Brenda Castañeda

Creative Director · Zartana LLC

Los Angeles, CA

In My Own Words

I’m a multidisciplinary designer and creative director with over a decade of experience shaping apparel, graphics, and brand systems that speak with clarity and conviction. As a Designer and Developer, I bridge technical expertise with emotional storytelling—bringing garments to life through silhouette, fabric, and function.

I also lead Lunary Studio, an independent creative practice focused on building brands that stand for something. From concept to campaign, I help clients craft visual identities rooted in intention—not trend cycles. My work spans apparel design, art direction, product development, and brand strategy, always guided by a deep belief in design as resistance.

Whether the brief calls for innovation or introspection, I build with purpose—and partner best with teams who do the same.

Work Experience

Founder & Creative Director

Zartana LLC

2016 – Present

Founder and Creative Director of a boundary-pushing design agency specializing in apparel, branding, and visual storytelling for socially conscious brands. Merge cultural heritage, sustainability, and strategic design to deliver bold, meaningful projects across industries.

Key Contributions: • Lead creative direction from ideation to execution across branding and product lines • Build and manage client relationships, steering projects toward high-impact outcomes • Oversee a multidisciplinary team of designers and developers • Specialize in sustainable sourcing, ethical production, and purpose-driven branding • Direct social media communications, visual storytelling, and marketing campaigns

Womens Designer and Developer - DARC SPORT

Civil Clothing Inc

2022 – Present

Leading the design and development of seamless performance apparel, blending innovation with streetwear sensibility. Drive trend forecasting, print design, and product development to create pieces that align with brand identity and customer demands.

Key Contributions: • Conceptualize original seamless print patterns, colorways, and product silhouettes • Create detailed tech packs for manufacturers, ensuring clear development guidance • Research and implement emerging materials and performance technologies • Lead fittings and translate feedback into refined design iterations • Collaborate cross-functionally with production, sourcing, and marketing teams

CAD illustrator

Hedley & Bennett

2020 – 2020

Supported the design team with CAD illustrations, technical detailing, and line sheet updates during key production seasons.

Key Contributions: • Created CAD drawings for apparel and accessory collections • Assisted with product testing and tech pack maintenance • Supported cross-team communications for production and design updates • Helped maintain seasonal calendars and asset libraries

Product Development Specialist

The Hundreds

2018 – 2020

Bridged design and production teams to bring streetwear collections from concept to market. Specialized in full body tech packs, graphics, and sampling, maintaining quality and brand authenticity across all product categories.

Key Contributions: • Managed cross-functional communication between design, development, and suppliers • Built detailed tech packs for apparel and accessories, including embroidery and printing • Measured samples and oversaw fitting and approval processes with vendors • Assisted with marketing campaigns and merchandise calendar planning • Supported product innovation through research on materials and consumer trends

Pre Production/Technical Designer

FIDELITY DENIM

2016 – 2018

Specialized in premium denim development for men’s and women’s lines. Focused on material testing, shrinkage analysis, and detailed tech pack creation for production-ready garments.

Key Contributions: • Created and maintained tech packs across denim collections • Oversaw fit sessions and ensured production approvals met quality standards • Developed embroidery artwork and coordinated trims and finishings • Held seasonal line reviews with design teams to align production details • Led communication with vendors to troubleshoot pre-production issues

Jr. Designer

Kellwood Company

2014 – 2014

Designed new silhouettes, embellishments, and knitwear layouts for private label clients. Developed seasonal concepts, sourcing materials and ensuring production readiness.

Key Contributions: • Created embellishment layouts and development tech packs each season • Coordinated sampling and prototyping with factories and sourcing teams • Updated design details based on fittings and production comments • Helped manage special project coordination for knitwear artisan programs • Led communication with factories on bulk materials and trims

Fit Tech

Topson Downs - Fire-Los Angeles

2013 – 2014

Supported the technical development team with material evaluations, fittings, and sample testing to maintain fit integrity and manufacturing standards.

Key Contributions: • Updated reports and coordinated sampling materials • Measured and evaluated pre-production samples • Assisted with fittings and tech pack updates • Forecasted potential product development challenges • Maintained BOM (Bill of Materials) accuracy

Associate Designer

Kellwood Company

2013 – 2013

Supported the technical development team with material evaluations, fittings, and sample testing to maintain fit integrity and manufacturing standards.

Associate Technical Designer

BELLA + CANVAS

2011 – 2013

Focused on technical sketching, spec development, and pattern management across apparel categories. Drove product development from initial sketch to production approval.

Key Contributions: • Created complete tech packs, block patterns, and spec sheets • Maintained proto status charts and fitting records • Coordinated with patternmakers and cutters to ensure workflow efficiency • Participated in garment construction and wash development • Supported trend forecasting and new concept sketching