Rara Matter is a design + emergent strategy studio specializing in branding, visual, and UX solutions for arts, culture, and change.
Founded on the idea of creating a commons-led design practice, where knowledge sharing and equitable participation live at the center, Rara Matter crafts experiences that are as much about process as they are about outcomes. Collaborating with purpose-driven businesses, organizations, and creatives, the studio creates visually engaging, daring, and intentional works across industries rooted in social and gender justice, trauma-informed practices, and accessibility. By embracing emergent strategies, a culture of joyful experimentation, and community cultivation, we expand upon what's possible.
Rara Matter is led by Jessy V. Castillo, a queer gender-fluid designer and strategist, who brings years of experience and expertise to each collaboration. In the studio, we work with a trusted community of designers, illustrators, developers, and more to exceed the bespoke needs of each project.
Jessy V. Castillo
They/She/Elle
Lead Designer + Strategist
WE ARE COMMITTED TO
Ⓢ Certified Transparency
WE ARE AN OFFICIAL PARTNER OF
Select Clients
Angel City Football Club
Ánimo Games
The Appeal
City Hub and Network for Gender Equity (CHANGE)
City of Los Angeles, Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD)
EveryQueer
Food Access LA
For the Birds Trapped in Airports
Genesis LA Economic Corporation
Hyphenated-
Justice + Joy National Collaborative
The Industry
The Latinx Project at NYU
Las Fotos Project
Los Angeles County Arts Education Collective
Monforte Studio
Orgullo Ajeno Tequila
Peace Over Violence
Photoville
Resilient Strategies
SoCal Grantmakers
Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation – Los Angeles
Young Women’s Freedom Center
Engagements
Fellowship for Visual Artists, “Building Your Online Presence: Brand Strategy & Website Tips for Artists” Workshop with Monforte Studio
California Community Foundation, 2025
Seasoned Accelerator Program, “Good Design is Good Business” Workshop
Food Access LA, 2024
Creative Career Center, “Website Development Workshop” with Monforte Studio
Las Fotos Project, 2024
Seasoned Accelerator Program, “Good Design is Good Business” Workshop
Food Access LA, 2023
Creative Careers Leadership Lab
Community Works, 2022
Growth In Care Program, “Intuitive Listening, a Collage Experiential”
LA Family Housing, 2021
Youth Over Violence Institute, “Zine-Making Workshop”
Peace Over Violence, 2020
Community
Volunteer at AIGA Los Angeles
Member of Means of Books, Freelancers Union, Design Justice Network, Queer Design Club, & Climate Designers
Credits
Portrait: Kevin Novales
Open Source/Libre Typefaces: Uncut Sans by Uncut WTF & Azeret Mono by Displaay Type Foundry
To learn more about why Open Source/Libre Typefaces are important, read Ruben Pater’s “CAPS LOCK” (“Designer as Entrepreneur” Chapter).
To find Open Source/Libre Typefaces, view Velvetyne Type Foundry’s curated list of global projects moving against the grain.