¡Hola gente! My name is Erick Ortega but some people know me as CaliDoso. With over 16 years of experience as a freelance illustrator and 4 years as Creative Director at Nítido Estudio, I bring a solid track record in branding, illustration, lettering, and merchandising design for fashion and commercial projects. My design approach is expressive and visceral, deeply influenced by underground music, contemporary art, and skateboarding culture. I combine this artistic vision with functionality to develop impactful visual solutions and unique narratives. As a "multi-instrumentalist designer," my work spans from commercial commissions to street art exhibitions, achieving an international projection with publications and showcases in countries like Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, the United States, Spain, France, the UK, Australia, and South Africa, among others. I am committed to creating and collaborating in visual projects that transcend platforms, merging conceptual creativity with high-level execution.

Erick Ortega

¡Hola gente! My name is Erick Ortega but some people know me as CaliDoso. With over 16 years of experience as a freelance illustrator and 4 years as Creative Director at Nítido Estudio, I bring a solid track record in branding, illustration, lettering, and merchandising design for fashion and commercial projects. My design approach is expressive and visceral, deeply influenced by underground music, contemporary art, and skateboarding culture. I combine this artistic vision with functionality to develop impactful visual solutions and unique narratives. As a "multi-instrumentalist designer," my work spans from commercial commissions to street art exhibitions, achieving an international projection with publications and showcases in countries like Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, the United States, Spain, France, the UK, Australia, and South Africa, among others. I am committed to creating and collaborating in visual projects that transcend platforms, merging conceptual creativity with high-level execution.

Available to hire

¡Hola gente! My name is Erick Ortega but some people know me as CaliDoso. With over 16 years of experience as a freelance illustrator and 4 years as Creative Director at Nítido Estudio, I bring a solid track record in branding, illustration, lettering, and merchandising design for fashion and commercial projects. My design approach is expressive and visceral, deeply influenced by underground music, contemporary art, and skateboarding culture. I combine this artistic vision with functionality to develop impactful visual solutions and unique narratives.

As a “multi-instrumentalist designer,” my work spans from commercial commissions to street art exhibitions, achieving an international projection with publications and showcases in countries like Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, the United States, Spain, France, the UK, Australia, and South Africa, among others. I am committed to creating and collaborating in visual projects that transcend platforms, merging conceptual creativity with high-level execution.

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Language

Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Co-Founder / Creative Director at NÍTIDO ESTUDIO
January 1, 2021 - Present
Co-founded and lead the creative direction, brand strategy, illustration, lettering, and merchandising design for fashion and commercial projects.
Art Director at ARTET
June 1, 2020 - Present
Lead art direction for campaigns and visuals; oversee design and illustration workflows; collaborate with clients.
Freelance Designer at PRISM WORKS GROUP
February 1, 2025 - May 1, 2025
Freelance design work for various clients including branding, illustration, and product visuals.
Freelance Designer at TRIPTK NEW YORK
February 1, 2020 - June 1, 2020
Freelance design work delivering branding and design solutions for clients.
Graphic Designer at SUNDAY MORNING NY
October 1, 2019 - February 1, 2020
Graphic design work for branding, marketing materials, and digital assets.
Senior Graphic Designer at LUGAR A DUDAS
May 1, 2017 - December 1, 2019
Led graphic design for brand identities, illustration, and layout.
Illustration / Lettering / Branding at FREELANCE
January 1, 2013 - Present
Freelance illustration, lettering, and branding for various clients; independent projects and collaborations.

Education

Graphic Design at Instituto Departamental de Bellas Artes, Cali, Colombia
January 1, 2009 - September 1, 2014
Diploma in Advertising & Marketing at Academía de Dibujo Profesional FADP Cali, Colombia
July 1, 2005 - August 1, 2008

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail