Work Experience

User Interface & Visual Designer

Nutrition Kitchen

January 2024 - August 2025

As UI & Visual Designer at Nutrition Kitchen, I played a key role in driving measurable business impact through high-converting visuals and strategic design execution across email, UI/UX, and ad campaigns. I collaborated closely with the marketing team to craft compelling weekly emails that led to a 15.6% lift in AOV and HK$17.2M in flow conversion value in Hong Kong, a 23.1% increase in campaign clicks and SGD 1.92M in flow value in Singapore, and a 25.4% surge in flow conversion value (AED 1.014M) in the UAE. Across all regions, bounce, spam, and unsubscribe rates dropped significantly.

I created a centralized design system to unify visual standards across emails, UI projects, and sub-brands, ensuring brand consistency and scalability. I developed and optimized weekly email designs with tailored layouts and CTAs, directly contributing to improved engagement and revenue metrics. Additionally, I produced high-performing static ads for Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, aligning them with campaign goals and platform nuances.

On the product side, I led UI/UX initiatives for subsidiary brands, delivering seamless, conversion-oriented interfaces across web and mobile. I supported these efforts with A/B testing, design iteration, and real-time feedback loops. To elevate brand visuals, I built a robust photo library and leveraged AI tools to enhance dish realism, boosting content production quality and speed. My work helped bridge creative and performance, bringing clarity, cohesion, and measurable results to every customer touchpoint.

Graphic Designer

FREELANCE

August 2018 - Present

Specialized in Brand Identity & Visual Storytelling: Developed compelling brand identities, captivating layouts, and engaging social media content. Applied a deep understanding of branding principles to create cohesive, memorable visual elements for a range of clients.
User Interface & Experience Design: Delivered intuitive desktop and mobile interfaces for diverse industries, focusing on user-centered designs that enhanced both aesthetics and functionality. Projects consistently aligned with business objectives and user needs.
Cross-Industry Projects: Successfully collaborated with brands in Fashion, Beauty, Health, SaaS, Web Design Agencies, Food Manufacturing, and Advertising Agencies. Adapted designs to meet the unique demands of each industry.
Versatile Design Portfolio: Executed a variety of design projects, including user interfaces for web and mobile, social media graphics, brand creation, and dashboard designs for internal and multi-departmental use.

Design and Governance Officer

Universal Robina Corporation

April 2024 - November 2024

Created and launched a unified design system for dashboards, establishing a cohesive visual language across platforms.
Built a comprehensive design library to standardize internal communication visuals and enhance brand consistency.
Designed new dashboards for Sales, HR, ISC, Marketing, and Finance—tailored to specific departmental goals and workflows.
Redesigned existing dashboards for improved usability, visual appeal, and alignment with the new design system.
Led governance of design operations, ensuring team adherence to visual standards and delivering consistent output.
Collaborated cross-functionally to gather requirements, propose solutions, and integrate stakeholder feedback.
Continuously researched design trends and implemented best practices to keep systems modern and user-focused.
Conducted regular updates and audits to maintain the system’s effectiveness and design relevance.
Drove design excellence culture across teams, elevating the quality and consistency of internal visual communication.
Achieved improved data interpretation and internal communication efficiency through enhanced dashboards and visual systems.

Creative Designer

Max Travel

July 2023 - January 2024

I'm a creative designer at Max Travels, working closely with the CEO on various design projects. My role involves crafting eye-catching marketing materials, creating cool 3D illustrations using Spline, and improving the UI/UX design of the Max Travel app.

Created the Max Travel Mobile App UIUX Design
Created the Max Travel Website UIUX Design
Work with the CEO and teams to design attractive marketing materials that tell our brand's story to customers.
Create cool advertising designs that grab people's attention and help increase sales.
Use Spline to make awesome 3D illustrations that bring our products and travel experiences to life.
Listen to users' feedback and use it to make the app and designs even better.
Stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies to keep our brand fresh and modern.
Share ideas with the team and contribute to our design strategy.
Manage multiple projects and deliver great designs on time.

Lead Designer

Web Powerhouse

July 2022 - March 2023

As Web Powerhouse's Lead Designer, I maintain and manage the design team of the company with the following specific tasks:

Manages all branches of the design team from UI/UX, Marketing, and 3D team to further improve communication, system flows, and team relationship.
Created a full UI/UX projects for over 20+ clients including the company's passion projects.
Received an average score of 5.9 out of 6 on the 3rd Quarter 2022 of the company's Management Feedback System.
Collaborates with the core management in conceptualizing and implementing innovative design solutions inside the company.
Executes all internal visual designs and client-based UI/UX designs from concept to final hand-off.
Connects with the clients and guide them and handle the project from the start until the hand-off.
Ensures action are done to all client concerns under designing phase.
Improving and strengthening of the brand's personality and identity through the use of design.
Empower and mentor all the members of the design team ensuring growth and safe space within.

Junior Designer

Web Powerhouse

November 2021 - July 2022

As Web Powerhouse's Junior Designer, I maintained and managed the design facets of the company with the following specific tasks:

Gathered data and evaluate information best suited for the client in regards to the creation of their UI/UX needs.
Collaborated with the team in creating UI/UX needs for a client.
eported and communicated with the head of the company to further improve and maximize the design requirement for projects.
Created a full UI/UX projects for over 10+ clients.
Assisted in the conceptualization and creation of the company website.
Planed and created marketing collaterals for the company's Social Media Accounts.
Created the base foundation of Marketing Collaterals for the company's Social Media Accounts.

Graphic Designer (Freelance)

SHER Agency

November 2021 - October 2022

As Sher Agency's freelance designer, I have done the following specific tasks:

Created brand identity and logo of clients.
Created internal design collaterals for the company.
Created user interface concepts for client use.
Created marketing collateral designs for clients.

Brand and Graphic Designer (Freelance)

Ombre Digital

July 2021 - August 2022

As Ombre Digital's freelance designer, I have done the following specific tasks:

Created brand identity and logo of clients.
Created internal design collaterals for the company.
Created internal branding materials for the company.
Created user email designs for clients.
Created marketing and social media collateral designs for clients.

Brand Designer

Fleur Cosmetiques

March 2021 - July 2021

As Fleur Cosmetiques' brand designer, I have done the following specific tasks:

Lead the whole design team of the brand.
Conceptualized ideas and marketing ideas for the brand.
Created the overall brand identity and collaterals.
Created social media marketing collaterals for the brand.
Created box packaging design of the brand products.
Created labels and product design of the brand products.
Created advertising collaterals for the brand.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts and Design

iACADEMY

2019 - 2023

Magna Cum Laude Graduate:
Graduated with high honors, earning the Magna Cum Laude distinction for outstanding academic performance and excellence in both theoretical and practical aspects of graphic design.
Full Academic Scholar:
Awarded a full academic scholarship for exceptional academic achievements, demonstrating dedication, discipline, and a strong commitment to academic excellence.
Consistent Dean’s List:
Achieved consistent academic excellence, maintaining a place on the Dean’s List every semester throughout the entirety of undergraduate studies.
Project Manager of Graphic Design Organization:
Led and managed design projects within a student-run graphic design organization, overseeing teams, project timelines, and creative output. Developed leadership skills through collaboration and guidance of creative processes.

Multimedia Arts and Design

iACADEMY

2017 - 2019

Vice President of Internal Affairs (Senior High School, A.Y. 2018-2019):
Served as Vice President of Internal Affairs, managing internal communications and overseeing student activities. Played a key role in organizing events, fostering student engagement, and ensuring smooth operations within the student body.
Founder of Vektor (Graphic Design Organization):
Established Vektor, a student-led graphic design organization, providing a platform for aspiring designers to hone their skills and collaborate on creative projects. Led the organization’s growth, recruited members, and organized workshops and design competitions.
Leadership Award:
Recognized for exemplary leadership, receiving the Leadership Award for contributions to the school community and effective management of both academic and extracurricular responsibilities.

Skills

UI/UX Design (Figma):
Expertise in designing intuitive and engaging user interfaces and experiences for both desktop and mobile platforms, with a focus on user-centric design.
Branding:
Skilled in developing cohesive and impactful brand identities, including logo creation, visual language, and brand guidelines.
Graphic Design (Illustrator/Photoshop):
Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for creating high-quality graphic design assets, including marketing materials, digital content, and visual compositions.
Illustration (Illustrator):
Experienced in producing detailed and creative illustrations, applying technical skills and artistic creativity using Adobe Illustrator.
Layout Design (InDesign):
Expertise in page layout and typography, delivering well-structured and visually appealing designs for print and digital media using Adobe InDesign.
3D Design (Blendr/Spline):
Skilled in 3D modeling and design, incorporating 3D elements into graphic projects to add depth and dynamic visuals using Autodesk Maya.
Visual Arts (Photoshop):
Proficient in creating visually compelling artwork through advanced photo editing, manipulation, and compositing techniques in Adobe Photoshop.
Video Post-Processing (Premiere Pro):
Capable of video post-production, including editing, color grading, and adding effects, using Adobe Premiere Pro for professional-quality video content.

Hard Skills

Creative and Art Direction:
Adept at leading creative teams and projects, providing direction and vision to ensure cohesive, high-quality design output that aligns with brand goals.
Leadership:
Strong leadership skills developed through project management roles, effectively guiding teams and fostering collaboration among designers.
Communication:
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, allowing for clear articulation of ideas, feedback, and project expectations with clients and team members.
Project Management:
Proficient in overseeing multiple design projects from conception to completion, managing timelines, resources, and team collaboration to meet deadlines and objectives.
Conceptualization:
Talented in generating creative concepts and innovative solutions, turning ideas into well-executed and practical designs.

Soft Skills

Awards

5.9/6 on Web Powerhouse's Management Feedback System (2022):
Received an exceptional rating of 5.9 out of 6 from Web Powerhouse's management, reflecting outstanding performance and contributions throughout the year.
Core Award (Web Powerhouse Year-End Celebration):
Honored with the prestigious Core Award at Web Powerhouse's Year-End Celebration for exemplary leadership, commitment, and dedication to the organization’s success.
Consistent 9.5/10 Employee Rating (Max Travel):
Maintained an impressive monthly employee rating of 9.5/10, demonstrating consistent high-quality performance, dedication, and professionalism in all design projects.
9/10 CSAT Rating (Universal Robina Corporation):
Achieved a high Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) rating of 9 out of 10 from Universal Robina Corporation, showcasing client satisfaction and excellence in design delivery.

Achievements

Recommendations

Joan Andaya

DTO Program Manager at Universal Robina Corporation

“It was such a great working with Duane as UI/UX of Digitalization Projects at Universal Robina. He is good at wireframing and prototyping and almost design process is very data and user feedback oriented. He is also a great designer and but a wonderful great team member, willing to take ideas, as well as come up with his own.

Duane embraces agile methodologies, facilitating good collaboration and adaptability within the team. His commitment to continuous improvement not only embracing the design process but also foster a strong team dynamic.

I would like to recommend Duane without reservations. He will definitely take involvement in any design undertaking to another level.”

Josh Li

Co-Founder & Director of Nutrition Kitchen

“Always great to work with Duane. Quality of the output on figma is always incredible, and fast.”

David Keegan

Co-Founder of Max Travel

“I am pleased to recommend Duane, a talented designer who made significant contributions to our team at Max Travel. Initially hired for social media ad design, Duane quickly expanded his role, skillfully updating our design system and creating engaging screens for our mobile app and web platform.

Duane's work is characterized by creativity and technical skill. He is able to seamlessly work across brand design and product design, maintaining a cohesive vision between the two. He is collaborative, efficient, and highly adaptable to evolving project needs.

In summary, Duane is an exceptional designer whose contributions have been invaluable in advancing our marketing and product design. I am confident he will be a great asset to any team.”

Richard Pines

Chief Executive Officer of Web Powerhouse

“It was an honor working with my friend Duane Canega, he’s been my amazing Design Lead for the past year, and I can't recommend him highly enough. Duane has been inspiring the whole design department to create more and be more!

Duane know’s how to talk, connect, and diagnose problems with clients. He’s genuine and he helped build strong relationships with our clients. Duane excels at listening and empathizing with client’s needs, which made our clients feel heard and had an overall amazing customer experience.

Also, I would point out Duane’s level of accountability as a person and to his team. He always takes the initiative to ensure all projects run smoothly, meet deadlines, and surpass client expectations.

On the internal side of things, Duane's leadership style created an amazing team experience for everyone. He’s leading by example, he's always there available (always!) to help and support his team members, creating mutual trust, respect, and open communication within the design department. Duane's empathy and leadership inspires the people around him, making his team one of the most satisfied among all departments.

DUANE CAÑEGA

I'm a Product and UI Designer based in the Philippines with

6 years of experience in branding and graphic design, and the past 4 years focused on UI/UX and conversion-driven digital products. I've worked with established brands to design seamless, user-first experiences that don’t just look good, but perform well. My strengths lie in crafting clean, intuitive interfaces that drive results, whether that's boosting engagement, simplifying user flows, or supporting business goals. I also make thoughtful use of AI tools to streamline workflows, support research, and enhance design efficiency where it makes sense.