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Hello it's me and my face

Hello, It’s Me

I’m Samara Zabala, or Sam for short. I’m a designer, creative developer, and illustrator based in San Diego, California.

My background in graphic arts goes back to 2010, while frontend development started in 2012 as a hobby and creative outlet. Over time, I realized how much I loved both design and web, which eventually pushed me to pursue them professionally.

I graduated as one of the top students from Platt College San Diego with an Associates of Applied Science on Graphic Design in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science in Media Arts emphasizing on Web Design and Development in 2017.

Outside of work, I’m also a musician who enjoys singing covers, producing music, and performing at local events. I also love video games, although I definitely have a soft spot for anything with ridiculously good visuals. Occupational hazard of being a designer, I guess.

Download Resume (PDF)

Some Stuff I Can Do

Digital Design

Efficient in using design softwares such as Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, and Indesign.

Illustration

Experienced in designing and illustration for both Web and Print mediums.

Web Design

Proficient in UX,UI concepts, Data visualization, Product Design, Wireframing, and Prototyping.

Dynamic Web

Experienced with HTML, CSS, ES6, PHP, React, Vue, Node + NPM, Brew, Rollup, Vite, and WordPress.

Other related skills

  • Social Media
  • Native Filipino and Bikol speaker
  • Baybayin alphabet
  • ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Codex
  • Version control (Github / Git)
  • Typeface design

Fun Facts

Experience

  1. Web Developer

    1Point21 Interactive

    San Diego, CA

    August 2018
    – Present

    Full Time

    • Primary design-to-development liaison trusted to preserve visual and UX direction across scalable, production-ready web experiences.
    • Implemented and preserved visual and UX integrity for 200+ custom WordPress websites and proprietary tools including Time Tracker, Data Visualization plugins, SEO Scoreboards, and Sales Outreach Tool.

  2. Illustrator
    & Graphic Designer

    Independent

    San Diego, CA

    September 2010
    – Present

    Freelance

    • Created illustrations, visual identities, branding assets, web visuals, marketing materials, and digital content for freelance clients across print and digital platforms.

  3. Digital Media Advisor
    & Tutor

    Platt College

    San Diego, CA

    September 2015
    – September 2018

    Part Time

    • Mentored students in both technical and conceptual design skills, and frontend development fundamentals, helping students create portfolio-quality work.
    • Provided tutoring in frontend development fundamentals and responsive web design.

  4. UI Designer
    & Front End Developer

    Web Shop Manager

    San Diego, CA

    June 2017
    – April 2018

    Full Time

    • Designed and developed responsive e-commerce interfaces focused on usability and brand consistency.
    • Collaborated directly with clients to organize content strategy and improve visual presentation across digital storefronts.

  5. Graphic Designer

    Treehaus Ink

    San Diego, CA

    October 2015
    – February 2017

    Freelance

    • Produced branding systems, logo redesigns, print collateral, and marketing materials for local businesses and organizations.

  6. Graphic Designer

    Intrepid Theatre Company

    San Diego, CA

    June 2015
    – March 2016

    Internship
    to Freelance

    • Designed promotional graphics and digital marketing assets for theatre productions across print and web campaigns.

  7. Graphic Artist
    & Music Performer

    Tinambac Association of California (TIASCA)

    San Diego, CA

    June 2011
    – August 2020

    Freelance/
    Volunteer Work

    • Designed promotional artwork and annual Peñafrancia event booklets for community events and performances. Volunteer representative for shows.

Don’t Forget My Resume

Download PDF

Check Out My Work