Entertainment & Culture
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Entertainment & Culture *
Long before every brand wanted to be a media company, I was building the creative systems that powered digital entertainment.
In a tiny office in Beverly Hills as employee number 3 at T180 Studios, I helped transform a small startup into an award-winning YouTube network that reached more than 200 million viewers and was ultimately acquired by Disney. I led the design of original branding, marketing campaigns, websites, user experiences, promotional assets, and visual identities for dozens of original series and entertainment properties.
That opportunity evolved into nearly a decade at Disney Interactive, Maker Studios, and Sweety High, where I directed creative teams and partnered with writers, producers, marketers, and executives to launch original series, develop brand systems, create merchandise, design digital experiences, and execute integrated campaigns across social, streaming, retail, and live events.
Working with globally recognized intellectual property required far more than great design. It demanded strategic thinking, creative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to brand integrity. Every logo, style guide, campaign, product launch, and promotional asset had to capture attention while protecting some of the world's most recognizable brands.
Looking back, I'm proud to have spent so many years contributing to the stories that became part of people's everyday lives. I worked with some of the brightest creative people I have ever encountered, in small, nimble teams creating work that reached massive audiences. Great family entertainment is often underestimated because it feels so natural and accessible. In reality, creating work that delights kids, resonates with parents, and honors globally recognized brands is one of the most rewarding creative challenges I've experienced. The final result may look fun and effortless, but achieving that simplicity requires a tremendous amount of strategy, craft, and discipline.
Featured Project:
It's a Small World: The Animated Series
I'm very proud of co-creating It's a Small World: The Animated Series, an original show inspired by one of Disney's most beloved attractions.
I led the visual development overseeing character design, storyboards, branding, and the overall artistic vision while ensuring every creative decision honored the legacy of the original attraction and Disney's iconic IP. Our team partnered with Powerhouse Animation in Austin, Texas, to bring the world to life.
To capture the authentic spirit and dazzling artwork, we were granted behind-the-scenes access to Disneyland while the ride was closed for refurbishment, allowing us to walk through the sets, photograph the details, and study the environments firsthand. The visual style was deeply influenced by the timeless artwork of Mary Blair, whose distinctive use of color and geometric forms defined the experience.
We also had the privilege of collaborating with Disney Legend Richard Sherman, co-writer of the original 1964 "It's a Small World" song, who created an original theme song for the series titled "Merry Way."
Sponsored by Rosetta Stone, the series introduced language-learning moments through the character Wazoh, a globe-trotting bird who taught children Spanish throughout each episode. The accompanying Rosetta Stone Kids app reached the #1 position in the App Store's language learning category.
The series premiered on Disney Junior and Disney's YouTube channel, bringing a classic Disney experience to a new generation through animation, music, and storytelling.