Hi, I’m JP 👋

Juan Pablo Madrid is a visual designer and creative leader in Washington, D.C.

As a Visual Information Specialist at the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress, I collaborate with analysts and subject-matter experts to translate rigorous research into authoritative visual communication for the United States Congress.

I also serve as President of AIGA DC, one of AIGA’s largest chapters, where I lead a team of more than 30 board members and support a network of hundreds of creatives across the Washington region. Together, we build programming, partnerships, and opportunities for the design community.

I bring a strategic and detail-oriented approach to design; balancing storytelling and usability to make information clear, accessible, and meaningful.

AIGA DC hosted former White House staff for a panel about the role of design in a democracy

Posing with students from the Corcoran School of Arts and Design after a design critique session
Posing with students from the Corcoran School of Arts and Design after a design critique session

Participating at a critique at GW’s Corcoran School of Arts and Design

I lead through mentorship and trust; making room for growth, and fostering the space for people to do their strongest work.

Previously, at Online Optimism, I joined as the company’s first designer and, over nearly a decade, helped grow its design practice into a full Design + Development department. I led and mentored creatives, partnered across disciplines, and developed brand, digital, and interactive work for organizations across government, nonprofit, healthcare, hospitality, and economic development. I also helped launch Online Optimism’s Specialist Program, a paid internship for early-career creatives.

Originally from Guatemala, I spent nearly a decade living and building my creative career in New Orleans before relocating to Washington. More recently, I have brought my experience in public-interest communication to political campaigns, including creative work for Helena Moreno’s successful campaign for Mayor of New Orleans.

I’m committed to mentoring emerging designers and creating opportunities for their growth. My work has been featured in the LA Times, Politico, and Technical.ly, and other publications. I’ve spoken at the University of Georgia, George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, and Southern New Hampshire University.

My humble creative beginnings on Crayola Art Studio

I organized an event with members of the creative team at the Biden White House

Speaking during AIGA DC’s DC Design Week

Experience

  • 2023 – Present

    I partner with analysts and subject-matter experts across the Congressional Research Service to turn rigorous research into clear, authoritative visual communication for the United States Congress. My work spans infographics, data visualizations, and map-based content, with a focus on quality, accessibility, and solutions that meet complex legislative and research needs.

    I also represent the Visualization team in service-wide meetings and presentations, advocating for the thoughtful use of visual media to help engage congressional clients and make research easier to understand.

  • 2022 – Present

    I serve as President of AIGA DC, the Washington, DC chapter of the professional association for design and one of its largest chapters.

    Since joining the board, I have served in several leadership roles, including Director of Programming, Vice President, and now President. During my time with the chapter, I’ve helped shape strategy, programming, partnerships, and operations for a 30+ member volunteer board, while leading and supporting initiatives including AIGA50, DC Design Week, DotGov, and conversations with design leaders across government and industry. My work has focused on strengthening the chapter’s organizational foundation, expanding opportunities for the DC design community, and creating programming that connects designers with ideas, resources, and one another

  • 2016–2023

    I joined Online Optimism as its first designer and, over nearly a decade, grew with the company into senior design leadership. I helped build and lead a multidisciplinary Design + Development department, hiring and mentoring creatives while establishing processes for feedback, quality assurance, and consistent project delivery.

    I partnered with leaders across the organization to deliver campaigns and digital experiences for clients in healthcare, education, government, and beyond. As Senior Director of Design Innovation, I also led exploration of emerging technologies, including VR, AR, and AI, and developed systems that strengthened design quality, knowledge sharing, and team performance.

  • 2015-2016

    I supported the University of New Orleans Marketing and PR team by designing and producing marketing materials that strengthened the university’s visual identity. I also partnered with the Admissions Office to develop strategic recruitment materials, balancing ambitious timelines with clear, consistent brand execution.