Shot on location at the Silver Stamp in Las Vegas
My story
Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in the SF Bay Area, I’ve always been attuned to the subtle shifts in culture, music, and human connection. My curiosity has led me through art, history, and science, where I've spent a lifetime sketching ideas and connecting patterns. This deep sense of observation is the foundation of my creative process, fueling my research into what truly makes people stop and engage.
Today, I'm an award-winning creative director, graphic designer, and illustrator. I craft experiences that build compelling brand identities, design striking music posters, and develop engaging editorial imagery.
My diverse background allows me to bring a unique perspective to every project, spanning:
Startup Agility: Helping a tech startup navigate a $2.6B acquisition exit.
Business Ownership: Running my own design business, Candor Studio.
Global Reach: Working at Google, where I championed inclusive and accessible brand marketing, developing identities rooted in culture, connection, and craft.
Business Ownership: Running my own design business, Candor Studio.
Global Reach: Working at Google, where I championed inclusive and accessible brand marketing, developing identities rooted in culture, connection, and craft.
Illustration & Recognition
As an illustrator, I've collaborated with top clients in music and entertainment and contributed to numerous publications. My work has been:
Recognized by SILA and the New York Society of Illustrators
Shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards
Clinched a Silver W3 Award
Awarded with two Silver Addys for my work at Looker
Exhibited nationwide and featured in prominent industry blogs
Shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards
Clinched a Silver W3 Award
Awarded with two Silver Addys for my work at Looker
Exhibited nationwide and featured in prominent industry blogs
I’m currently sharing insights and stories from my time as a creative lead in tech. I remain a curious, right-brained "weirdo" at heart. And yes, I speak Spanish.
Let's Create Something Memorable
I'm always open to discussing a new project or collaboration.
info@hernanvalencia.info
info@hernanvalencia.info
SELECT CLIENTS
Google
Netflix
The Cosmopolitan
Wynn
Weezer
NPR
Red Bull
Brooklyn Bowl
EXPERIENCE
Creative Director and Owner (Freelance)
Candor Studio
July 2024 - Present
Art Director
Google
December 2019 - March 2024
Art Director
Looker Data Sciences
December 2018 - December 2019
Senior Brand Designer
Caesar's Entertainment
November 2016 - December 2018
Senior Designer & Illustrator
Ideas in Digital (contract)
September 2011 - December 2018
INVOLVEMENT
2022 | “National Hispanic Heritage Month” Guest Panelist
2025 | "Cabrillo College Digital Media" Career Education Advisory Board
2025 | "A Rebel's Guide To Authentic Vision" Keynote speaker
Netflix
The Cosmopolitan
Wynn
Weezer
NPR
Red Bull
Brooklyn Bowl
EXPERIENCE
Creative Director and Owner (Freelance)
Candor Studio
July 2024 - Present
Art Director
December 2019 - March 2024
Art Director
Looker Data Sciences
December 2018 - December 2019
Senior Brand Designer
Caesar's Entertainment
November 2016 - December 2018
Senior Designer & Illustrator
Ideas in Digital (contract)
September 2011 - December 2018
INVOLVEMENT
2022 | “National Hispanic Heritage Month” Guest Panelist
2025 | "Cabrillo College Digital Media" Career Education Advisory Board
2025 | "A Rebel's Guide To Authentic Vision" Keynote speaker
ASK ME ABOUT
My Negroni obsession
California Wine Regions
Album Cover Art
Hate-watching shows
Immigrant resilience
Designers Republic
Latin American Design
Film Intro Sequences
Solo Traveling abroad
Pronouncing French
Indonesian Coffees
Zines and DIY aesthetic
Vinyl Records
MAXIMALISM
Art History
A24
My Negroni obsession
California Wine Regions
Album Cover Art
Hate-watching shows
Immigrant resilience
Designers Republic
Latin American Design
Film Intro Sequences
Solo Traveling abroad
Pronouncing French
Indonesian Coffees
Zines and DIY aesthetic
Vinyl Records
MAXIMALISM
Art History
A24