Trained in New York, as well as the design school in Basel Switzerland. My early agency work focused on creating software identities, packaging & marketing materials for IBM. Working closely with IBM research & development we’d review new technologies and find ways in which to convey the innovative features and benefits of new business, educational and creative software.

As technology evolved the way we access information and spend our leisure time, I became interested in the new opportunities it provided for the entertainment industry. This resulted in collaborations with software developers and gaming such as Electronic Arts and eventually with SONY.

My next opportunity for creative challenge and exploration came through agency work with several of the major networks, creating on-air program identities and exploring new and exciting ways of delivering on-demand content. During this period, I worked with Disney, HBO, NBC/Universal, Cablevision and Viacom.

Around this time, I began thinking I did not want to overlook the importance of events and experiences that brought people together – creating environs that welcome, entertain and inform. This resulted in several retail environments and trade show projects for brands such as Mattel, Disney, Discovery Networks, HBO, Cablevision and even Ringling Bros. B & B Circus.

Since 2001, my attention has become more focused on working with companies and services that make life a little easier and perhaps, a little better… such as healthcare and legal services, specifically programs that address the issues of women, children and the underserved. In addition, I’ve been privileged to collaborate with several veteran’s groups, creating brand identities and materials for annual fundraising events.

My greatest partnership to date has been with Northern Westchester Hospital, a member of Northwell Health. For over the past decade, I’ve created identities, copy & marketing materials for several important Hospital fundraising events – including the Annual Benefit which hosts 700 – 800 attendees and raises on average close to 1.5 million in revenue. Have Fun / Do Good.

Rick Tesoro Photography / something new

My approach to photography is very much from the perspective of a designer.

While inspired by composition, color and detail, I’d like to think I’m able to utilize my ‘educated eye’ to create engaging images that convey a sense of discovery, as well as record the excitement and feelings associated with a specific moment or location. Photography has always played a part in documenting design project research & findings – it’s important to get out there and see what’s going on. Most recently with event design, I’ve found opportunities to utilize many of my images in both the thematic and creative development.