PACK LEADERS

Dogs of Design

Illustrated portrait of Max Parker smiling, wearing a jacket and collared shirt. Photograph of Max Parker smiling outdoors in a black jacket, with a blurred hillside cityscape in the background.

Max Parker

Creative Director

Knowing what looks good is one thing — knowing how to make something look good is another. Max Parker brings both to the table in spades. With decades of experience and an instinctive artistic eye, Max leads our creative efforts with a knack for turning even the most offbeat ideas into polished, punchy campaigns. Whether it’s a last-minute deadline or a mission that seems impossible, Max somehow pulls it off — all with a sharp eye and a wicked sense of humor.

A maestro of DIY and a man who’s always ready to lend a hand (or tool), Max is equal parts problem-solver and provocateur. When he’s not cracking wildly inappropriate (but weirdly insightful) jokes around the studio, you might catch him zipping down the South Bay Strand on his electric skateboard, shocking pedestrians and recharging his creative spark.

Illustrated portrait of Jessica Cyr with curly hair, smiling in a relaxed top. Photograph of Jessica Cyr smiling outdoors with curly hair and a casual outfit, set against a blurred city backdrop

Jessica Cyr

Marketing Director

Jessica keeps the big picture sharp and the tiny details sharper. She brings a laser focus to information architecture, user experience, and meaningful content strategy — making sure every piece fits, flows, and resonates. The one keeping the wheels turning and the standards sky-high, Jessica pushes the team to bring their A-game — and somehow makes us laugh while doing it.

Outside the studio, Jessica’s often working on a never-ending stack of books or scouting out the perfect hammock spot for an afternoon of lounging. She’s got a growing list of hot springs to explore, an intimate knowledge of the local wineries, and an impressive ability to turn even the most chaotic home project into something photo-worthy… eventually.

Illustrated portrait of Ricky Perez with a goatee, looking confidently forward. Photograph of Ricky Perez outdoors in a dark jacket, looking confidently toward the camera with a blurred city view behind him.

Ricky Perez

Back End Web & VFX Lead

It’s a rare talent to transform vague concepts and fleeting thoughts into something real — but Ricky does exactly that. He takes our slap-dash sketches and half-baked ideas and turns them into something better than we ever imagined. With serious technical chops to back him up, Ricky absorbs everything he encounters in the digital world to shape the next generation of web, 3D, and video content.

When he’s not burning both ends of the pixel here at the studio, you’ll likely catch Ricky diving into his own projects at Hectec Design or tearing through Southern California’s backroads and mountain passes with other driving enthusiasts. Our resident heckler, meta nerd, and often bizarre voice of reason – Ricky always pulls out all the stops.

Illustrated portrait of Brooke York smiling brightly with long hair and bangs. Photograph of Brooke York smiling brightly in natural light, wearing a cheerful outfit with long blonde hair, cityscape softly visible in the background.

Brooke York

Front End Web & Design Lead

Where skill, talent, and dedication meet — that’s where you’ll find Brooke. A seasoned graphic designer and web developer, she pairs technical expertise with a sharp eye for aesthetics, all backed by a level of diligence that keeps the rest of us on track. Whether she’s building custom websites or developing a full suite of brand collateral, Brooke’s mix of clean code and striking design delivers full-spectrum creative support to our clients.

A self-proclaimed Sassy Mama, Brooke balances digital builds and design sprints with an active, adventurous life — hiking, running, kayaking, and exploring the wilds of California with her two sons. Her “get it done” attitude shows up in everything she tackles. An artist at heart, she still finds time to paint, adding new layers to her evolving style whenever she picks up a brush.

Illustrated portrait of Chet Carlbom with mustache and thick hair, looking focused. Photograph of Chet Carlbom outdoors with a serious expression and salt-and-pepper hair, standing in front of a blurred city background.

Chet Carlbom

Production Manager

With over 35 years of experience in print and graphics, Chet is a true veteran of the craft — the kind of steady hand every creative team needs. He flawlessly manages production and keeps our advertising schedules running like clockwork, all while navigating the fast-paced world of deadlines with calm precision. From press checks to file prep, Chet brings a level of know-how and consistency that keeps the entire operation grounded.

Off the clock, Chet’s passion shifts from print to the puck as a die-hard hockey fan who never misses a game. Whether he’s breaking down stats or just enjoying the action, his love for the sport runs deep. With a sharp eye, steady presence, and decades of industry wisdom, Chet is the quiet force behind the scenes making sure everything — and everyone — stays on track.

Illustrated portrait of Chris Van Deusen with glasses and slight smile. Photograph of Chris Van Deusen with glasses and a warm smile, standing outdoors with a soft-focus city view behind him.

Chris Van Deusen

In Memoriam

Copywriter | Client Research Specialist

When he wasn’t with us at the studio giving Chet someone to talk hockey with, Chris was busy zooming around LA on his crazy wheels. The most avid Kings fan you’d ever meet, Chris wouldn’t miss one minute of ice time. You could also find him wheeling around the local ComiCons, rubbing *ahem* shoulders with Elvira and other illustrious cosplayers. Chris was a wonderful friend who made a big impact on everyone lucky enough to meet him. We miss him, but are grateful to have had him in our lives as long as we did.

Illustrated portrait of Ziggy the dog, studio mascot, with warm expression and perky ears. Photograph of Ziggy the dog wearing a playful vest, sitting outdoors with ears perked and the city softly blurred in the distance.

ZIGGY

In Memoriam

Team Mascot

Ziggy was the heart, soul, and bark of the studio. Always sporting a grin and often an outfit—his orange fall vest and festive elf ruff were legendary—he brought joy, laughter, and a bit of chaos to every workday. Whether holding court in his favorite chair, snorting happily on the couch, or leaving a trail of tennis ball confetti in his wake, Ziggy made sure the studio felt like home. He may have punked the neighborhood golden retriever one last time, but his spirit still echoes in every corner of the studio.