Hello! I'm Elena Ottavi, a passionate creative professional specializing in animation, art direction, and illustration. Currently, I am the founder and creative director of STTVDIO.CH in Mendrisio, Switzerland. With a background in graphic design and animation, I enjoy bringing stories and ideas to life through visual creativity and dynamic animation. Throughout my career, I have balanced freelance projects with teaching and leadership roles. I am deeply committed to evolving my skills and sharing knowledge, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in animation from HSLU in Lucerne. My work spans Switzerland, Italy, and beyond, reflecting a rich blend of cultural influence and creative expertise.

Elena Ottavi

Hello! I'm Elena Ottavi, a passionate creative professional specializing in animation, art direction, and illustration. Currently, I am the founder and creative director of STTVDIO.CH in Mendrisio, Switzerland. With a background in graphic design and animation, I enjoy bringing stories and ideas to life through visual creativity and dynamic animation. Throughout my career, I have balanced freelance projects with teaching and leadership roles. I am deeply committed to evolving my skills and sharing knowledge, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in animation from HSLU in Lucerne. My work spans Switzerland, Italy, and beyond, reflecting a rich blend of cultural influence and creative expertise.

Available to hire

Hello! I’m Elena Ottavi, a passionate creative professional specializing in animation, art direction, and illustration. Currently, I am the founder and creative director of STTVDIO.CH in Mendrisio, Switzerland. With a background in graphic design and animation, I enjoy bringing stories and ideas to life through visual creativity and dynamic animation.

Throughout my career, I have balanced freelance projects with teaching and leadership roles. I am deeply committed to evolving my skills and sharing knowledge, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in animation from HSLU in Lucerne. My work spans Switzerland, Italy, and beyond, reflecting a rich blend of cultural influence and creative expertise.

See more

Language

Italian
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Art Director and Illustrator Freelance
December 31, 2022 - August 19, 2025
Provided art direction and illustration services on a freelance basis, working with clients in Switzerland and Italy. Delivered creative visual content and maintained relevance in both markets from 2020 to 2022.
Art Teacher at Scuole Medie Mendrisio
March 31, 2022 - August 19, 2025
Taught art at middle schools in Mendrisio, fostering creativity and artistic skills among students during early 2022.
Founder and Creative Director at STTVDIO.CH
January 1, 2022 - Present
Leading a creative studio in Mendrisio, responsible for overseeing artistic direction, project management, and creative strategy. Driving the company’s vision with innovative design and animation solutions since 2022.
Art Director, Graphic / Motion Designer at C41 srl Milano
December 31, 2020 - August 19, 2025
Managed art direction and contributed to graphic and motion design projects in Milan, Italy, sharpening skills in visual communication and animation during 2019-2020.
Graphic Designer at Digital Print Service Berlin
June 30, 2016 - August 19, 2025
Executed graphic design tasks in a print service company based in Berlin, Germany, gaining valuable experience in digital and print media in the first half of 2016.

Education

Master of Arts in Animation at HSLU Lucerna
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design & Art Direction at NABA Milano
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
Liceo artistico at CSIA Lugano
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015

Qualifications

Animateka Selection
January 1, 2024 - August 19, 2025
Animatex Nominee
January 1, 2024 - August 19, 2025
HSLU Werkschau Master Animation Ambassador
January 1, 2024 - August 19, 2025
Animatou Animation Film Festival Selection
January 1, 2024 - August 19, 2025
NABA Communication Awards Second Place
January 1, 2021 - August 19, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Other