Simonetta Nieto is a Deputy Managing Editor of Visuals at The New York Times, where she leads branding, design direction and visual strategy in Licensing.
Simonetta specializes in brand identity systems, visual storytelling and aligning creative vision with business goals. Bridging journalism and design, her work in Licensing encompasses global brand scalability and governance, ensuring that the Times’s licensed products and services across international markets maintain journalistic integrity and branding consistency.
Prior to joining the Times in 2019, Simonetta was the Art Director at Surface magazine where previous client experience and collaborations include work with Adidas, Blu Dot and MoMA Design Store.
In addition to a career in journalism, Simonetta is a practicing visual artist. Her art touches on themes of identity, nature and place. It explores both personal and environmental narratives.
Talks, Judging and Mentorship
AIGA NY Mentorship Program 2025, Mentor
Campaign for Journalism 2023, Speaker
School of Visual Arts, MFA Illustration of Visual Essay, Guest Critic
Vértice Festival 2022, Universidad Rafael Landívar, Guatemala, Speaker
Pratt Institute, 2022 Mentor
Latin American Design Awards 2022, Judge
Pratt Institute, Advocating for Diversity and Equity 2020, Panelist
Society of Illustrators, Illustrator 62, Judge
On Air Fest 2018, Panel Moderator and Curator
Awards and Press
Working Not Working Mag
Newspaper Club
AIGA: Eye on Design
Milan Design Award for Best Engagement
ASME Awards Best Cover Finalist, Surface
Art Exhibitions and Residencies
The Border is Beautiful, Group Exhibition, Texas
State of Wander, Group Exhibition, New York
Pocoapoco Art Residency, Mexico
Simonetta specializes in brand identity systems, visual storytelling and aligning creative vision with business goals. Bridging journalism and design, her work in Licensing encompasses global brand scalability and governance, ensuring that the Times’s licensed products and services across international markets maintain journalistic integrity and branding consistency.
Prior to joining the Times in 2019, Simonetta was the Art Director at Surface magazine where previous client experience and collaborations include work with Adidas, Blu Dot and MoMA Design Store.
In addition to a career in journalism, Simonetta is a practicing visual artist. Her art touches on themes of identity, nature and place. It explores both personal and environmental narratives.
Talks, Judging and Mentorship
AIGA NY Mentorship Program 2025, Mentor
Campaign for Journalism 2023, Speaker
School of Visual Arts, MFA Illustration of Visual Essay, Guest Critic
Vértice Festival 2022, Universidad Rafael Landívar, Guatemala, Speaker
Pratt Institute, 2022 Mentor
Latin American Design Awards 2022, Judge
Pratt Institute, Advocating for Diversity and Equity 2020, Panelist
Society of Illustrators, Illustrator 62, Judge
On Air Fest 2018, Panel Moderator and Curator
Awards and Press
Working Not Working Mag
Newspaper Club
AIGA: Eye on Design
Milan Design Award for Best Engagement
ASME Awards Best Cover Finalist, Surface
Art Exhibitions and Residencies
The Border is Beautiful, Group Exhibition, Texas
State of Wander, Group Exhibition, New York
Pocoapoco Art Residency, Mexico
Capabilities
Creative Direction
Art Direction
Brand Identity
Brand Strategy
Book Design
Editorial Design
UX/UI
Photography
Photo Editing
Image Rights
Intellectual Property
Copyright
Management
Mentorship
Education
The University of Texas
Bachelor of Journalism
Contact
simonetta.nieto@gmail.com
Creative Direction
Art Direction
Brand Identity
Brand Strategy
Book Design
Editorial Design
UX/UI
Photography
Photo Editing
Image Rights
Intellectual Property
Copyright
Management
Mentorship
Education
The University of Texas
Bachelor of Journalism
Contact
simonetta.nieto@gmail.com