Available to hire
I am Essa Saoud, a Creative Director and Visual Producer with 10+ years of experience in video production, talent management, visual communication, and content strategy. I hold a Golden Visa in the UAE, and I specialize in directing films and ads, guiding content creators and artists, and helping brands develop strong visual branding strategies for social media.
I am currently leading creative teams across the Middle East, collaborating with educational institutions and media organizations to deliver engaging media projects that align with brand visions and audience needs.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
Arabic
Fluent
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Talent Manager at Visioneers (New Media Academy)
April 1, 2024 - PresentManaged and mentored a diverse group of content creators, guiding them through all stages of content production. Key achievements include graduating 300+ creators through academy programs; contributed to 200+ videos/month across platforms; developed platform-specific strategies, scripts, and creative concepts; oversaw filming, editing, creative direction, and publishing plans; implemented growth and engagement strategies to build strong communities.
Art Director at Al-Qabban i – Damascus
June 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023Led a team in creating high-quality visual content and campaigns. Directed and coached staff, overseeing concepts, layouts, and styles. Researched trends to ensure innovative and engaging content. Planned and executed creative advertising campaigns aligned with company vision.
Creator Video Motion and Editing at Al-Malaky Royal
June 1, 2022 - December 1, 2023Created promotional videos, motion graphics videos for the company’s website; edited promotional videos for the company’s products.
Founder & CEO and Trainer - Part time at Workshop with Essa
June 1, 2022 - December 1, 2023Designed curricula and training plans for workshops; delivered lessons in video production, animation, and graphic design (After Effects, Premiere); supervised and documented workshops/events (photography, video editing, design); managed social media platforms and produced promotional content.
Teacher and University Lecturer at Damascus University, Faculty of Fine Arts (Visual Communication)
September 1, 2021 - August 1, 2023Taught foundations of motion graphics, design, and multimedia; developed curriculum and structured teaching plans; trained students on Adobe After Effects, Premiere, Illustrator and Photoshop to produce diverse video projects; delivered lectures on academic principles of motion design and kept students updated on industry trends.
Freelance Video Grapher & Photographer at Freelance
September 1, 2017 - November 1, 2022Shot and edited videos for multiple platforms; designed animation, social media content, and visuals for websites; designed billboards and TV advertising campaigns.
Senior Motion Graphic Designer at Ella Media Company
January 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021Designed animated and static ads for roadside displays and billboards across Syria; created large-scale animated poster video content for outdoor advertising campaigns; designed and organized advertising campaigns for various products and companies across Syria.
UI Designer & Branding Designer at UAE Auto Company
June 1, 2021 - November 1, 2021Designed complete company branding and app visuals; created overall app theme, initial sketches, and interface designs.
Video Designer & Editor at Syrian Private University (SPU)
March 1, 2020 - October 1, 2020Shot and edited videos for multiple platforms including television, social media, and university platforms; designed animation, social media content, and visuals for websites; designed billboards and TV advertising campaigns.
Art Director at Al-Qabbani
June 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023Led a team in creating high-quality visual content and campaigns; directed and coached staff, overseeing concepts, layouts, and styles; researched trends to ensure innovative and engaging content; planned and executed creative advertising campaigns aligned with company vision.
Video Motion & Editing - Freelance
June 1, 2022 - December 1, 2023Created visual concepts, managed locations, lighting and set design; directed editorial and motion graphics to produce promotional videos and event documentaries; conducted studio photo shoots and ensured cohesive visual identity across projects.
Founder & CEO and Trainer - Part Time
June 1, 2022 - December 1, 2023Designed curricula for workshops and training programs; delivered lessons in video production, animation, and graphic design (After Effects, Premiere, etc.); supervised and documented workshop events (photography, video editing, design); managed social media platforms and created promotional content.
Teacher & University Lecturer - Faculty of Fine Arts, Visual Communication (Graphic Design & Multimedia) at Damascus University
September 1, 2021 - August 1, 2023Taught foundations of motion graphics, design, and multimedia; developed curricula and structured teaching plans; trained students on Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and Photoshop to produce diverse video projects; delivered lectures on academic principles of motion design and kept students updated on industry trends.
Freelance Videographer & Photographer at Self-Employed (Damascus, Syria)
September 1, 2017 - November 1, 2022Shot and edited videos for multiple platforms (including TV, social media, university platforms); designed animations, social media content, and visuals for websites; produced posters and billboards; coordinated branding for campaigns.
UI Designer & Branding Designer - Freelance
June 1, 2021 - November 1, 2021Created full brand identities and app design visuals; developed UI layouts and interfaces.
Graphic Designer - Full Time at Distinction and Creativity Agency
July 1, 2017 - September 1, 2020Designed brand identities, campaigns, and visuals for agency programs and events; produced videos, animations, and social media content; photographed events and documented conferences.
Creator Video Motion and Editing - Freelance at Al-Malak y Royal
June 1, 2022 - December 1, 2023Designed video concepts, managed locations, oversight of set design, lighting, and décor; conducted studio photography and photo sessions; ensured cohesive visual identity across projects.
Founder & CEO and Trainer - Part-time at Essa (Workshop Initiative)
June 1, 2022 - December 1, 2023Designed curricula for workshops; delivered lessons in video production, animation, and graphic design (After Effects, Premiere); supervised and documented workshops/events (photography, video editing, design); managed social media platforms and created promotional content.
Teacher and University Lecturer at Damascus University
September 1, 2021 - August 1, 2023Taught foundations of motion graphics, design, and multimedia; developed curricula; trained students on After Effects, Premiere Pro, Illustrator and Photoshop; delivered lectures on academic principles of motion design and kept students up-to-date with industry trends.
Freelance Video Grapher and Photographer at Ella Media Company
September 1, 2017 - November 1, 2022Designed animated and static ads for roadside displays and billboards; created large-scale animated poster video content for outdoor campaigns; designed and organized advertising campaigns for various products and companies across Syria.
UI Designer & Branding Designer - Freelance at UAE Auto Company – Dubai, UAE
June 1, 2021 - November 1, 2021Designed complete company branding and app identity; created overall app theme, initial sketches, and interface designs.
Video Grapher & Editor - Part Time at Syrian Private University (SPU)
March 1, 2020 - October 1, 2020Shot and edited videos for multiple platforms including television, social media, and university platforms; designed animation and visuals for websites and social channels; created billboards and TV advertising campaigns.
Graphic Designer at Distinction and Creativity Agency
July 1, 2017 - September 1, 2020Designed branding, campaigns, and visuals for agency programs and events (including Science Olympiad); produced videos, animations, and social media content; photographed and documented events and conferences; developed marketing plans for advertising campaigns.
Education
Master's Degree in Interactive Video in Advertising Design at Damascus University
January 1, 2020 - August 1, 2023Bachelor's Degree Visual Communication - Graphic Design and Multimedia at Damascus University
October 1, 2014 - September 1, 2018Master's Degree in Interactive Video in Advertising Design at Damascus University
January 1, 2020 - August 1, 2023Bachelor's Degree Visual Communication - Graphic Design and Multimedia at Damascus University
October 1, 2014 - September 1, 2018Master’s Degree in Interactive Video in Advertising Design at Damascus University
January 1, 2020 - August 1, 2023Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication - Graphic Design and Multimedia at Damascus University
October 1, 2014 - September 1, 2018Qualifications
Master's Degree in Interactive Video in Advertising Design
January 1, 2020 - August 1, 2023Bachelor's Degree Visual Communication - Graphic Design and Multimedia
October 1, 2014 - September 1, 2018Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other, Computers & Electronics, Software & Internet
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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