Who or what is
Summer Man?

Hi! I’m Mat Patalano, an award-winning print, digital, and motion designer with over seventeen years of professional experience (preceded by another twenty or so of passionate amateur endeavoring). Summer Man Design is my boutique scaleable studio agency, encompassing design, strategy, video, and motion services. The team is as small—or as large—as your project requires. While my primary focus is supporting and elevating fine art, the humanities, and nonprofit endeavors, I’ve served clients across various sectors. This varied experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of the design deliverables organizations need to become more nimble and well-positioned for growth. 

Through my commitment to and focus on environmental sustainability, social progress, and the arts, I’ve crafted and implemented impactful design solutions for nonprofits in ecological, social, and educational contexts, as well as publishers, cultural institutions, ESG-focused financial technology firms, and other start-ups focused on the empowerment of marginalized communities and individuals. Shortly after arriving in Santa Fe, I managed design and production at Radius Books from 2021-2023 while simultaneously operating Summer Man Design. Before that, I served as the Marketing + Communications Global Creative Lead at Liquidnet Inc. in New York City for over a decade. In that role, I built, developed, and managed an international team of graphic designers, animators, and video production specialists. 

I hold a dual degree in Art Education and Filmmaking from Massachusetts College of Art & Design and certificates in advertising, web design, and motion design from Pratt, Noble Desktop, and the School of Visual Arts in NYC.

Clients of mine (in one iteration or another) include: Cara Romero Photography, The Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA), The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, Korero Press, SITE Santa Fe, author David B. Markwardt, T-REX Group, Violante & Rochford Interiors, Culture Espresso, Planet X Records, Advance Maryand, Pink Fink Vintage, The Coding School, Trap-Free New Mexico, The Necessarian, The Maryland Port Authority, The Chesapeake Watershed Restoration Professionals, and Lost Padre Records.

I’m also a musician and an avid film buff in my spare time. These interests often inspire and influence my design work and offer opportunities to experiment and grow visually and technically.

Summer Man Design thrives on variety and collaboration, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you think we might be a good match!

Here’s an interview on my former barber’s Instagram talk show Coping with Quarantine from May 2020 about my move from NYC and my daily life in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.