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I'm Martinna Mañalac, an Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator with 13+ years of strategic experience in advertising and brand-building across APAC, the UAE, EU, and the US. I turn cultural insights into creative strategies that move people and drive business results. I lead teams, build distinct brand worlds, and blend human storytelling with traditional or AI-driven craft. I'm passionate about leveraging AI tools to accelerate strategy and delivery while keeping the work human-centered and emotionally resonant. I am also a former LEGO Toy Product Designer and own my own ecommerce brand Loca. I am all about concept, craft, paired with a hands-on and entrepreneurial mindset.…I'm Martinna Mañalac, an Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator with 13+ years of strategic experience in advertising and brand-building across APAC, the UAE, EU, and the US. I turn cultural insights into creative strategies that move people and drive business results. I lead teams, build distinct brand worlds, and blend human storytelling with traditional or AI-driven craft. I'm passionate about leveraging AI tools to accelerate strategy and delivery while keeping the work human-centered and emotionally resonant. I am also a former LEGO Toy Product Designer and own my own ecommerce brand Loca. I am all about concept, craft, paired with a hands-on and entrepreneurial mindset.

Martinna Mañalac

Creative Director, Art Director, Graphic Designer, +3

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I'm Martinna Mañalac, an Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator with 13+ years of strategic experience in advertising and brand-building across APAC, the UAE, EU, and the US. I turn cultural insights into creative strategies that move people and drive business results. I lead teams, build distinct brand worlds, and blend human storytelling with traditional or AI-driven craft. I'm passionate about leveraging AI tools to accelerate strategy and delivery while keeping the work human-centered and emotionally resonant. I am also a former LEGO Toy Product Designer and own my own ecommerce brand Loca. I am all about concept, craft, paired with a hands-on and entrepreneurial mindset.…I'm Martinna Mañalac, an Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator with 13+ years of strategic experience in advertising and brand-building across APAC, the UAE, EU, and the US. I turn cultural insights into creative strategies that move people and drive business results. I lead teams, build distinct brand worlds, and blend human storytelling with traditional or AI-driven craft. I'm passionate about leveraging AI tools to accelerate strategy and delivery while keeping the work human-centered and emotionally resonant. I am also a former LEGO Toy Product Designer and own my own ecommerce brand Loca. I am all about concept, craft, paired with a hands-on and entrepreneurial mindset.

Available to hire

I’m Martinna Mañalac, an Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator with 13+ years of strategic experience in advertising and brand-building across APAC, the UAE, EU, and the US. I turn cultural insights into creative strategies that move people and drive business results.

I lead teams, build distinct brand worlds, and blend human storytelling with traditional or AI-driven craft. I’m passionate about leveraging AI tools to accelerate strategy and delivery while keeping the work human-centered and emotionally resonant.

I am also a former LEGO Toy Product Designer and own my own ecommerce brand Loca. I am all about concept, craft, paired with a hands-on and entrepreneurial mindset.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Director / ACD (Freelance) at Do Epic Group / KIO Digital / Rebel MENA / Propel

October 1, 2024 - November 6, 2025

Led brand identity systems, integrated campaigns, and pitch-winning ideas for UAE brands, including the launch of the Rolex Series event Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026, as well as Falcon and Amber Luxury Rewards. Collaborated with leadership and strategists, leveraging AI-accelerated workflows to sharpen strategy, craft, and delivery. Helped secure two major new business wins for KIO Digital, contributing to revenue growth and an expanded client portfolio.

Founder and Creative Director at Loca

July 1, 2024 - November 6, 2025

Built a mental-health-driven fashion brand from concept to audience traction. Led brand strategy, creative direction, digital content, and community engagement. Built an engaged community and grew 8,000+ organic followers through culture-driven storytelling and significant press coverage.

Associate Creative Director at Publicis JimenezBasic

August 31, 2023 - August 31, 2023

Helped secure the Grab account and led breakthrough creative including Jollibee’s first 3D billboard. Mentored a team of over 5 creatives to deliver high-impact campaigns for Globe Telecom and Unilever brands.

LEGO Graphics & Minifigure Designer at The LEGO Group

July 31, 2022 - July 31, 2022

Designed graphics and minifigures for LEGO product line. Collaborated with engineers and fellow designers to optimize sets for play value, narrative depth, and production efficiency.

Lead Art Director at NextDayBetter

September 30, 2021 - September 30, 2021

Co-led the company’s strategic rebrand and digital storytelling initiatives for Census Counts, Mailchimp, and AARP. Contributed to $500K+ revenue growth in H1 2021 while supporting a growing creative team of in-house art directors and freelancers to deliver culturally grounded ideas.

Senior Art Director (Freelance) at BBDO, Ogilvy, Leo Burnett

July 31, 2018 - July 31, 2018

Delivered creative for brands such as Pepsi, Uniqlo, and Skechers Singapore. Led a government agency campaign for BBDO; contributed to writing, story development, and art direction; later recognized by BBDO leadership as Best Agency Idea and awarded a team performance bonus.

Senior Art Director at Dentsu Jayme Syfu

October 31, 2016 - October 31, 2016

Defined the core creative insight that shaped the multi-awarded NEDA Ambisyon Natin 2040 campaign. Contributed to creative development for MamyPoko, Toyota, Yamaha, and WHO, working with copy and production teams to deliver culturally resonant work.

Senior Art Director at Publicis Manila

June 30, 2015 - June 30, 2015

Developed nationally resonant campaigns for MILO and other Nestlé brands. Strengthened Nestlé’s brand affinity and emotional connection among mass-market Filipino audiences.

Art Director at TBWA/SMP

June 30, 2014 - June 30, 2014

Conceptualized the Cannes-winning Boysen Knoxout Tree Lungs project, which grew into an agency-wide effort and meaningful environmental initiative. Promoted from Visual Designer to Art Director in six months based on concept strength and creative craft.