Creative Director

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 

“I worked with Elena on two challenging projects for NASA/JPL. Her efforts were tireless and the work exemplary. She tuned out consistently high-quality material on a very demanding schedule, with a continuing chain of extensive revisions—always without complaint and with consistent energy and enthusiasm. I would highly recommend her to any position she aspires to—she is a true asset to any team, and will bring a high level of polish and professionalism to your project.”

Rod PyleBest-Selling author

“I worked with Elena on several accounts at 2e Creative. She is a talented designer who approaches marketing challenges with a unique perspective. She always brought outside the box ideas that hadn’t been considered before and has a meticulous eye for detail. As if her print work didn’t keep her busy enough, when our digital group was asking for more resources, Elena took the initiative to learn some basic coding so that she could contribute where needed. I recommend her for a role in a fast-paced agency environment where she can keep evolving her skills and contributing to client successes.”
Leah ClearyNestlé Purina North America

“Besides her stellar design skills, Elena has an enormous range of talents. From classical typography to coding, and everything in-between, there is nothing this woman cannot figure out. Her talents, intellect and high organizational skills have allowed her to pursue personal passions such as photography and philanthropic work. Plain and simple, Elena cares. Something that is, in my opinion, rare in today’s workplace. Elena is committed to each and every project she takes on. She is a tenacious and dependable professional and has the ability to work through problems and to find solutions to any challenging project.”
Julie Markfield — CMg Design, Inc.

“Elena is a very driven and tenacious designer. We worked together on the CMg website. She has an exacting eye for detail and an incredible work ethic. Her work is of the very highest quality. I would highly recommend her.”
Meshack Vallesillas— Digital Manager, UCLA

“I’ve had the pleasure of having Elena on my creative team during a time we desperately needed some design horsepower. She demonstrated she’s a quick study in the clients needs and produced visually powerful/on brand executions that were chosen by the client. I believe Elena’s background and various life experiences help give her a competitive edge when visually problem solving. I’m happy to recommend Elena as a strong designer to anyone needing visual design solutions.”
Eduardo Nieuwenhuyzen — Creative Director, Caleres Inc.

“Elena Solis is a valuable asset to any program or project she works on. She has provided excellent design leadership here at the School of Design. Her enthusiasm is infectious, as is her love of teaching and her ability to plan creative and effective lessons for her students. Overtime, I have come to realize that Ms. Solis is an exceptional individual with the strongest commitment to her work. I recommend her enthusiastically, as she will be an invaluable asset to any institution.”
Willie Salazar — Educator, designer

“I had been at 2e Creative year when Elena joined the crew, and it didn’t take long for everyone to notice how much she contributed across the board. From concepts and design to quality assurance and production, Elena gave every task all the diligence and attention it deserved. At the same time, she was forthcoming with questions and new perspectives – anything to improve the idea and the work. I heartily recommend her as an effective art director, graphic designer and production artist, highly competent to solve whatever communication and marketing challenges come her way. For two examples of Elena’s awesome work (Biowire and CleverCap), see the projects on my public profile.”
Ben Grant — Technical Writer


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.

I have always been a pencil. — Toulouse Lautrec
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