I am a versatile, award-winning professional with a background in advertising concepts, graphic production, animation, 3D modeling, and creative writing. Fluent in English and Spanish, I’ve collaborated with major brands like VISA, Microsoft, Toyota, and Round Table Pizza to craft campaigns that resonate and endure. I thrive at the intersection of art and strategy, translating complex ideas into clear messages that move people to act. I am passionate about storytelling, mentorship, and pushing creative boundaries. I believe in collaboration, continuous learning, and delivering on time with meticulous attention to detail. If you’re looking for someone who can lead, write, design, and animate with a clear, persuasive point—let’s talk.

Melton Cartes

I am a versatile, award-winning professional with a background in advertising concepts, graphic production, animation, 3D modeling, and creative writing. Fluent in English and Spanish, I’ve collaborated with major brands like VISA, Microsoft, Toyota, and Round Table Pizza to craft campaigns that resonate and endure. I thrive at the intersection of art and strategy, translating complex ideas into clear messages that move people to act. I am passionate about storytelling, mentorship, and pushing creative boundaries. I believe in collaboration, continuous learning, and delivering on time with meticulous attention to detail. If you’re looking for someone who can lead, write, design, and animate with a clear, persuasive point—let’s talk.

Available to hire

I am a versatile, award-winning professional with a background in advertising concepts, graphic production, animation, 3D modeling, and creative writing. Fluent in English and Spanish, I’ve collaborated with major brands like VISA, Microsoft, Toyota, and Round Table Pizza to craft campaigns that resonate and endure. I thrive at the intersection of art and strategy, translating complex ideas into clear messages that move people to act.

I am passionate about storytelling, mentorship, and pushing creative boundaries. I believe in collaboration, continuous learning, and delivering on time with meticulous attention to detail. If you’re looking for someone who can lead, write, design, and animate with a clear, persuasive point—let’s talk.

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Brand Marketing Consultant at Nisi's Craft Bakery
January 1, 2024 - Present
Developed a B2B marketing plan to persuade restaurant chefs to adopt frozen artisanal breads; redesigned the company website in WordPress for fast loading with hundreds of product images; wrote, co-directed, and co-produced explainer videos; created marketing materials (sales/spec sheets) using Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Docs; implemented systems for stakeholders to update marketing collateral on the fly.
Lead Animator, Producer, Game Producer at AlbinoPigGorilla Studio
January 1, 2018 - Present
Developing three intellectual properties (Oxygen Wars, The Grocery Boy, Santa Barbara) including screenwriting, lead 2D/3D animation, motion graphics, kinetic typography, video editing, producing, and directing; overseeing dynamic animations for cinematic sequences and gameplay; leading and mentoring the animation team; defining pipelines and production methods; collaborating with art, design, and technical teams.
Graphic Production Artist at Techstyles Sportswear
March 1, 2020 - September 25, 2025
Production in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for silk-screening; created a timesheet management system; overhauled the print production process with a modular, editable catalog element library; created and edited designs to meet project requirements; performed quality checks to ensure standards.
Lead Animator, Technical Director at Pyramid Scheme Productions Inc.
March 1, 2018 - September 25, 2025
Animated complex 2D and 3D perspective sequences for the upcoming feature The Jinx of Hecate; mentored up to 5 junior animators; integrated 3D vehicle models into 2D assets using Autodesk Maya (later updated to Blender).
Photoshop Retoucher at Aechelon Technology
August 1, 2017 - September 25, 2025
Retouched and color-calibrated satellite imagery; managed 3D assets for Combat Mission Simulators used by Airbus, Lockheed Martin, US Navy, and RAF; developed procedures that reduced retouching time from 2–3 days to 45 minutes.
Freelance Art Director, Creative Director, Design Manager, Animator, Copywriter at AnAdGuy.com
August 1, 2015 - September 25, 2025
Designed, developed, wrote, and produced advertising art direction and graphic design; corporate identity/logo design; strategy and marketing plans; ad copywriting; web development; motion graphics and animation; TV campaigns for Round Table Pizza, Northern California Toyota Dealers, San Francisco Child Abuse Council, American Red Cross CPR Saturday; direct mail campaigns for Microsoft, VISA, AOL, Netscape.
Director of Development at American-Batticaloa Development Fund
January 1, 2014 - September 25, 2025
Developed fundraising campaigns and collateral; web development of ABDF.org; supported on-the-ground team members in Sri Lanka with marketing materials and supplies.
Creative Director at Heliographica Press
March 1, 2006 - September 25, 2025
Co-founded a subsidy publishing company; designed and produced book covers and interior layouts; trained authors in marketing, self-promotion, and marketing skills; established brand guidelines and awareness for authors; published 70 ISBNs for ~40 clients; managed freelance book designers and copyeditors.
Creative Director at Seismicom
December 1, 2004 - September 25, 2025
Creative direction, ideation, and design for promotional campaigns across print, online, and broadcast; brand/logo identity development; brand guidelines; market research and competitive analysis; development of digital campaigns including SEO, SEM, social media, and email marketing; content marketing initiatives.
Graphic Production Artist at Techstyles Sportswear
November 1, 2019 - March 1, 2020
Production in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for silk-screening; developed timesheet management in Google Sheets; overhauled quarterly catalog production with a modular element library; created, modified, and resized designs to meet project specs; performed quality checks to ensure standards.
Lead Animator, Technical Director at Pyramid Scheme Productions Inc.
September 1, 2011 - March 1, 2018
Animated complex 2D and 3D perspective sequences for the upcoming feature film The Jinx of Hecate; managed and mentored up to 5 junior animators; integrated 3D vehicle models into 2D assets using Maya (updated to Blender).
Photoshop Retoucher at Aechelon Technology
September 1, 2015 - August 1, 2017
Retouched and color-calibrated satellite imagery; managed 3D assets for Combat Mission Simulators used by Airbus, Lockheed Martin, US Navy, and RAF; developed a procedure to isolate image elements, reducing retouching time from 2–3 days to 45 minutes.
Freelance Art Director, Creative Director, Design Manager, Animator, Copywriter at AnAdGuy.com
April 1, 2006 - August 1, 2015
Designed, developed, wrote, and produced advertising art direction and graphic design; corporate identity/logo design, strategy and marketing plans; web development, motion graphics, and animation; TV campaigns for Round Table Pizza, Toyota, San Francisco Child Abuse Council, American Red Cross CPR Saturday; direct mail/response campaigns for Microsoft, VISA, AOL, and Netscape.
Director of Development at American-Batticaloa Development Fund
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2014
Developed fundraising campaigns and collateral materials; web development of ABDF.org; supported on-the-ground team members in Sri Lanka with marketing materials and supplies.
Creative Director at Heliographica Press
January 1, 2004 - March 1, 2006
Co-founded a subsidy publishing company; designed and produced book covers and interior layouts; trained authors in marketing initiatives and self-promotion; established brand guidelines and awareness; published 70 ISBNs for about 40 clients across multiple genres; managed freelance designers and editors.
Creative Director at Seismicom
February 1, 2000 - December 1, 2004
Creative direction, ideation, and design for promotional ad/marketing campaigns across print, online, and broadcast; brand/logo identity development; brand guidelines; market research and competitive analysis; managed digital promotional campaigns (SEO, SEM, social media, email) and content marketing (website, blogs, social posts).

Education

Bachelor of Science at The Art Institute of California - San Francisco
September 18, 2015
Bachelor’s of Science Degree at The Art Institute of California - SF
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2015
Non-degree program 6-week Film Intensive at New York University, School of Continuing Education
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1994
The Academy of Art College at The Academy of Art College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1982
Landmark Education Program at Landmark Education Corporation
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1995
Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Animation, Graphic Design, Game Design at The Art Institute of California - SF
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2015
6-week Film Intensive at New York University, School of Continuing Education
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1994
Education at The Academy of Art College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1982
Team building, self-improvement, and transformational technologies at Landmark Education Corporation
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1995
Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Animation, Graphic Design, and Game Design at The Art Institute of California - San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2015
6-week Film Intensive at New York University, School of Continuing Education
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1994
Non-degree program at The Academy of Art College, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1982
Team building, self-improvement, and transformational technologies at Landmark Education Corporation
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1995

Qualifications

Advertising concept development (concepting/ideation)
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Graphic Design (2D problem-solving for print or screen)
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Team-building (leadership, collaboration, time management)
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Advertising copywriting, creative writing, story structure, copyediting
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Motion picture production (traditional film, digital video, animation/motion graphics, 3D modeling, rigging, compositing)
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Advertising concept development (concepting/ideation)
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026
Graphic Design (2D problem solving)
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026
Team building & Leadership
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026
Advertising copywriting & creative writing
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026
Motion picture production (2D/3D, animation, rigging, compositing)
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026

Industry Experience

Computers & Electronics, Consumer Goods, Education, Financial Services, Gaming, Government, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction, Retail, Software & Internet, Telecommunications, Travel & Hospitality, Wholesale & Distribution, Professional Services
    uniE608 Hard-surface modeling sample
    I borrowed one of the swanky Monos suitcase designs and modeled it in Blender. This is a quick camera animation/commercial mock-up. The value-add is showcasing the various colors dynamically while the camera flies around the product and it stands still. video explainervideo advert animator filmdirector videoeditor
    uniE608 Torres Wine Instagram Ads
    Animated brand advertising for social media. animator branding video videoeditor artdirection advertising
    uniE608 Halloween Animation Challenge - Zombie Arm
    This is an After Effects animation of a severed zombie arm. video animator illustrator artdirector graphicdesigner flatart characteranimation
    uniE608 After Effects Motion Graphics and Character Animation Reel
    This is a compilation of motion graphics, character animation, explainer video elements, and animated logos all done in Adobe After Effects. video branding explainervideo animator videoeditor aftereffects characteranimation animatedlogo motiongraphics
    uniE608 Barra Financial Software Instagram Ads
    Animated brand advertising for social media. animator branding video videoeditor artdirection advertising
    uniE608 Mechanics Bank Instagram Ads
    Animated brand advertising for social media. animator branding video videoeditor artdirection advertising
    uniE621 Torres Wine, Sangre de Toro Print and Online Campaign
    Magazine Ad, Torres Wine, Sangre de Toro. image artdirection creativedirection wineadvertising
    uniE621 Bon Ami Print and Online ad campaign
    This is a new spec ad campaign I just developed for Bon Ami powdered cleanser. image advertising artdirection copywriting rebranding adcampaign oldbrand adobephotoshop
    uniE621 Gaslight, Cover Design
    Cover design for Lambda Literary's Gaslight 2014 publication. image editorialdesign graphicdesign publishingdesign bookdesign lambdaliterary
    uniE621 Cover Design, Niagara Transnational by Sarah Heady
    Cover design for Sarah Heady's Niagara Transnational (Fourteen Hills, 2013), winner of the 2013 Michael Rubin Book Award in poetry. image editorialdesign graphicdesign printdesign publishingdesign bookdesign
    uniE621 Heliographica Press Logo
    Logo design for a subsidy press. image branding graphicdesign corporateidentity logodesign adobeillustrator