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I am an Art Director with nearly twenty years of experience. My background spans branding, graphic design and interior design but drawing is my true language. I love creating illustrations that feel alive: whether it’s a raw sketch, a bold character, or a detailed editorial piece, I focus on building strong visual identities that stand out and connect. I do love bringing ideas to life through compelling, story-driven illustration. I believe in honest collaboration and open dialogue: with clients, within the team, and whether I’m leading or supporting.…I am an Art Director with nearly twenty years of experience. My background spans branding, graphic design and interior design but drawing is my true language. I love creating illustrations that feel alive: whether it’s a raw sketch, a bold character, or a detailed editorial piece, I focus on building strong visual identities that stand out and connect. I do love bringing ideas to life through compelling, story-driven illustration. I believe in honest collaboration and open dialogue: with clients, within the team, and whether I’m leading or supporting.

Dario Merlo

PRO

Art Director, Illustrator, Brand Designer

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I am an Art Director with nearly twenty years of experience. My background spans branding, graphic design and interior design but drawing is my true language. I love creating illustrations that feel alive: whether it’s a raw sketch, a bold character, or a detailed editorial piece, I focus on building strong visual identities that stand out and connect. I do love bringing ideas to life through compelling, story-driven illustration. I believe in honest collaboration and open dialogue: with clients, within the team, and whether I’m leading or supporting.…I am an Art Director with nearly twenty years of experience. My background spans branding, graphic design and interior design but drawing is my true language. I love creating illustrations that feel alive: whether it’s a raw sketch, a bold character, or a detailed editorial piece, I focus on building strong visual identities that stand out and connect. I do love bringing ideas to life through compelling, story-driven illustration. I believe in honest collaboration and open dialogue: with clients, within the team, and whether I’m leading or supporting.

Available to hire

Sydney, Australia

I am an Art Director with nearly twenty years of experience. My background spans branding, graphic design and interior design but drawing is my true language. I love creating illustrations that feel alive: whether it’s a raw sketch, a bold character, or a detailed editorial piece, I focus on building strong visual identities that stand out and connect. I do love bringing ideas to life through compelling, story-driven illustration.

I believe in honest collaboration and open dialogue: with clients, within the team, and whether I’m leading or supporting.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

Italian

Fluent

English

Advanced

Spanish; Castilian

Beginner

Work Experience

Senior Art Director at KF ADV Vicenza, Italy

January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025

Led creative direction for various projects, applying a comprehensive understanding of branding and design to deliver visually coherent solutions.

Freelance Art Director at Italy

January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2022

Provided art direction, brand and web design, illustration, and graphic design services for companies and communication agencies. Managed complex projects while liaising directly with clients and creatives.

Freelance Art Director at Sydney Australia

January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023

Worked as Art Director, Brand and Web Designer, Illustrator, and Graphic Designer for communication agencies including Brandergy and TheDesignThinkers.

Freelance In Video Production at Italy

January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2019

Collaborated with video production houses covering roles from technical support to direction and editing, expanding knowledge of the creative and operational production processes.

Graphic Designer / Interior Designer at B&B srl Treviso, Italy

January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2009

Executed graphic design and interior decoration projects, contributing practical design expertise to various client needs.

Junior Graphic Designer at Enrico Benetta / K.None Studio Treviso, Italy

January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2006

Supported senior designers with graphic tasks and production duties, developing foundational skills in design and client interaction.