# Denise Martinez

> Product Designer

Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/denisemartinez

I am a first-generation Mexican American designer and professionally trained chef from East Los Angeles, California.

With 10 years of experience in the tech industry, I’ve contributed to leading brands like Hulu, Snap Inc., and Calm. Currently, I’m a Senior Product Designer at Yahoo, where I focus on creating thoughtful, accessible, and inclusive user experiences.

In 2022, I pursued my passion for cooking by attending the Institute of Culinary Education and becoming a professionally trained chef. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside chefs like Flynn McGarry at his restaurant, Gem in NYC.

I’m passionate about lifelong learning, mentorship, and fostering inclusivity in all aspects of my work.

Based in Brooklyn, New York.

## Work Experience
### Senior Product Designer @ Yahoo
Jan 2023 – Present | Brooklyn, New York, United States
Designing Yahoo Creators

### Kitchen Extern @ Gem by Flynn McGarry
Jan 2023 – Jan 2023 | New York, New York, United States
As a kitchen extern in a 30-seat fine dining restaurant, I gained hands-on experience in a professional, fast-paced environment during 18 dinner services.

Key responsibilities and achievements:

- Prepared menu items and worked the line, ensuring consistency and precision in every dish.
- Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, upholding the restaurant’s high standards for plating and presentation.
- Maintained an organized and spotless station while operating efficiently under pressure.
- Adhered to menu specifications, portioning standards, and plating guidelines to deliver a consistent dining experience.

This role provided invaluable insight into fine dining operations and allowed me to develop the skills necessary for success in a professional kitchen.

### Product Designer @ Snap Inc.
Jan 2015 – Jan 2022 | New York, New York, United States
At Snap Inc., I contributed to shaping innovative product experiences that enhanced user creativity and engagement. In collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and Researchers, I tackled user challenges to deliver impactful design solutions while maintaining a cohesive and visually consistent product design framework across teams.

Key achievements:

- Designed and launched high-visibility in-app features, including Astrology in Snapchat, @Mention, Location, Music, and Question stickers, as well as the Verified Badge.
- Spearheaded the redesign of the Drawing Tool, improving usability and functionality.
- Provided strategic input to strengthen foundational elements of Snap’s design system and support its evolving brand identity.
- Established and optimized workflows that continue to streamline team efficiency.

By wearing many hats, I ensured design excellence while fostering collaboration across teams and driving innovation in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

### Design Intern @ Hulu
Jan 2015 – Jan 2015 | Santa Monica, California
At Hulu, I designed promotional and marketing materials, including interstitials, infographics, and advertisements featured on the product's website and within the app. Collaborating closely with Hulu's core design team, I partnered with major stakeholders to ensure cohesive and impactful designs that aligned with the brand's vision.

Key highlights:

- Gained hands-on experience by participating in high-level design meetings, observing best practices, and understanding what it takes to succeed as a designer at a leading streaming platform.
- Developed creative solutions that effectively communicated key messaging to millions of users.

This role provided me with valuable insights into successful design strategies and reinforced my ability to contribute meaningfully in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

### Graphic Design Intern @ Girl Rising
Jan 2014 – Jan 2014 | Los Angeles
At Girl Rising, I designed impactful social media campaigns and promotional materials featured on the organization’s website and social platforms, amplifying its mission and reach. I also took on the challenge of creating the company’s first branded email signature, successfully implementing it using HTML and CSS. This project marked my first hands-on experience with HTML/CSS, showcasing my ability to learn and apply new technical skills effectively.

Key contributions:

- Crafted visually engaging content that strengthened the organization’s digital presence.
- Delivered a custom HTML/CSS email signature, establishing a cohesive and professional email identity.

This role allowed me to merge creativity with technical execution while supporting a mission-driven organization.


## Education
### Career Culinary Arts in Chef Training
Institute of Culinary Education

### Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design
Loyola Marymount University


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dmarti92
- Portfolio: https://denisemmartinez.com/

---
Source: https://flows.cv/denisemartinez
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/denisemartinez/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-03-29