Matt Baltay's Portfolio

Moving Concepts Across the Board

Hi! I’m Tay, a graphic designer and illustrator who plays with pixels like I play chess – strategically and always thinking several moves ahead. With an eye for detail sharper than a bishop’s diagonal, I transform ideas into visual masterpieces that capture attention and communicate effectively.

My design process? It’s all about collaboration and iteration. I dive deep into your vision, research like a grandmaster studying openings, sketch out strategies, and refine until we achieve checkmate. The result? Designs that not only dazzle but also deliver your message with the precision of a well-executed endgame.

Whether you need a logo that commands the board or an illustration that outmaneuvers the competition, I’m your creative ally.

Every Stroke Counts

My creative process can be likened to a strategic chess game. I begin by sketching my ideas by hand, much like a player carefully planning their opening moves on the board. Each stroke of the pencil is a calculated decision, laying the groundwork for the final design.

Once my sketches are complete, I transition to Illustrator, where I convert these hand-drawn pieces into vector graphics. This step is akin to refining my strategy, moving my pieces into position for a winning play. The vectorization process allows me to create clean, precise lines and shapes, much like executing a well-planned maneuver that brings my vision to life.

In this way, my artistic journey mirrors the thoughtful and strategic nature of chess, where each move is deliberate, and the final outcome is a harmonious blend of creativity and technique.

Crafting My Own Moves

I don’t utilize AI in my art creation process because I believe in playing the game of creativity with my own pieces. Just as a chess player relies on their unique strategies and instincts to outmaneuver their opponent, I draw everything by hand, ensuring that each stroke reflects my personal vision and style. While AI can generate art like a computer executing moves, it lacks the intuition and emotional depth that come from a human touch. My artistry is a carefully crafted game, where every move is intentional, and the final outcome is a reflection of my individual journey on the board of creativity.

However, I did use AI to assist in writing the content for this piece, as I’m not a copywriter by trade. My expertise lies in visual design, and I believe in leveraging appropriate tools to complement my skills. Moreover, I’ve never had the opportunity to work with an art director and would relish the chance to collaborate with other creatives. I believe such partnerships could elevate my work further, combining my visual expertise with others’ strengths in areas like copywriting and creative direction. This collaborative approach could lead to even more impactful and well-rounded creative solutions.