Life at Near: Cali’s Quiet Power in Visual Craft
Some designers speak through bold colors. Others through layout. For Cali, the quiet power of design lies in nuance, finding the kiliti that makes something click. It’s a skill she didn’t master overnight, but one that now defines her creative identity.
Cali Santillan joined Near as a Junior Graphic Designer nearly a year ago. Back then, she was reserved and observant: quick to listen, slower to speak. She thought of herself as quiet. But over time, she found her voice not just in visuals, but in the way she engaged with her team. Brainstorming sessions became a surprising outlet: a chance to bring her chronically online humor, niche references, and personal algorithm into the creative mix. The more she shared, the more she realized that there was space here to be herself and to grow.
This is her Life at Near.
Making It Make Sense (Visually)
One of the most defining chapters in Cali’s Near journey came through her work with Tip-Top Chicken, one of the agency’s longest-standing clients. It was her first major account and one that initially left her feeling frustrated. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to “get” the brand.
Her designs went through multiple rounds of revisions, and her internal design scores reflected her struggle. It was disheartening, but what stood out wasn’t just the challenge, it was the environment around her. Instead of pressure, she was met with patience. Instead of shame, she was given time to learn.
The client even urged her to express herself more freely through their brand’s visuals. She began experimenting with bold colours, sticker-style cutouts, playful annotations, and layouts that felt more alive. She tapped into her sense of humour and leaned into a style that felt both personal and distinctly Tip-Top.Four months later, things clicked. She stumbled upon a graphic style—bright, punchy, and full of personality—that felt right and tried it out. The client loved it and gave a full approval! From that point forward, she found her rhythm. What once felt like a creative dead-end became a breakthrough moment that helped redefine her confidence.
For Cali, this wasn’t just a win for the account, but a personal milestone. The campaign not only elevated the brand’s presence, but also helped her shape her own visual taste and identity. It was, as she puts it, a testament to who she is today inside and outside of work.
Growing With Space and Support
Cali describes Near as the first digital creative marketing agency that allowed her to see her work as hers, not just something she made for others. For the first time since freelancing in high school, she began designing things just because she wanted to. She even started her own visual journal, turning personal reflections into art.
That kind of growth came not just from the work itself, but from the culture that surrounded her. Coming from a traditional, conservative background, she found the openness at Near both shocking and healing. What started as culture shock eventually became emotional support. “I didn’t know this job came with work moms and ates,” she says. “And how amazingly blessed I am that this is my first job.”
When asked what mindset helps her succeed, Cali shares a mantra pulled from a video game: “Work never ends. That’s why people need rest.” It’s simple, but grounding. For her, the key to doing great work isn’t constant hustle—it’s staying human.
She’s learned that agency life can be intense, but it doesn’t have to consume you. Mistakes happen. Campaigns misfire. The world keeps spinning. And in that understanding, she’s found a healthier relationship with both work and herself.
That clarity has helped her embrace the creative process with more intention and less fear. She no longer sees feedback as failure, or output as a reflection of her worth. Instead, she views design as a journey: one shaped by collaboration, trust, and iteration.
A People-First Culture That Builds More Than Portfolios
Cali believes that what makes Near special is the people. They’re the reason she shows up every day with a little more confidence, a little more courage. There may be stress and pressure, but it’s shared—and softened—by the team who shows up beside her. If there’s one piece of advice she’d offer job seekers, it’s this: take your time, be selective, and never forget your worth. And when you do find the right place, lean into it.
Ask questions. Learn shamelessly. Grow unceasingly.
For Cali, being at Near brought her a step nearer to knowing herself better, specifically her strengths, her limits, her voice, and the kind of designer she wants to become. It's not just about the work she produces. It’s about the space she’s been given to learn, mess up, and try again with her quiet power growing a little louder each time.
Want to grow in a place that helps you find your voice? Explore open roles at nearcreative.co/careers
