Hey there!

My name is Batsheba Castro Martinez, but some can call me Bats. I’m a Product Designer & Illustrator based in Kansas City, MO.

Whether it’s in an agency setting or in-house, I help bridge brand storytelling and customer experiences that tackle business objectives while keeping audiences and users at the heart of the project.

where I’ve collaborated:

  • Clients: Thrivent, United Rentals, Qlik, and Spire.


    At VML, I led UI/UX design from concept to implementation across diverse client projects. Working closely with strategists and developers, I transformed complex business goals into intuitive, visually compelling experiences. I championed accessibility and user-centered design throughout, built scalable design systems, and regularly presented design decisions to stakeholders. My work spanned the full CX spectrum, from audience insights to experience design.

  • Clients: TransJoy KC, City of Kansas City, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Ripple Glass, Vivayic, VMLY&R.

    I have delivered assets across web, illustration, brand identity, and print for diverse clients. I apply inclusive designs principles to create accessible, audience-centered experiences.

  • At Rays the Valley, I cultivated a full brand experience encompassing company rebranding, website design, and social media marketing.

  • At Missouri State University's Editorial and Design Services, I worked as a Student Graphic Designer producing print and digital publications from concept to delivery. I collaborated within a team of writers, photographers, and clients to develop designs that met communication objectives while staying true to University brand standards. I gained hands-on experience in client presentations, photoshoots, desktop publishing, and file preparation, all while sharpening my design instincts in a real-world, deadline-driven environment.

  • Creating the branding and all promotional material associated with Cider Days 2018.

From Colleagues & Clients

  • Gabriel Johnson, Creative Director at T-Mobile

    Gabriel Johnson, Creative Director at T-Mobile

    “I leaned on Batsheba constantly — and they always delivered. They have a rare ability to bridge brand storytelling and user experience in a way that feels seamless. Their design instincts are sharp, but what really sets them apart is how they show up as a collaborator. Bats listens, they push back thoughtfully when it makes the work better, and they bring a warmth to the process that makes even the most complex projects genuinely enjoyable.

    Any team would be lucky to have them. I'd work with Batsheba again in a heartbeat.”

  • Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan

    Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan, on the Westside Banner Project

    “It was a treat to see them work so diligently with our neighbors to make this something they felt reflected their home.

    I know the tremendous care Bats took to weave the neighborhood's history and culture into this art, how genuinely proud Westsiders are of this project, and how lucky we are to have you as a neighbor. Amazing work!”

  • Stacey Funderburk, previously Director of Editorial And Design Services

    “Batsheba was a high-performing designer during their time in the MSU office of editorial and design services. Their creativity, software skills and ability to use graphic design in furthering communication efforts were key to meeting university tactics. Their works included unique print designs for Missouri State that met brand standards and clearly communicated the intended message.

    They have strong written and verbal communications skills, is reliable and meets deadlines. Batsheba's dedicated work ethic and positive attitude make them an asset to any organization.”