I moved to Los Angeles years ago, drawn by the same creative ambition that brings so many artists to the city. That decision, combined with extensive travel and cultural exploration, has shaped how I see people, place, and design—informing a global, human-centered perspective in everything I create. Working on photography projects across more than 20 countries continues to influence my approach across disciplines.
I collaborate closely with a talented and dedicated team, bringing together strategy, craft, and experimentation to deliver thoughtful, impactful work. My studio is supported by a strong operational foundation, with my husband—who has a background in finance—managing the financial aspects of the business, allowing the creative work to remain focused, intentional, and sustainable.
With a background in Fine Arts, my approach is rooted in exploration and conceptual thinking, balanced by a strong foundation in graphic design and typography that brings structure and clarity to every project. I’ve exhibited my work internationally and continue to teach photography and design, using education as a way to stay curious, engaged, and evolving.
At the core of my practice is a belief in balance. Good design captures attention, but great design communicates with purpose. By uniting beauty, function, and clear messaging, I create work that is not only visually compelling, but meaningful, usable, and enduring. A passion for learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration continues to shape my career and creative direction.
~elena c.
Recommendations
Professional Experience
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, CA
Jun ‘19 – Present
Creative Director—Contract
Push the envelope of concept and design thinking, providing innovative, alternative solutions to common design deliverables. Provide art direction support during photo shoots. Collaborate closely with a large project team to execute projects. Manage and present proposals and estimates. Lead an external creative team and oversee design production.
DesignByInk
Los Angeles, CA
Nov ‘18 – Present
Creative Director
Responsible for creative strategy and planning for a range of clients, in both the pitching and development/ post-production phases of design and printing. Manage full creative teams and multiple partners/vendors. Supervise new business efforts, outreach and implementation. Manage estimates, budgets, schedules, and media spend.

CMg Design, Inc.
Pasadena, CA
Jan ‘15 – Nov ‘18
Senior Art Director
Worked directly with clients, upper management and other stakeholders to develop concepts, construe campaign strategies, and produce final artwork for print and web. Lead and direct a team of internal and external designers, copywriters, developers and production staff. Oversaw multiple corporate client accounts, pitches and proposals. Managed project planning, scheduling and vendor oversight.

Westwood College
Los Angeles, CA
Mar ‘13 – Apr ‘16
Faculty School of Design
Produced and coordinated lessons in a project-based curriculum. Developed competency-based learning, modules, rubrics, and self-assessments. Communicated expectations and established grading criteria through instructional guidelines. Contributed to a learning culture by participating in curriculum and system task forces, supporting campus events, workshops and meetings. Responsible for teaching upper-level courses and digital photography.

2e Creative
St. Louis, MO
Jun ‘10 – Mar ‘13
Art Director
Translated marketing strategies into creative solutions. Designed for print and multimedia communications in a variety of industries. Coordinated with teammates on multiple projects in a timely manner. Collaborated with copywriters, art directors to develop strong concepts.

Switch Liberate Your Brand
St. Louis, MO
Jul ‘09 – Jun ‘10
Art Director
Collaborated with AE/CD to pitch new programs and creative solutions. Coordinated with writers to generate concepts from briefs. Developed concept, design, and layout for health and science publications.
Industries
Science & Technology + Energy & Utilities + Engineering + Architecture + Consumer & Business Products + Medical & Research + Law + Non-Profit Organizations + Pharmaceuticals + Publishing + Real Estate+ Arts & Education + Museums.
Specialties
Consumer Packaged Goods + Branding Communications + Trade Show Graphics + Advertising + Typography + Environmental & Exhibit Design + Book Design & Publication Design + Illustration + Photography & Video
Professional Skills
Executive Leadership + Pioneer leader with track record of achieving challenging goals + Proven ability to grasp any situation, adapt, and learn quickly + Ability to drive projects and procedures while maintaining creativity and flexibility + Equally effective working independently or leading a team + Work well under pressure and enjoy challenging projects + Video Editing + Pre-press & Quality Control + Pre-flighting & Postscript Files + Digital Restoration + Web + UI & UX Design.
Clients
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory + Budweiser + Bud Light + VitaminWater + Sigma-Aldrich + Alcon + Caris Life Science + Staar Surgical + HuestonHennigan LLP + Annenberg Space for Photography + Cathay Bank + Monsanto + Elsevier + Soft Surroundings + Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis + Frederick Fell Publishers.
Got a challenging project? Get in touch.
I am always looking for new exciting projects.
