Simonetta Nieto is a Deputy Managing Editor of Visuals at The New York Times, where she leads branding, design direction and visual strategy for Licensing. With over a decade of experience in editorial design and creative leadership, she has guided multidisciplinary teams through periods of crucial transformation and innovation.
Simonetta specializes in managing complex brand identity systems, visual storytelling and aligning creative vision with strategic business goals. Bridging journalism and design, her work shapes how stories are visually communicated across platforms.
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 managing complex brand identity systems, visual storytelling and aligning creative vision with strategic business goals. Bridging journalism and design, her work shapes how stories are visually communicated across platforms.
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