Available to hire
I am Elena Maria Casiello, a multidisciplinary graphic designer with over 30 years of experience in visual communication, publishing, licensing, and textile product design. After serving as an Art Director at an advertising agency for several years, I founded my own creative studio, EMC Designer. I have collaborated on projects for major international brands, including Disney, Warner Bros., DreamWorks, Marvel, Mattel, and DeAgostini. My approach combines artistic direction with strategic vision and a deep focus on brand identity. I have managed the entire creative development process—from concept strategy to production—for branding, editorial products, packaging, textile collections, and promotional materials.
I believe in balancing strategy and creativity, ensuring every project is solid, recognizable, and functional. I am a freelance professional, open to new collaborations or structured corporate roles in dynamic, design-oriented environments.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Advanced
French
Intermediate
Italian
Fluent
Work Experience
Freelance Graphic and Product Designer / Licensing Specialist / Editorial Consultant at Self-employed
January 1, 2016 - June 16, 2024Freelance designer specialized in graphic illustrating, product design developed from graphic to product development, publishing, style guides, trend research in fashion, toys, soft lines, home decor & accessories, stationery, and kitchenware. Worked for major international brands and contributed to the creation of promotional products including comics and books. Acted as a Mattel global designer consultant for 5 years.
Editorial Comics Consultant at Mattel
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2016Consulted on editorial comics projects related to Mattel’s franchises such as Monster High, Barbie, and others. Managed style guides, communicated between artists and print, and coordinated project execution.
Art Director at C-Communication Srl
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2007Directed graphic and product design activities, managing projects for clients, ensuring quality and brand consistency across mediums.
Graphic Designer at New Advertaim Snc
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 2001Graphic design duties including advertising, product development, and visual branding support.
Illustrator Designer at Rizzoli, Mondadori, Condè Nast
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1992Illustrated promotional materials, publication graphics and related products.
Freelance Graphic and Product Designer / Licensing Specialist / Editorial Consultant
January 1, 2016 - June 9, 2024Working as a freelance designer, specializing in kids’ products, graphic design, and licensing. Providing editorial consultancy, style guides, product management, and trend research to various clients, including Mattel. Managing projects related to publishing, fashion, toys, and home décor accessories.
Editorial Comics Consultant at Mattel
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2016Consulted for Mattel on editorial comics projects and publishing products. Managed style and product design to maintain brand standards and innovation in comics adventures and merchandising.
Art Director at C-Communication Srl
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2007Oversaw art direction and graphic design projects, leading creative development and execution for advertising and product design.
Graphic Designer at New Advertaim Snc
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 2001Graphic design for various advertising projects, contributing to creative visual solutions and product branding.
Illustrator Designer at Rizzoli, Mondadori, Condè Nast
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1992Produced illustrations for print media and editorial projects, supporting content creation and publication designs.
Illustrator on wood at Prem Snc
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991Engaged in illustration work on wood materials for specialized projects.
Freelance Graphic and product Designer / Licensing Specialist / Editorial Consultant at Self-employed
January 1, 2011 - June 20, 2024Freelance work involving graphic design, product development, and licensing for kids' world, comics, books, magazines, and premium products. Specialized in project management, style guides, and trend research.
Editorial Comics Consultant at Mattel
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2016Providing editorial consultancy for comics and book publishing projects. Managed art direction and product development for major licenses such as Monster High, Barbie, and Ever After High.
Art Director at C-Communication Srl
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2007Lead art direction, project design, and coordination of graphic projects for various clients. Managed a team and ensured design quality and delivery.
Graphic Designer at New Advertaim Snc
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 2001Graphic design work for advertising agencies including character product design and promotional artwork.
Illustrator Designer at Rizzoli, Mondadori, Condè Nast
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1992Created illustrations for books and magazines, working with major publishing houses.
Illustrator on Wood at Prem Snc
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991Illustration projects using wood as a medium for various applications.
Freelance Graphic and Product Designer / Licensing Specialist / Editorial Consultant at Self-employed
January 1, 2011 - June 12, 2024Providing freelance design services specialized in publishing, licensing, graphic and product design, style guides, editorial consultancy and product development with a focus on children's products and international brands.
Editorial Comics Consultant at Mattel
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2016Consulted for editorial comics, style guides, and project design for Mattel's global brand projects.
Art Director at C-Communication Srl
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2007Directed artistic projects and graphic design activities for various clients.
Graphic Designer at New Advertaim Snc
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 2001Designed graphics for advertising campaigns and print media projects.
Illustrator Designer at Rizzoli, Mondadori, Condé Nast
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1992Provided illustrations and graphic design artwork for major publishing houses.
Illustrator on wood at Prem Snc
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991Created illustrative works on wood materials for artistic projects.
Freelance Graphic and Product Designer / Licensing Specialist / Editorial Consultant
January 1, 2011 - June 5, 2024Freelance designer specializing in graphic illustrating and product design aimed at kids, home decor, fashion, publishing, and advertising projects. Experienced in managing editorial comics adventures, style guides, trend research, and global approvals for major brands.
Editorial Comics Consultant at Mattel
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2016Provided editorial consultancy services focused on comics and book publishing for Mattel. Followed and created a wide range of publishing products including comics and books.
Art Director at C-Communication Srl
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2007Oversaw graphic design projects and creative direction for advertising and product design clients.
Graphic Designer at New Advertaim Snc
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 2001Designed graphics for advertising and product development projects.
Illustrator Designer for Rizzoli, Mondadori, Condè Nast at Rizzoli, Mondadori, Condè Nast
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1992Worked as an illustrator on various editorial projects for major publishing houses.
Illustrator on wood at Prem Snc
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991Created illustrations on wooden surfaces for design projects.
Freelance Graphic and product Designer / Licensing Specialist / Editorial Consultant at Self-employed
January 1, 2011 - June 19, 2024Freelance designer specializing in graphic illustrating, product development, publishing design including style guides and global approvals. Worked on various major international brands focusing on kids' products, home décor, fashion, stationery, and accessories.
Editorial Comics Consultant at Mattel
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2016Followed and created publishing products such as comics and books, consulting on editorial and design aspects for Mattel's Licensing Project.
Art Director at C-Communication Srl
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2007Directed art and creative projects for the company.
Graphic Designer at New Advertaim Snc
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 2001Designed graphics for various projects and campaigns.
Illustrator Designer at Rizzoli, Mondadori, Condè Nast
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1992Created illustrations for different publications.
Illustrator on wood at Prem Snc
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991Produced illustrations on wood.
Owner at EMC DESIGNER
January 1, 2007 - PresentFounder and owner of EMC DESIGNER, a multidisciplinary studio. I lead the full creative development process—from concept strategy to production—for branding, editorial, packaging, textile collections, and promotional materials, collaborating with major international brands and managing teams and suppliers.
Illustrator at Prem Snc
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991Illustrator working on various projects.
Education
Diploma at Scuola del Fumetto (Comic School of Milan)
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1991Diploma at Scuola del Fumetto (Comic School of Milan)
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1991Diploma in Illustrazione e Progettazione Grafica at Scuola del Fumetto (Comic School of Milan)
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1991Diploma di Liceo Linguistico at I.T.C. C. E. Gadda
January 1, 1985 - December 31, 1988Diploma at Scuola del Fumetto (Comic School of Milan)
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1991Diploma at Scuola del Fumetto (Comic School of Milan)
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1991Diploma at Scuola del Fumetto (Comic School of Milan)
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1991Master at IDI Italian Design Institute
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Liceo Linguistico at I.T.C. C. E. Gadda
January 1, 1985 - December 31, 1988Artificial Intelligence Course at NABA Nuova Accademia Belle Arti, Milan, Italy
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2026Master in Visual Merchandising at Studio Vetrinistico Comeri, Turin, Italy
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024Master in Toys Design at IDI Italian Design Institute, Milan, Italy
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018Diploma di Illustrazione e Progettazione Grafica at Scuola del Fumetto, Milan, Italy
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1991Linguistic High School at I.T.C. C.E. Gadda, Paderno Dugnano (Milan), Italy
January 1, 1985 - January 1, 1988Qualifications
Master in Toys Design
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Master in Toys Design
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Master in Toys Design
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Master in Toys Design
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Master in Toys Design
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Industry Experience
Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Education, Manufacturing
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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