Aaron Stienstra

Design Director and
Senior Graphic Designer

Aaron specializes in communication design. He has more than 12 years experience as a graphic designer; his previous design work includes newspaper publishing, print production, and front-end web design. Since 2005, Aaron has art directed cases for many winning trials at the Focal point, including civil prosecution of former Haitian dictator Emmanuel Constant. In 2011, Aaron was the creative lead for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill case. Additionally, Aaron is the lead designer for The Focal Point brand and website.

Personally motivated to promote non-violence, Aaron is keenly interested in socially engaged design. At The Focal Point, he has worked extensively with The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, providing pro-bono information graphics for their use in public media. One of his first billboard designs for The Brady Center, an illustrated warning about Florida's "Shoot First" law, was reproduced in
The New York Times. He has also recently initiated collaboration with the Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV) to further this effort. Aaron’s independent work includes a photographic essay documenting public response to the shooting death of Oscar Grant in Oakland and a billboard intervention with contemporary art producer Invisible Venue.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Illustration from San Jose State University in 2003. Following graduation, Aaron hiked 211 miles on the John Muir Trail, lived abroad in London, and worked for three years as chef, including a year at Michelin star-rated Manresa.

Outside of the office, Aaron is an active member of the San Francisco chapter of AIGA (professional association of design). With journal and camera, Aaron constantly observes and draws inspiration from people and current events. Most of all, he enjoys time with his family.