The desire to create can manifest itself in many forms: from paper to screen, from film to stage, whatever method fits the mood. In Parallels, AIGA NY explores how creativity often flourishes across multiple platforms simultaneously, how it comes to be, how it inspires, and how to manage it.

In this installment, Tito Deler will share his creative story: growing up in NYC in the 70s and 80s, entering graphic design in the 90s, and becoming a design leader in fashion; all while channeling his musical talents into a parallel career as a touring blues musician.

About the Speaker

Born and raised in uptown Manhattan, Brother Tito Deler is the son of immigrants from the Dominican Republic with a natural gift for music. Brother Tito plays a steel body National Resonator guitar. Writing and performing songs of his own, he combines sounds from his Harlem upbringing with the style of pre-war Mississippi Delta blues and gospel. He released his first record, The Original Harlem Slim in 2012 followed by a series of singles and his latest LP, It’s A Beautiful Thing. 

His career in graphic design began as a production assistant on Spike Lee’s Clockers before transitioning into fashion as a graphic designer at Polo Ralph Lauren. He later led his first design team at Polo Jeans Company, marking the start of his leadership journey. Over the years, he has designed across genders, age groups, and categories—including apparel, accessories, home, and pet—for major brands such as Gap, American Eagle, Theory, Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, and J.Crew. During his time at J.Crew (2008–2015), he partnered with senior leadership to help shape brand identities for The Men’s Shop, J.Crew Baby, Point Sur Denim, and Wallace & Barnes. Most recently, as Vice President of Graphic Design and CAD for the Americas at Tommy Hilfiger, he led a team of directors and designers, collaborating cross-functionally to maintain a cohesive brand identity across all categories and distribution channels.