Jilmar “KIKO” Portillo

Email: Jilmarportillo@gmail.com ┊ He/Him

EDUCATION

BA Experience Architecture (XA) May 2023 - May 2025
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI – College of Arts and Letters
Dean's List x4 (Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024)
Nominated for the “Forum on Education Abroad’s Award for Academic Achievement Abroad 2023”

EXPERIENCE

Web Designer/Content Managing, Voice Of Dagoretti
Nairobi, Kenya ┊ May 2023 – Present
Lead end-to-end website development, from concept to delivery, using visual and interaction design principles to create accessible, user-centered experiences.
Collaborate closely with stakeholders and community members to develop content strategies and design solutions that aligned with organizational goals like increasing online visibility and boosting fundraising outcomes.
Ensure cross-device consistency and maintain accurate, up-to-date content aligned with organizational priorities.
Utilize an iterative design process informed by stakeholder input and user feedback to refine and enhance the user experience.

Videographer/Video Editor, Voice Of Dagoretti
Nairobi, Kenya ┊ May 2023 – Present
Led multimedia production (video production, audio engineering, and post-production) from concept to final cut.
Collaborated closely with stakeholders to plan and produce content, including interviews and promotional footage for web and social media.
Directed and edited a short-form documentary, capturing the mission and impact of Voice of Dagoretti.

Freelance Logo Design
Detroit, MI ┊ June 2022 – August 2023
Partnered with local businesses to develop brand identities, creating custom vector logos that convey core values and help businesses stand out in competitive markets.
Designed and produced branded merchandise and uniforms to strengthen brand presence and recognition.
Applied visual hierarchy and accessibility principles to create cohesive branding that builds customer trust.
Refined designs through iterative client feedback sessions.

Freelance Audio Engineer
Detroit, MI ┊ June 2017 – August 2023
Collaborated with artists to define the sonic direction of music projects during ideation sessions.
Translated abstract concepts into audio solutions using reference tracks, mood boards, and iterative drafts.
Mixed and mastered music with attention to clarity, cohesion, and alignment with client vision.

SKILLS

User Experience, Usability, Interaction Design, Project Management, Leadership, Design Research, Content Management, Wireframing, Prototyping, Technical Writing, Information Architecture, Rhetoric & Writing, User Design, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Audition, FL Studios, Figma, Wix, Bilingual English & Spanish Speaker