I am an internationally acclaimed multimedia professional with over 15 years of experience in motion graphics, video editing, and high-end presentation development for prestigious arts institutions and diverse corporate clients. I have a proven track record of independently managing large-scale projects and enhancing brand presence and audience development through compelling visual narratives. I am renowned for cultivating enduring client relationships and delivering consistently high-quality work. I have advanced knowledge of After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and QLab.

Hillary Leben

I am an internationally acclaimed multimedia professional with over 15 years of experience in motion graphics, video editing, and high-end presentation development for prestigious arts institutions and diverse corporate clients. I have a proven track record of independently managing large-scale projects and enhancing brand presence and audience development through compelling visual narratives. I am renowned for cultivating enduring client relationships and delivering consistently high-quality work. I have advanced knowledge of After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and QLab.

Available to hire

I am an internationally acclaimed multimedia professional with over 15 years of experience in motion graphics, video editing, and high-end presentation development for prestigious arts institutions and diverse corporate clients. I have a proven track record of independently managing large-scale projects and enhancing brand presence and audience development through compelling visual narratives.

I am renowned for cultivating enduring client relationships and delivering consistently high-quality work. I have advanced knowledge of After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and QLab.

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Language

Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Video Editor, Motion Graphics Designer, Video Producer (Contract) at The Andy Nebel Company
January 1, 2008 - Present
Oversaw daily production of multiple videos during international medical conferences, coordinating with a creative team to meet strict deadlines and client specifications, ensuring seamless communication and high-quality deliverables. As a motion graphics designer and video editor, specialized in creating compelling visual content for prominent corporate clients across a vast array of video genres. Ensured adherence to brand guidelines and collaborated closely with clients to achieve project objectives. Worked with companies such as GSK, Takeda, BioLife, Frontier, Astellas, and others.
Lead Animator, Projection Designer (Contract) at San Francisco Symphony
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024
Spearheaded a pioneering audience development initiative through conceptualizing and creating a 20-minute frame by frame animation for Stravinsky’s Ballet Les Noces, premiered at Davies Symphony Hall (audience of 2700) with live orchestra. Designed and animated segments for Beethoven’s Ballet The Creatures of Prometheus, collaborating with The London Philharmonia, Esa Pekka Salonen, and Stephen Fry. Managed all aspects of productions including storyboarding, animation, editing, programming in Qlab, and overseeing rehearsals. Managed repeat live performances at London Philharmonia, and Beethoven Orchestra in Bonn, Germany and was featured in streaming events. Presented informational talks to donors and participated in on-stage pre-concert lectures, highlighting the impact of visual storytelling in classical music.
Art Director, Animator, Projection Designer (Contract) at Chicago Symphony Orchestra Beyond The Score Series
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
Beyond The Score is a groundbreaking multimedia series that integrates video, narration, and theatrical performances, presented live with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra to audiences exceeding 2500. Single-handedly designed, animated, and edited video content for 9 Beyond The Score presentations and seamlessly integrated visuals into live orchestra performance. Collaborated closely with music historians and conductors leveraging extensive research and historical assets to ensure artistic coherence and accuracy. Actively participated in pre-concert interviews and audience development think tanks, strategizing innovative approaches to engage diverse audiences through multimedia.
On-Site Bilingual Video Editor (Contract) at Crossfire Productions
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2018
Performed bilingual on-site video editing operations during large scale destination business meetings organized by major companies. Edited same-day footage captured by camera crew covering critical business sessions, excursions, and corporate events. Ensured expedited delivery of edited videos for daily presentations at end-of-day events, aligning with strict branding guidelines, messaging and client-imposed deadlines.
Motion Graphics Designer, Video Editor for Political Campaigns (Contract) at Silversmith Strategies
July 1, 2018 - Present
Collaborated with creative directors, producers, and political strategists to develop impactful campaign ads over five election cycles. Created videos for nationwide broadcast and digital platforms by implementing advanced motion graphics, animation, and visual storytelling techniques across diverse genres. Used polling data and focus group insights to tailor video content and ensure targeted messaging. Participated in think tanks for innovative communication strategies, helping launch first-time candidates and re-elect distinguished public servants. Clients included Save The Children Action Network, End Citizen United, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, and many others.
Motion Graphics Designer, Video Editor at Adelstein Liston
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2018
Collaborated with creative directors, producers, and political strategists to develop impactful campaign ads over five election cycles. Created videos for nationwide broadcast and digital platforms by implementing advanced motion graphics, animation, and visual storytelling techniques across diverse genres. Used polling data and focus group insights to tailor video content and ensure targeted messaging. Participated in think tanks for innovative communication strategies, helping launch first-time candidates and re-elect distinguished public servants. Clients included Save The Children Action Network, End Citizen United, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, and many others.
Bi-lingual Video Editor and Motion Graphics Designer (Contract) at PACO Collective
January 1, 2020 - Present
Designed and edited broadcast commercials for a nationwide ad campaign (Blue Cross Blue Shield), producing versions in English and Spanish across 15 states. Created video content for clients such as Amazon and ComEd, aligning with branding guidelines and ensuring high-quality content that resonates across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.
Adjunct Professor, Projection Design and Animation at DePaul University Theater School
October 1, 2023 - March 1, 2023
Instructed students in animation, video editing and projection design tools, emphasizing industry best practices while mentoring them in content creation techniques for classical music. Organized and curated a student showcase featuring final projects where students designed and executed animated backdrops for a professional opera singer’s performance.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Film, Video, and New Media at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
January 11, 2030 - March 16, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Computers & Electronics, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Other, Software & Internet, Professional Services
    paper Corporate Video - Editing and Motion Graphics at PACO Collective

    From January 2019 to May 2023, I freelanced as a Bi-lingual Video Editor and Motion Graphics Designer with PACO Collective, based in Chicago, Illinois, and working remotely. During this period spanning over 4 years, I specialized in designing and editing broadcast commercials for a nationwide ad campaign, including versions in both English and Spanish distributed across 15 states for clients such as Blue Cross Blue Shield.

    I also created compelling video content for esteemed clients like Amazon and ComEd, meticulously aligning with branding guidelines to ensure high-quality production that resonated across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.

    My proficiency in the Adobe Suite, combined with expertise in video editing, motion graphics, and a keen attention to detail, enabled me to navigate social trends effectively and manage assets efficiently throughout various projects.

    paper Cooperate Video - Motion Graphics and Video editing at The Andy Nebel Company

    Since January 2008, I’ve worked as a Video Editor, Motion Graphics Designer, and Video Producer at The Andy Nebel Company, based in Chicago and operating in a hybrid capacity. In this role spanning over 16 years, I’ve overseen the daily production of multiple videos during international medical conferences, ensuring seamless communication and high-quality deliverables while meeting strict deadlines and client specifications.

    My specialization lies in creating compelling visual content across various video genres as a motion graphics designer and video editor. I have consistently ensured adherence to brand guidelines and collaborated closely with clients to achieve project objectives effectively.

    Utilizing skills in video editing, Adobe After Effects, motion graphics, and storyboarding, I bring a meticulous attention to detail and offer creative consulting that enhances project outcomes and meets client needs comprehensively.

    paper The Creatures of Prometheus - Animator - The London Philharmonia

    I created animated segments for the London Philharmonia’s presentation of Beethoven’s ballet “The Creatures of Prometheus.” I collaborated with conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen to synchronize animation with narrated sections. The animation accompanied narration by Stephen Fry, based on a script written by Gerard McBurney.

    The animated segments I created were featured prominently in a streaming event that showcased Esa-Pekka Salonen, Stephen Fry, and the London Philharmonia. Subsequently, the production was repeated at the San Francisco Symphony and at the Beethoven Orchestra in Bonn, Germany. I supervised both presentations to ensure the seamless integration of animated visuals with the live orchestra performances.

    paper Stravinsky's Les Noces at The San Francisco Symphony and Orchestre de Paris

    At the San Francisco Symphony I spearheaded a pioneering audience development initiative by conceptualizing and creating a 20-minute frame-by-frame animation for Stravinsky’s Ballet Les Noces in collaboration with Esa-Pekka Salonen, who conducted the performance. This piece premiered at Davies Symphony Hall to an audience of 2,700 alongside a live orchestra and had its European premiere at the Orchestre de Paris. I managed all aspects of the production, including storyboarding, animation, editing, programming in Qlab, and overseeing rehearsals. Additionally, I presented informational talks to donors and participated in on-stage pre-concert lectures, highlighting the impact of visual storytelling in classical music.

    paper Political Campaign Videos - Video Editing and Motion Graphics

    Since August 2018, I have freelanced with Silversmith Strategies LLC based in Chicago, Illinois, operating remotely. My role has been focused on implementing motion graphics and video editing for impactful campaign videos aired on national broadcast and digital platforms across four election cycles. I specialize in using advanced motion graphics, animation, and diverse visual storytelling techniques to enhance message delivery and engage audiences effectively.

    Collaborating closely with political strategists, I integrate focus group insights into targeted video narratives, ensuring alignment with client objectives. Notable clients have included Save The Children Action Network, End Citizen United, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, and DemocracyFIRST, among others.

    My proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, has been instrumental in crafting compelling visual content. I bring a keen attention to detail and stay attuned to social trends, providing creative consulting that maximizes impact in the realm of social media and beyond.

    paper Beyond The Score at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

    Beyond The Score is a groundbreaking multimedia series that integrates video, narration, and theatrical performances, presented live with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra to audiences exceeding 2500. This innovative program continues to be showcased by orchestras worldwide.

    I single-handedly designed, animated, and edited video content for 9 Beyond The Score presentations, seamlessly integrating visuals into live orchestra performances. Collaborating closely with music historians and conductors, I leveraged extensive research and historical assets to ensure artistic coherence and accuracy.

    Throughout my involvement, I actively participated in pre-concert interviews and audience development think tanks, strategizing innovative approaches to engage diverse audiences through multimedia.

    paper Sacred Signs - The Silk road Ensemble

    I served as a Projection Designer and Animator for Silkroad (The Silk Road Project, Inc.). Collaborating closely with composer Dmitri Yanov-Yanovsky and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, I created visual imagery for “Sacred Signs,” a new composition inspired by Nicholas Roerich’s original sets and celebrating The Rite of Spring.

    Working alongside Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, I designed and produced dynamic visual content that was integrated live with their performance. This animation enhanced the musical interpretation and thematic elements of the piece, culminating in a presentation at the CPA’s Rite of Spring at 100 Festival at the University of North Carolina.

    Throughout this project, my expertise in Projection Design, Motion Graphics, and attention to detail played a pivotal role in creating a visually immersive experience that enriched the audience’s engagement with the music and narrative.