Workshops
Design Ranch 2025 Workshop Leaders
We’ve wrangled up the best workshop leaders from across the land to deliver unique, engaging programming.
Giovanni Bautista
Giovanni Bautista is a visual artist and sign maker whose work is a fusion of traditional Mexican lettering and artistic imagery. As the creative director of Rótulos Bautista, a workshop founded by his father Arturo Bautista in 1983 in Villa de Etla, Oaxaca, Giovanni honors his family’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of signmaking. His work, characterized by vibrant colors and Mexican humor, has been featured in collaborations with brands like Levi’s, Netflix, Disney, and HBO. Giovanni has also led workshops and conferences across Mexico, including the San Agustín Arts Center, Tipografília, and the México Typography Congress. In 2023, he co-hosted the First National Meeting of Mexican Signmakers, celebrating and preserving the art of traditional signage.

Erikas Chesonis
Erikas Chesonis is an Austin-based illustrator and designer with over a decade of experience working for agencies and clients of all sizes. Specializing in editorial and marketing illustration, as well as branding, his style is rooted in simple color palettes and geometric shapes, inspired by mid-century design and folk art. His work distills complex subjects into basic shapes and patterns, presenting them in fresh, unexpected ways to bring client ideas to life. Originally from New York, Erikas spends his free time birdwatching with his duck-tolling retriever, Sammy, or cheering (and occasionally yelling) for his favorite sports team.

Chelsea Craft
Chelsea Craft is an embroidery artist redefining a traditional craft often associated with past generations. However this isn’t your Nana’s embroidery. Drawing inspiration from modern architecture, fashion, nature, and textiles, she creates vibrant, thoughtful designs that blend contemporary aesthetics with meticulous craftsmanship. Her unique color palettes and bold vision set her apart, making her pieces sought-after gifts that bring joy to both giver and recipient with every tiny stitch.

Emily Eisenhart
Emily Eisenhart is a multidisciplinary artist and creative director whose work transforms spaces into immersive, art-filled environments. Specializing in murals, sculpture, and creative consulting, she blends brand strategy with artistic vision to create dynamic, story-driven work. Emily’s background in Cultural Anthropology informs her practice, as she explores the culture of a place to craft vibrant, reflective art. Her client roster includes brands like Whole Foods, YETI, Warby Parker, and Austin FC, as well as real estate developers and architects. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, and her recent partnership with Community First! Village received ULI’s 2024 Best Project Innovation award.

Liza Feldkamp
Liza is an artist, herbalist and educator based in Austin, Texas. Her work is rooted in historical tradition and a deep reverence for nature. After studying abroad in Germany for a year, Liza studied ancient and modern textile arts at Capellagården in Sweden. Since 2008, Liza has facilitated student exchange with Koblenz, Germany through Austin Sister Cities International. As a Lead Artist in 2011, she co-created and installed the Deep Eddy Mural mosaic at Austin’s beloved spring-fed pool. She costumed multiple stage productions by Present Company Theatre from 2013-2016. This year, Liza is an apprentice at Ace of Cups School of Medicinal Herbal and Botanical Studies, and is concurrently pursuing a Master’s Degree and Yoga, SEL, and Mindfulness certification with Breathe for Change.

J Muzacz
J Muzacz is best known for his exciting and energetic large-scale mosaics, vibrant murals, and unique style of community engagement involving community members of all ages and abilities. Inspired by cultural diversity, humanitarian leaders, and the natural world, he bestows reverence on every project by creating site-specific artwork that uniquely speaks to the area’s history and culture. Muzacz ultimately creates an uplifting environment of individual empowerment and collective celebration around each unique art installation and experience.

Francisco Reyes, Jr. (Never Made)
Francisco Reyes, Jr., better known as Never Made, is a Los Angeles-based artist and designer with over a decade of experience in graphic design. Influenced by his DIY ethos from his days as a musician and skateboarder, Francisco built his career from the ground up, eventually landing a position at Shepard Fairey’s Studio Number One. Under the moniker Never Made, he blends fine art, limited-edition screen prints, murals, neon sculptures, and more to create bold, impactful work. Drawing inspiration from street art and punk culture, Francisco has turned his vision into a celebrated creative brand that pushes the boundaries of graphic design and visual storytelling.

Chris Tobar Rodriguez
Chris Tobar Rodriguez, known as Tobar, is an Austin-based artist, curator, and designer who thrives on blending bold visuals with rich storytelling. Influenced by his Afro-Latino heritage and experiences in Chicago and Orlando, Tobar’s work challenges norms and fosters deeper connections. As a designer, he has collaborated with major brands like TikTok, Red Bull, Disney, Hilton, and the University of Texas, as well as community-focused organizations like _OFCOLOR and Black Makers Market, amplifying diverse voices and creative communities. Winner of an Adobe Jam Session, Tobar’s art and curation have been showcased in cities across the U.S., inspiring creators to push boundaries and embrace their full creative potential.
