Hi, I’m Jan. I am a creative director driven by a deep sense of purpose and a passion for creativity and belonging. With an eclectic background spanning diverse industries, I have spent 7+ years shaping global brands, building lean teams, and consistently driving impact.
The Beginning
That’s me – right smack in the middle. Mom stands tall behind me. You can see Papa on the far right strutting a white barong. The others? Bits and pieces of my family – bits and pieces of my life.
Growing up immigrant in America has made my journey multidimensional. And for the most part, colorful. Sandwiched between a Filipino family meant experiencing life through the lenses of others. An intimacy of good and bad, and the just is.
Perhaps it was these very attributes that planted the seeds for my career path, one characterized by an insatiable thirst for human connection and a relentless pursuit of untold stories. In each person I meet and every narrative I uncover, I find a reflection of the rich tapestry that is life itself.
In Pursuit of What
In 2009, I embarked on a transformative journey in the digital landscape, creating a Tumblr blog during the blogging heyday. This online sanctuary became my canvas for diverse forms of creativity and a window into the evolving world of social media.
On Tumblr, I immersed myself in a dynamic online community and shared various content, transcending a single niche. I showcased freshly developed film photographs, revitalized thrifted clothing, brought 2D designs to life on screen.
This journey marked the beginning of a pursuit that I couldn’t fully define at the time. Through each post and connection made in the vast internet, I discovered the boundless potential of self-expression in a world ripe with creative opportunities.
Pen to Paper
I was eager to take the lessons I’d gleaned from my blogging experience to the next level. College became my playground for exploration, a canvas where I could paint with a broader brush, embracing every opportunity to grow and thrive. With an enthusiastic “yes” to every opportunity that came my way, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
Here, I soaked in the wisdom of critiques, found my voice as a creator and embarked on an audacious endeavor—launching an online magazine and interning at a fair-trade startup.
Grounded Today
My professional journey has taken me through diverse sectors, from the non-profit realm to the fast-paced world of startups. With each step, I’ve evolved into a seasoned designer and a full-stack marketing professional, acquiring a wealth of experience along the way. In my most recent role as marketing director for America’s largest research park, I’ve been at the helm of teams, steering them towards creative solutions with a steadfast focus on impact.
My growth is an ongoing voyage fueled by mentorship and the crucible of challenges. Throughout this journey, my greatest asset is range —a superpower I hold dear.
What comes next remain unwritten, but one thing is certain—I’ll continue to be driven by the desire to make a difference and leaving every place better than I found it.
Get in Touch
Currently based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
mactal.jcm@gmail.com
Jan Mactal | Design + Marketing 