MATE is an underground shoegaze artist whose self-released work has been described as emotionally driven and thought provoking. Her lyrics juxtapose dark themes of abandonment and nostalgia with strong emotions of sexuality and power. She cites her aesthetic influences as 1980s goth bands, French New Wave cinema, and contemporary doom and dream pop. Lies on Fire, the latest studio album by MATE, features a collector’s edition box made especially for fans.
Creative Direction
Cynthia Abril
Design
Cynthia Abril, Forrest Huu Ta
Photography
Eduardo Trejo, Cynthia Abril
Client
MATE
Disciplines
Art Direction
Branding
Packaging
Print
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Album Cover
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Promotional Graphic
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Process
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Album Artwork
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Motion Poster
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Photoshoot
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Photoshoot
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Album Sleeve
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Tour Poster
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Record
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Motion Poster
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Collector's Edition Packaging
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Collector's Edition Packaging
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Lyrics Book
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Process
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Process
🍷 MATE “Lies on Fire” • Process
My name is Forrest Huu Ta. I am a graphic designer that specializes in branding, art direction, and typography. My process involves using history and culture as a primer for creating new definitions of beauty with a contemporary perspective. Previously, I have worked in both non-profit and business sectors, as well as design agencies both global and boutique in size.
Currently, I am based in California and open to remote opportunities. My pronouns are they/them.
California State University, Long Beach
B.F.A. in Graphic Design
(2019-2022)
San Diego City College
A.A. in Graphic Design
(2017-2019)
The Working Assembly
New York, New York
Design Intern
(Jan – May 2021)
FutureBrand
New York, New York
Design Intern
(Jun – Aug 2020)
Interscope Records
Los Angeles, California
Design Intern
(Jan – Mar 2020)
San Diego Museum of Us
San Diego, California
Design Intern
(Jun – Aug 2018)
AIGA San Diego
San Diego, California
Y23 Conference Volunteer
(May 2018)
World's Greatest Internship
Shortlisted • Season 3
(2021)
The One Club San Diego
Silver • Packaging
(2020)
Adobe Design
Feature
(2021)