I am a critical-thinking illustrator with global experience in creative direction, storytelling, brand strategy, and audiovisual production. I excel at leading teams and delivering impactful solutions for startups, fintechs, and nonprofits across Spain, the U.S., and Mexico. I'm passionate about turning complex ideas into visually compelling narratives and practical design systems that resonate with diverse audiences.

Gabriela Esquinca Ozorno

I am a critical-thinking illustrator with global experience in creative direction, storytelling, brand strategy, and audiovisual production. I excel at leading teams and delivering impactful solutions for startups, fintechs, and nonprofits across Spain, the U.S., and Mexico. I'm passionate about turning complex ideas into visually compelling narratives and practical design systems that resonate with diverse audiences.

Available to hire

I am a critical-thinking illustrator with global experience in creative direction, storytelling, brand strategy, and audiovisual production.
I excel at leading teams and delivering impactful solutions for startups, fintechs, and nonprofits across Spain, the U.S., and Mexico. I’m passionate about turning complex ideas into visually compelling narratives and practical design systems that resonate with diverse audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent

Work Experience

Designer and Producer of Audiovisual Communication Strategies at Inguz / Invercratos
January 1, 2019 - Present
Designed and produced audiovisual communication strategies focused on sustainability, applied to digital marketing campaigns for the FinTech sector. Developed visual content including illustration, design, and animation to promote responsible use of financial technology and support inclusive digital education.
Academic Lecturer at Universidad Internacional de La Rioja
January 1, 2018 - Present
Lecturer in the Master's in Communication and Corporate Identity and the Bachelor's in Communication. Taught design-focused courses related to design, art, and audiovisual production. Promoted visual thinking as a tool to build responsible identities, socially impactful messages, and environmentally sensitive visual narratives.
Co-founder and Designer at Edularity
December 30, 2019 - September 2, 2025
Co-founded and designed the digital publication 'Desescolarizados: Aprendizaje de vuelta al mundo', focused on alternative education.
Illustrator and Designer at ilustra.mx
January 1, 2009 - Present
Developed applied illustration, motion graphics, branding, character design, and graphic recording. Directed and executed mural projects focusing on social transformation, environmental education, sustainability, and ecological regeneration.
Apprentice in Lithography and Printmaking at Intaglio Taller - Centro Cultural Estación Indianilla
December 31, 2020 - September 3, 2025
Apprenticed in lithography and printmaking. Voluntary collaborator providing technical support in the graphic production of artworks by renowned artists such as Leonora Carrington and Vicente Rojo.
Graphic Designer and Audiovisual Producer for Research Projects at Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo A.C. (CIDAC) / México Evalúa / USAID
December 31, 2019 - September 3, 2025
Provided graphic design and audiovisual production services for research projects focused on rule of law, public policy, justice, and sustainability. Created visual identities and translated complex data into accessible, aesthetic narratives. Led ecological conservation and public policy campaigns integrating artistic vision and strategic environmental communication.
Graphic and Audiovisual Producer at Colorglass Animation Lab
December 31, 2017 - September 3, 2025
Produced educational videos for Rise Emotions: Global Network for Emotional Health.
Museography, Signage, and Iconography Developer at Sietecolores ideas interactivas
December 31, 2013 - September 3, 2025
Conceptualized and developed museography, signage, and iconography for Papalote Verde Children’s Museum in Monterrey, integrating responsible design with educational and community objectives and meeting LEED certification standards.
Creation, Production, and Development Designer at Grupo Chespirito / Fundación Chespirito / Televisa
December 31, 2012 - September 3, 2025
Created and developed branded art lines for the 'El Chavo' cartoon and worked as design collaborator for Fundación Chespirito.
Illustrator at Instituto Thomas Jeferson
December 30, 2012 - September 2, 2025
Illustrated English language textbooks titled 'Learning English Naturally'.
Head of Strategy & Creative / Visual Identity Lead at Inguz
October 1, 2024 - September 9, 2025
Led strategic and creative development of a cohesive visual identity through original illustration, animation, and audiovisual content for diverse user groups. Aligned branding with marketing, product, and sales goals for consistent messaging. Directed creative teams and produced promotional and educational assets to strengthen emotional connection with users. Mentored creatives to foster innovation and alignment with brand values. Leveraged market insights to craft communication strategies that boosted engagement and sustained growth.
University Professor at Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR)
September 1, 2024 - September 9, 2025
Designed and taught undergraduate courses in audiovisual production, visual design, editing, and media theory with a focus on practical application. Developed curriculum to prepare students for evolving digital industries. Provided academic and professional mentoring, guiding students through key phases of learning and career development. Supervised final projects such as podcasts, design systems, and editorial content, blending academic theory with creative practice.
Founding Director & Executive Creative at ilustra.press
June 1, 2010 - Present
Oversees creative direction across branded graphics, transmedia campaigns, editorial projects, and commercial products. Creates original character systems and visual narratives to build brand identity. Designs large-scale murals for public and corporate spaces and offers live graphic recording for events. Produces motion graphics and animation for digital platforms. Manages client relationships and leads interdisciplinary teams to deliver context-driven creative solutions.
Editorial Design & Audiovisual Production at CIDAC | México Evalúa | USAID
March 1, 2019 - September 9, 2025
Supported public policy communication through editorial and audiovisual design. Made complex research on Rule of Law and accountability accessible to broader audiences. Created newsletters, podcasts, videos, and social media campaigns to increase outreach. Collaborated with national and international partners to enhance research impact and advocacy. Applied evolving audiovisual techniques to maintain clarity and creative precision.
Illustrator & Brand Manager at Grupo Chespirito / Fundación Chespirito / Televisa
March 1, 2012 - September 9, 2025
Managed the visual identity of El Chavo and El Chapulín Colorado. Developed illustration lines and promotional assets for licensed products and TV campaigns. Ensured consistency and quality across materials per global brand guidelines. Worked with commercial partners to integrate visuals across platforms, strengthening recognition and legacy through design.
Founding Director & Executive Creative at ilustra.press
June 1, 2010 - Present
Oversees creative direction across formats—branded graphics, transmedia campaigns, editorial projects, and commercial products; creates original character systems and visual narratives to build brand identity; designs large-scale murals and offers live graphic recording for events; produces motion graphics and animation; manages client relationships and leads interdisciplinary teams to deliver context-driven creative solutions.
University Professor at Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR)
September 1, 2024 - September 9, 2025
Designed and taught undergraduate courses in audiovisual production, visual design, editing, and media theory; developed curricula to prepare students for evolving digital industries; mentored students and supervised final projects.
Creative Director / Strategic Designer at Inguz
October 1, 2024 - September 9, 2025
Led strategic and creative development of a cohesive visual identity through original illustration, animation, and audiovisual content; aligned branding with marketing, product, and sales for consistent messaging; directed creative teams and produced promotional and educational assets to strengthen emotional connection with users; mentored creatives and used market insights to boost engagement and growth.
Editorial Design & Audiovisual Production at CIDAC | México Evalúa | USAID
March 1, 2019 - September 9, 2025
Supported public policy communication through editorial and audiovisual design; made complex research on Rule of Law and accountability accessible to broader audiences; created newsletters, podcasts, videos, and social media campaigns; collaborated with national and international partners to enhance research impact and advocacy; applied evolving audiovisual techniques.
Illustrator & Brand Manager at Grupo Chespirito | Fundación Chespirito | Televisa
March 1, 2012 - September 9, 2025
Managed the visual identity of El Chavo and El Chapulín Colorado; developed illustration lines and promotional assets for licensed products and TV campaigns; ensured consistency and quality across materials per global brand guidelines; worked with commercial partners to integrate visuals across platforms and strengthen recognition and legacy.

Education

PhD in Critical Theory at Centro de Estudios Superiores en Ciencias Jurídicas y Criminologícas
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023
Postdoctoral Program in Politics, Social and Cultural Studies at Centro Universitario de Mercadotecnia y Publicidad
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2025
Master’s in Illustration and Graphic Design at Centro Universitario de Mercadotecnia y Publicidad
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015
Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design at Universidad del Valle de México Campus Lomas Verdes
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2012
Language and French Civilization Workshop at Paris Langues
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Elementary, Middle, and High School Education at Instituto Thomas Jeferson
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2006
Short Story Creation Workshop at Taft Community College
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Diploma (Harvard Business Management School - CONSIST) at Harvard Business Management School - CONSIST
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2025
PhD in Critical Theory at CESCIJUC
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023
MFA in Illustration and Graphic Design at CUMP
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015
BA in Graphic Design at UVM
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2012
PhD in Critical Theory at CESCIJUC
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023
MFA in Illustration and Graphic Design at CUMP
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015
BA in Graphic Design at UVM
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2012
Language course in French at Paris Langues
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008

Qualifications

Adobe Certified Associate (Licence no. 90028828)
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2025
Adobe Certified Associate
January 11, 2030 - September 9, 2025
CONSIST Diploma
January 11, 2030 - September 9, 2025
Master’s Updated Certification Diploma: Creative Leadership
January 11, 2030 - September 9, 2025
Adobe Certified Associate
January 11, 2030 - September 9, 2025
CONSIST Diploma
January 11, 2030 - September 9, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Financial Services, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Other, Professional Services