David Machuca of Las Vegas on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with David Machuca and have shared our conversation below.

Hi David, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I am honored to share that I have recently been promoted to the position of Senior Designer for the Las Vegas Raiders. I was truly excited and deeply grateful upon receiving the news, and I look forward to embracing this new opportunity with dedication and enthusiasm.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is David Machuca, and I am the Senior Designer for the Las Vegas Raiders. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from California State University, Northridge (Class of 2016). While my expertise lies primarily in sports design, I remain open and enthusiastic about engaging in creative projects of all kinds. I believe in crafting visuals that are bold, purposeful, and impactful—designs that cut through the noise and address real-world challenges.

With nine years of professional design experience, I bring both refined skill and genuine passion to every project I undertake. My approach is driven by a deep love for design, a strong sense of structure, and a commitment to creating work that is both meaningful and memorable.

Though I may come across as quiet and laid-back, those who know me well understand that I value authenticity, collaboration, and a good sense of humor. At my core, I’m a problem-solver—if I don’t know how to do something, I’m determined to learn and figure it out.

Outside of my professional life, I prioritize quality time—whether that’s with family, watching sports, catching a great film, or enjoying the outdoors. I believe in balance, and that perspective carries into my creative process.

When you work with me, you’re not just hiring a designer—you’re partnering with a dedicated problem-solver, a reliable collaborator, and a creative professional who genuinely cares about delivering exceptional work.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I attribute my strong work ethic to my parents. Throughout my childhood, I observed their unwavering dedication—regardless of the weather, they consistently ensured my siblings and I got to school before heading to work themselves. They rarely, if ever, missed a day.

As soon as I was old enough, I began assisting my father with various tasks. During my teenage years, when my parents were managing the apartment building we lived in, I supported them by sweeping the hallways, maintaining clean common areas, and mowing the front lawn.

Even in retirement, my parents remain active and engaged, always finding ways to stay productive around the house. Their commitment to hard work and responsibility has been a lasting influence and continues to inspire me.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could offer advice to my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of being prepared for the future and taking the time to explore and educate myself about potential career paths. I would also encourage developing the habit of reading more and spending less time on television and video games, as reading provides valuable knowledge and fosters personal and intellectual growth.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My priorities are my career and my family. I am fully committed to both, and no matter the circumstances, I always ensure that the job gets done. When I’m not working, I dedicate my time to being with my family—whether it’s taking trips to Sequoia National Park or simply playing games like Zombies in the backyard.

In the moments I have to myself, I’m often exploring new creative projects or experimenting with ideas and making interesting things. I’m constantly looking for ways to stay inspired, grow, and bring fresh energy to both my personal and professional life.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
This is a difficult question to answer, as no one wishes to think about their own passing, yet it is an inevitable part of life. When that time comes, the only opinions that will truly matter to me are those of my family. I hope they will remember me as a loving father and husband, and as a strong role model who guided them with care and integrity.

My greatest wish is to leave behind a meaningful legacy for my children—one that reflects the values I lived by—and to have taught them enough so that they can grow to be even better than I was.

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