I use design methodologies and entrepreneurial thinking to shift perspectives, elevate brands, and ignite change.
Hey there, I'm Crystal Munson. An artist turned entrepreneur turned designer by way of cosmetology and marketing.
Figure that one out. 😉
As an interaction designer and creative director, I craft engaging, innovative experiences and digital-first brand identities to build meaningful connections with your audience — whether you're a startup in its early stages or an established brand.
Previously, I worked as a Lead Digital Designer at MLS. Since 2020, I embarked on an even more personal journey with my clients as an independent designer. I'm based in Los Angeles and available for new collaborations!
OOO That Sounds Fun...
From crafting iconic title sequences, and transforming spaces into an interactive canvas, to developing imaginative experiences for brands such as NASA JPL, Begin, and Grand Park, I apply storytelling, design, and technology to build customer experiences that matter.
IMAGINATIVE EXPERIENCES
Whether it’s an in-person experience, mobile app, social media ad, website, conceptual design, or a combination - a great experience blends story, design, and content to let your imagination run wild. I bring worlds to life through iconic main titles, multimedia content, imaginative experiences, and immersive spaces.
Whether it’s an in-person experience, mobile app, social media ad, website, conceptual design, or a combination - a great experience blends story, design, and content to let your imagination run wild. I bring worlds to life through iconic main titles, multimedia content, imaginative experiences, and immersive spaces.
TRANSFORMING SPACES
A chocolate shop evolved into a sensory retail experience. A cherished ritual to energize 70,000 park visitors. Los Angeles’ Grand Park transformed into a digital art installation. Combining experience design, storytelling, and innovative technology - I create worlds that leave guests captivated.
A chocolate shop evolved into a sensory retail experience. A cherished ritual to energize 70,000 park visitors. Los Angeles’ Grand Park transformed into a digital art installation. Combining experience design, storytelling, and innovative technology - I create worlds that leave guests captivated.
SERVICES
UX Writing, Research & Design
Photo & Video Editing & Enhancements
Project Management/Creative Direction
Marketing & Social Media Strategy
Graphic Design
HOW CAN I HELP?
I am a misfit of creation, breaking the industry stereotypes and forging my own way of doing things. Without the pompous. Without trends. Without keeping up with the Jones'.
I create one-of-a-kind experiences and establish life-long connected relationships with clients, having the goal of bettering their products and processes through highly-customized designs done in an approachable way. I place a high value on constructing the type of designs that make you feel good, welcoming enough to put your feet up and relax. Designs that you just can't quite put your finger on the WHY, you just know you love them.
If you're looking for a partner to help push your ideas further and make something truly unique to you, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to provide a free consultation and quote for something that is uniquely you and done in a radical break-the-stereotypes way.
Feel free to look around, then reach out by completing the short form below and clicking the "Submit" button below.
Thanks for reaching out. I'll get back to you as soon as humanly possible. 😉
Education
B.S. Interaction Design | Santa Monica College
A.S. Graphic Design, A.S. Business, A.A. Liberal Arts & Humanities
Certificates: Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, Social Media Specialist, Web Design, User Experience Design, Marketing, Web Design Essentials, Graphic Design
A.S. Graphic Design, A.S. Business, A.A. Liberal Arts & Humanities
Certificates: Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, Social Media Specialist, Web Design, User Experience Design, Marketing, Web Design Essentials, Graphic Design
View my Resume
Experience
FREELANCE DESIGNER
July 2020–Present || MadDog Design
• Founder, Experience Architect, Design Ninja
February 2023–Present || YouTube
• Storyboarding, producing, and editing over 300 videos for release on YouTube.
• Utilized social media analytics tools to track performance, identify best practices, and reach over 90k views and 2k likes.
• Developed and implemented a video library organization system, resulting in an 80% reduction in search time.
HEALTHCARE OPTIMIZATION RESEARCH & COACH
2017–Present || Elev8ted Health
• Spearheaded a 16-month research initiative focused on patient and provider experiences in healthcare.
• Prepared reports of findings, illustrated data graphically, and translated complex findings into digestible content.
• Conducted extensive research and evidence gathering to develop a compelling legal argument in support of drug coverage for client, resulting in a savings of over $6k/month.
WEB CONTENT STRATEGIST
2022–2023 || Santa Monica College
• Implemented a comprehensive content strategy to establish relevant KPIs, increasing organic traffic by 40%.
• Monitored and tracked KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of a school website serving over 40,000 students.
Head of Social Media Design & Marketing
2020-2022 || Santa Monica College
• Executed successful design and copy strategies for paid social media campaigns, gaining over 11,000 new followers.
• Pioneered a distinctive visual language and brand identity, resulting in a remarkable 65% surge in audience engagement.
Projects
January 2024-Present || Passion Project
April-June 2023 || Freelance
Deliverables: wedding program, table numbers, name cards, social media posts, banners
August-November 2021 || Grand Park & Downtown Center Business Improvement District
My Roles: Project Manager, Research Lead, Prototyping, User Testing
March-June 2021 || NASA JPL & Begin
My Roles: Project Manager, Research Lead, Behavioral Designer
February-May 2020 || Chocolate Shop Service Design
My Roles: 3D Artist, Research Lead, Visual Storyteller, Conceptual Designer
Reviews
"We enjoy Crystal's work so much that we made up a new verb, often discussing what needs to be “crystal-ized.”. Crystal is very reliable and has consistently provided fabulous customer service with timely delivery of innovative designs. She is a true pleasure to work with and I highly recommend her!”
-Jordan S. | Founder & CEO
“Crystal provided extremely fast turnaround, excellent communication, and fantastic work. I have worked with numerous graphic artists over the years and Crystal was by far the best to work with. She confirmed the details and assisted me with a fresh innovative design"
- Jay P. | Director of Non-Profit
"Crystal has a knack for researching analyzing, and solving problems, resulting in designs that don't just look pretty, but that have increased customer engagement and ultimately increased my business' bottom line."
-Leslie K. | CEO
OUTTAKES
Anyone who's had to write a bio about themselves knows, it ain't easy. But we're HUMAN. It would be a little concerning if writing a statement about oneself came easily. There have been many versions of the bio I wrote above, and there will be many more to come. Some outtakes I couldn't bring myself to leave off the page. I hope they give you a little more insight into "who Crystal is." Or at least make you laugh!
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I am a maestro of meticulous organization, slicing through confusion with compassionate clarity. My research is a lantern in the dark, revealing hidden issues and conjuring insightful, often uncharted solutions. This I do with boundless optimism and sharp business insight, ever-mindful of the pulsing ecosystem around me—the team I synergize with, the end-users we serve, and the fiscal narratives we craft. To me, every strand of a story weaves a tapestry of empathy, uniting design, business, and humanity. I champion the philosophy that hard work and joy are not mutually exclusive, but essential partners in excellence. We live in the moment, drawing wisdom from yesterday, casting dreams for tomorrow, but always seizing the now. Here and now, in this very instant, is where we have the power to conjure wonders.
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Always living and thinking outside the octahedron. (The first logo I designed for myself was a 3D octahedron. The second was the same logo but unfolded.)
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I'm an interaction designer who believes every person is infinitely valuable and deserves to live life to the fullest. I use the power of stories to research and design products and experiences that help users grow and become the best versions of themselves, psychologically, emotionally, and physically so that they may live a full life and share their light with the world. I also believe that failure is the key to success, the way out is through, and the only way to dance is as if no one is watching.
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Hey! I'm Crystal. How are you today? I'll tell you about myself in a moment, but first, if you're up for it, I'd like you to close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and reflect on where you are at this moment. Think of one thing you're grateful for and one thing that would make today a great day for you.😉 (I'm always striving to elevate the experience of life for those around me.)
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I'm an interaction designer, born and raised in Holland, Michigan, and currently reside in Los Angeles. My passion lies in design that blends creativity with logic and reason. From making something beautiful to analyzing user feedback, I approach every step with enthusiasm, determination, curiosity, and obsessive attention to detail. I'm a natural leader with a smaller-than-average ego, which means I'm equally comfortable taking the lead or having a supportive role on projects. 🙋🏼♀️
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There's a time to design the experience
and a time to design an experience that allows users to create their own experience.
I can help you regardless of what 'time it is!' ⏰
and a time to design an experience that allows users to create their own experience.
I can help you regardless of what 'time it is!' ⏰
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I'm not your average Crystal, I'm an extraordinary Crystal. I'm a bit of a dreamer, but I'm also a realist. I'm here to make a difference and spread a little love and laughter. 💫
–
Forget safety.
Live where you fear to live.
Destroy your reputation.
Be notorious.
- Rumi