Meet Mark Penacerrada | Art Director & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Penacerrada and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, why did you pursue a creative career?
Despite growing up in an environment that fostered my creativity, the idea of transforming it into a career didn’t occur to me until later in my college years. Art and drawing held a special place in my heart, and my family actively encouraged me to develop my skills. I even dabbled in snapping pictures and making videos for a brief period as an additional creative outlet. However, it wasn’t until midway through my second year at San Francisco State University that I began to contemplate pursuing these passions as a career.

At the time I was working towards a degree in Business and to be honest, I was just going through the motions. I never felt passionate about what I was studying. One day, a good friend invited me to the school’s Spring Design Exhibition. The event featured fellow students showcasing their graphic and product design projects. I was blown away by the amount of creativity displayed at the exhibit and immediately began exploring what it would look like to pursue a design degree and where that could lead. It lit a fire inside of me. The following year, I changed majors, got into the Design and Industry program, and never looked book back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have over 15 years of professional experience in graphic design working on projects for global brands, mom and pop shops, and everything in between. However, despite having that background I still very much consider myself a perpetual student. I believe that there’s always room to improve, learn, and grow – not only as a designer but also as an individual. This mindset is something that I’m proud of. It accompanies me in my client interactions and project involvement, even the ones I lead. It’s helped me stay humble, attentive, and I believe it sets me apart from others. It’s definitely one of the things that has helped me find success in my career.

It has been a journey to reach this point, and I have no regrets. I trust that things unfold as they are meant to, especially when navigating career paths. While I didn’t secure every job or client I aimed for, I gained valuable lessons from each experience. Embracing growth in the face of unexpected outcomes has been a significant lesson from my journey and I hope that my message serves as a reminder for people to just keep going. You and your dreams and aspirations are worth it. Make cool things!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I live in The Bay Area and there’s so much to do out here so I’m going to keep my list short.

One of my favorite spots to take people is Presidio Tunnel Tops. It’s an urban park project that opened up a few years ago. The wide open space has trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and often a bunch of food trucks and vendors all with The Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop. This spot is always a great place to visit especially on sunny days.

Another area of San Francisco I’d take someone to is the Excelsior district. There’s no doubt that San Francisco has changed a lot over the past 20 years but the Excelsior is an area of the city that has managed to maintain it’s character and energy. In my opinion, it’s one of the few areas that still feel like the “old” San Francisco. When I visit, my first stop is always Excelsior Coffee…a local coffee shop holding it down for the community. Hilda’s Mart & Bake Shop is another must visit for some fresh hopia and other Filipino goodies!

Lastly, for food, I’d probably venture into the East Bay. There’s so many great food places to eat in areas like Oakland, Alameda, Concord, and beyond. One of my favorite spots is called Bhan Mae Vane in Alameda. It’s a restaurant specializing in Laotion and Thai food and is a must try! If you’ve never had Laotion food before, you’re missing out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I wouldn’t be here without my faith. I’m thankful for every day, both good and bad. All glory to God.

My parents and siblings helped create the foundation of who I am today. Shout out to them! We’re an immigrant family from the Philippines that worked hard to create a life for ourselves while never losing site of where we came from, our culture, and each other. I’m blessed to be the youngest of 6 siblings with parents that raised us well. I’m nothing without my family.

Shout out to my friends and community. I’m blessed to have really great people around who support my endeavors and are always there for me no matter what. I love y’all!

Last but certainly not least, shout out to my wife, Christina. Everyday is a blessing because I get to be your husband and father to our son, Kelenna. Your love, care, and understanding are unparalleled and I’m so fortunate to have you as my partner. Our family fills me with light, happiness, and joy. There would be no color on the canvas without you. Thank you for choosing me and for showing me how powerful love can be.

Website: https://www.nvsblab.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.penacerrada

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mark-penacerrada/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/nvsblab

Image Credits
Rene Michael Arce and Creative West