Mario S. Aguilar
Founder | Principal
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin
The Pensery has an insatiable curiosity about the world at large and the world of design. Our love of diverse cultures and ideas are what inspire us to create and share your story clearly, creatively and effectively, with distinctly beautiful results that get you noticed. Because you are the center and driving force of it all.
That’s been The Pensery Founder, Mario S. Aguilar’s, mission from Day One: to provide clients with creative solutions that capture their brand essence, resonate with their target audiences and create a powerful, memorable presence across all media.
The Pensery reflects the many worlds Mario has lived in and experienced, from his roots in the multicultural border town of El Paso to the laid-back beach vibe in Hawaii, sunflower fields and biergartens of Germany and the downtown design scene of New York City where he worked for more than 15 years. Each one shaped his insights into the rich intersections of humanity and design, which our team brings to life.
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“I couldn’t have imagined an easier process or a more incredible result with our pro bono and community service impact report. Mario and The Pensery are true professionals who timely produce quality work and are a pleasure to work with.”
— Hilarie Atkisson | Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility/Pro Bono Counsel Fenwick & West LLP
“I have had the pleasure of partnering with Mario and The Pensery on numerous projects. They are a visionary partner who produce an exceptional product. Their creative process is highly efficient and collaborative. The Pensery is a joy to work with and make you feel as though you are their only client, notwithstanding their impressive client roster.”
— Kristin Coda | CMBDO
“The Pensery is an invaluable extension of our marketing & communications department. They are fully immersed in our business and are able to thoughtfully communicate through design to our constituents. Mario Aguilar is a pleasure to work with and the best strategic partner to have in the midst of growth and evolution.”
— Lya Wesley | Director Communications and Marketing
“Mario’s designs blew us away! He is everything you could want in a designer; innovative, professional, and likable.”
— Antoinette Isabel Jones | Assistant Director Communications
“I had the pleasure of working with Mario on a new logo and accompanying designs for my nonprofit organization, Oceanites — and I’m totally thrilled with the results. Beautiful. Stunning. Eye-catching.”
— Ron Naveen | President and Founder, Oceanites, Inc
“Mario is an intuitive designer that requires minimal direction when composing a product. He is very flexible and handles feedback with poise. Mario understands the organization and his design is reflective of that understanding.”
— Patty Macias | Director of Programs and Digital Media
“Working with Mario is a wonderful collaborative process. He has an intuitive way of visually presenting the message I’m trying to communicate, and offers creative suggestions I would never have imagined.”
— Rosina Rubin | Director Anna Walinska Art
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Serving as a lecturer and juror for The University of Texas at El Paso 2022 Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Mario was interviewed by the local NPR State of the Arts.
Prior to forming The Pensery, Mario was a Partner at the Bernhardt Fudyma Design Group where he provided creative leadership and design solutions for some of the world’s most trusted brands, such as, American Express, Wiley & Sons Publishing, and the Associated Press. His work has been recognized by AIGA, Communication Arts, Working Not Working, People of Craft, Graphic Design USA, Graphis, and the American Advertising Federation.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering: In a nod to Mario’s El Paso roots, our studio name comes from the Spanish word for thinking, “pensar“. Which is what we’re always doing.