I'm an illustrator and art director with a passion for creating visually engaging designs. I've honed my skills over 15 years and I find delight in balancing the needs of clients with my creative ideas. My journey has led me to collaborate with diverse industries, and I'm always looking for new projects that allow me to express my unique style and creativity.

Mateo Aguirre

I'm an illustrator and art director with a passion for creating visually engaging designs. I've honed my skills over 15 years and I find delight in balancing the needs of clients with my creative ideas. My journey has led me to collaborate with diverse industries, and I'm always looking for new projects that allow me to express my unique style and creativity.

Available to hire

I’m an illustrator and art director with a passion for creating visually engaging designs. I’ve honed my skills over 15 years and I find delight in balancing the needs of clients with my creative ideas. My journey has led me to collaborate with diverse industries, and I’m always looking for new projects that allow me to express my unique style and creativity.

See more

Language

Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
English
Advanced

Work Experience

Illustrator and Art Director at Alerta Creative Agency (New York)
June 1, 2022 - Present
Create graphic content for social networks, merch, audiovisuals and treatments (key visuals) for brands such as Coors Lite and Blue Moon.
Illustrator and Art Director at L99 agency (Gaming Creative Agency, London - Dubai)
January 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create graphic content for social networks, merch, audiovisuals and treatments (key visuals) for brands such as SoFi, League of Legends, Valorant, EA Sports, Andbox, NYXL, ESEA, Tundra, OG Esports, Misfits LOL, NY Subliners, G2.
Character Designer and Art Director at MERO STUDIO Animation Studio (Colombia)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Art direction and visual development (character design) of animated music videos for artists such as Public Enemy, Jefferson Airplane, Joey Trap, Robert Delong and Wallows.
Background Designer and Painter at El libro de Lila (The Lila’s Book) Animated Movie (Colombia)
April 1, 2015 - September 25, 2025
Draw, colorize and add texture to backgrounds for the animated movie (450 Backgrounds total).
Illustrator and Art Director at Goal.com (Dazn group) Sports Magazine (International)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create storytelling and graphic content (illustrations) for social networks about football competitions such as the World Cup, Champions League, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
Illustrator and Art Director at Bacanika magazine Creative Agency (Colombia)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create graphic content (illustrations) for social networks with brands such as Renault, Amazon Prime Video and Miller Lite.
College Professor at Universidad Javeriana (Colombia)
December 1, 2021 - September 25, 2025
Design and teach two diploma courses about (1) character design, visual development and (2) analog and digital illustration techniques.
Illustrator and Art Director at Mera Studio / Various
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Illustration and art direction work across multiple studios and campaigns (composite entry from various collaborations).
Professor at Universidad Javeriana
December 1, 2021 - September 25, 2025
Taught two diploma courses in character design, visual development and analog/digital illustration techniques.
College Professor at Universidad Javeriana (Colombia)
December 1, 2021 - September 25, 2025
To design and teach two diplomas courses about (1) character design, visual development and (2) analog and digital illustration techniques.
Character Designer and Art Director at MERO STUDIO Animation Studio (Colombia)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Art direction and visual development (character design) of animated music videos for artists such as Public Enemy, Jefferson Airplane, Joey Trap, Robert Delong and Wallows.
Illustrator and Art Director at L99 Agency (Gaming Creative Agency) (London - Dubai)
January 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create graphic content for social networks, merch, audiovisuals and treatments (key visuals) for brands such as SoFi, League of Legends, Valorant, EA Sports, Andbox, NYXL, ESEA, Tundra, OG Esports, Misfits LOL, NY Subliners, G2.
Illustrator and Art Director at Alerta Creative Agency (New York)
June 1, 2022 - Present
Create graphic content for social networks, merch, audiovisuals and treatments (key visuals) for brands such as Coors Lite and Blue Moon.
Illustrator at GOAL.com (Dazn group) Sports magazine (International)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create storytelling and graphic content (illustrations) for social networks about football competitions such as World Cup, Champions League, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
Background designer and painter at El libro de Lila (The Lila’s Book) Animated Movie (Colombia)
April 1, 2015 - September 25, 2025
Draw, colorize and add texture to backgrounds for the animated movie (450 Backgrounds total).
Illustrator and Art Director at Alerta! Creative Agency (New York)
June 1, 2022 - Present
Graphic content for social networks, merchandise, audiovisuals and treatments (key visuals) for various brands.
Illustrator at Bacanika magazine Creative Agency (Colombia)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create graphic content (illustrations) for social networks with brands such as Renault, Amazon Prime Video and Miller Lite.
Illustrator at Goal.com / DAZN Group
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
As above.
College Professor at Universidad Javeriana
December 1, 2021 - September 25, 2025
Designed and taught two diploma courses on character design, visual development and analog/digital illustration techniques.
Background Designer and Painter at El libro de Lila (The Lila’s Book)
April 1, 2015 - September 25, 2025
Draw, colorize and texture backgrounds for an animated feature (450 backgrounds total).
Illustrator and Art Director at Bacanika Magazine Creative Agency (Colombia)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create graphic content for social networks for brands such as Renault, Amazon Prime Video and Miller Lite.
Illustrator and Art Director at L99 Agency (Gaming Creative Agency)
January 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create graphic content for social networks, merch, audiovisuals and key visuals for brands such as SoFi, League of Legends, Valorant, EA Sports, Andbox, NYXL, OG Esports, Misfits; etc.
Illustrator and Art Director at GOAL.com (Dazn group) – Sports Magazine
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create storytelling and graphic content (illustrations) for social networks about football competitions including World Cup, Champions League, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
Character Designer and Art Director at MERO STUDIO Animation Studio (Colombia)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Art direction and visual development (character design) of animated music videos for artists such as Public Enemy, Jefferson Airplane, Joey Trap, Robert Delong and Wallows.
Illustrator and Art Director at Alerta Creative Agency (New York)
June 1, 2022 - Present
Create graphic content for social networks, merch, audiovisuals and treatments (key visuals) for brands such as Coors Lite and Blue Moon.
Background Designer and Painter at El libro de Lila (The Lila’s Book) – Animated Movie (Colombia)
April 1, 2015 - September 25, 2025
Draw, colorize and add texture to backgrounds for the animated movie, totaling 450 backgrounds.
Illustrator at Bacanika magazine Creative Agency (Colombia)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create graphic content (illustrations) for social networks with brands such as Renault, Amazon Prime Video and Miller Lite.
College Professor at Universidad Javeriana (Colombia)
December 1, 2021 - September 25, 2025
Design and teach two diploma courses about (1) character design, visual development and (2) analog and digital illustration techniques.
Illustrator and Art Director at L99 agency – Gaming Creative Agency (London - Dubai)
January 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create graphic content for social networks, merch, audiovisuals and treatments (key visuals) for brands such as SoFi, League of Legends, Valorant, EA Sports, Andbox, NYXL, ESEA, Tundra, OG Esports, Misfits LOL, NY Subliners, G2.
Character Designer and Art Director at MERO STUDIO – Animation Studio (Colombia)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Art direction and visual development (character design) of animated music videos for artists such as Public Enemy, Jefferson Airplane, Joey Trap, Robert Delong and Wallows.
Illustrator and Art Director at Alerta Creative – Creative Agency (New York)
June 1, 2022 - Present
Create graphic content for social networks, merch, audiovisuals and treatments (key visuals) for brands such as Coors Lite and Blue Moon.
Illustrator and Art Director at Goal.com (DAZN Group) – Sports Magazine (International)
April 1, 2022 - September 25, 2025
Create storytelling and graphic content (illustrations) for social networks about football competitions including the FIFA World Cup, Champions League, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
Lead Creative at Alerta Creativa
January 1, 2018 - Present
At Alerta Creativa, I oversee creative projects from conception to execution, ensuring alignment with client objectives while maintaining innovative design standards. My approach involves collaborative brainstorming and fostering an environment that nurtures creativity.
Art Director at Khara & Magma
December 31, 2017 - October 2, 2025
In my role at Khara & Magma, I lead a team of designers and illustrators to produce visually stunning content across various mediums. My responsibilities include managing projects, mentoring junior creatives, and refining our design processes to enhance efficiency.
Lead Creative at Alerta Creative
January 1, 2020 - October 7, 2025
Developed visual content that aligns with client needs while managing a team of designers to ensure all projects met quality standards and deadlines.
Art Director at Beehance Marketing
January 1, 2020 - Present
Oversaw the creative process for multiple marketing campaigns, collaborating closely with clients and internal teams to generate effective visual strategies.

Education

Diploma in Visual Pedagogy at Bellas Artes Institute School of Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
Graphic Design degree at Bellas Artes Institute School of Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
Visual development for TV at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Fundamentals of lighting at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Character and backgrounds creation for animation and videogames at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Diploma in Visual Pedagogy at Bellas Artes Institute School of Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
Graphic design degree at Bellas Artes Institute School of Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
Complementary education Visual development for TV at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Fundamentals of lighting at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Character and backgrounds creation for animation and videogames at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Diploma in Visual Pedagogy at Bellas Artes Institute School of Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
Graphic Design Degree at Bellas Artes Institute School of Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
Complementary education Visual development for TV at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Fundamentals of lighting at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Character and backgrounds creation for animation and videogames at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Diploma at Bellas Artes Institute School of Arts
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Graphic Design Degree at Bellas Artes Institute School of Arts
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Visual Development for TV at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Fundamentals of Lighting at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Character and Backgrounds Creation for Animation and Videogames at Schoolism
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Diploma in Visual Pedagogy at Universidad de los Andes - Colombia
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
Diploma in Visual Pedagogy at Art University
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008

Qualifications

Visual development for TV
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Fundamentals of lighting
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Character and backgrounds creation for animation and videogames
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Diploma in Visual Pedagogy
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
Graphic Design Degree
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
Complementary education Visual Development for TV
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Fundamentals of Lighting
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Character and Backgrounds Creation for Animation and Videogames
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Complementary education Visual development for TV
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Fundamentals of lighting
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Character and backgrounds creation for animation and videogames
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Diploma in Visual Pedagogy
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Graphic Design Degree
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Visual Development for TV
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Fundamentals of Lighting
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Character and Backgrounds Creation for Animation and Videogames
January 11, 2030 - September 25, 2025
Adobe Certification
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2020

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Consumer Goods
    uniE621 Wheel Of Time - Amazon Prime Video
    I was invited by Amazon Prime Video and Bacánika to create a poster inspired by the launch of the series The Wheel of Time. The challenge was to capture the essence of this fantasy world and translate it into a composition that balances light and darkness, good and evil, and the eternal duality that drives the story. For the creative process, I started with several sketching rounds to explore the visual hierarchy between heroes and villains. I wanted the viewer’s eye to move across the piece as if navigating between shadow and light. The central figure acts as an anchor, radiating mystical energy, while the surrounding characters and creatures create tension through their gestures and placement. The color palette was built around deep blues, purples, and shadows contrasted with glowing highlights—seeking to emphasize both the darkness of the antagonists and the luminous aura of the protagonists. Textures and linework were deliberately stylized to convey intensity and drama, echoing the epic tone of the series. This illustration is both a tribute to the vast universe of The Wheel of Time and an exploration of how graphic storytelling can visually translate the themes of conflict, destiny, and balance. illustrator illustrator
    uniE621 ESL ONE - KUALA LUMPUR 2023
    I had the opportunity to create the official key art for ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, one of the most prestigious Dota 2 tournaments in the world. For this piece, we wanted to capture the intensity and mystique of the competition. The focus was placed on Oracle, depicted in a powerful and enigmatic stance, holding the ESL trophy at the core of the composition. Surrounding him, celestial elements and planetary forms emphasize the sense of scale, destiny, and cosmic energy that echo the world of Dota 2. The color palette was designed to balance vibrant contrasts (purples, greens, and yellows) with deep space tones, creating both drama and atmosphere. We also integrated references to Kuala Lumpur—particularly the iconic Batu Caves—as symbolic anchors tying the tournament back to its host city. This project was an incredible journey, made possible thanks to the amazing Tier-S Agency team. illustrator graphicdesigner
    paper ESL ONE - KUALA LUMPUR 2023.

    ()

    I had the opportunity to create the official key art for ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, one of the most prestigious Dota 2 tournaments in the world.
    For this piece, we wanted to capture the intensity and mystique of the competition. The focus was placed on Oracle, depicted in a powerful and enigmatic stance, holding the ESL trophy at the core of the composition. Surrounding him, celestial elements and planetary forms emphasize the sense of scale, destiny, and cosmic energy that echo the world of Dota 2.
    The color palette was designed to balance vibrant contrasts (purples, greens, and yellows) with deep space tones, creating both drama and atmosphere. We also integrated references to Kuala Lumpur—particularly the iconic Batu Caves—as symbolic anchors tying the tournament back to its host city.
    This project was an incredible journey, made possible thanks to the amazing Tier-S Agency team.

    uniE621 MILLER LITE
    This project was all about celebrating those moments that truly matter: spending time with the people we care about. Through a series of illustrated vignettes, we followed the journey of Miller Lite as it flows through different scenes of music, fun, and connection. The composition is deliberately saturated with elements—playful characters, dynamic objects, and small storytelling details—yet balanced by a limited color palette tied to the brand’s identity. Each piece became an exploration of form and rhythm, using repetition, interaction, and contrast to convey energy while keeping a cohesive visual language. The result is a collection of illustrations that feel alive, vibrant, and unmistakably Miller Lite. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the beer—it’s about who you share it with. illustrator
    paper MILLER LITE

    This project was all about celebrating those moments that truly matter: spending time with the people we care about.
    Through a series of illustrated vignettes, we followed the journey of Miller Lite as it flows through different scenes of music, fun, and connection. The composition is deliberately saturated with elements—playful characters, dynamic objects, and small storytelling details—yet balanced by a limited color palette tied to the brand’s identity.
    Each piece became an exploration of form and rhythm, using repetition, interaction, and contrast to convey energy while keeping a cohesive visual language. The result is a collection of illustrations that feel alive, vibrant, and unmistakably Miller Lite.
    Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the beer—it’s about who you share it with.

    ()

    paper MAIKCEL album cover

    This project was created for Ambrustic Boy, the new album by artist Maikcel. Each single cover was designed with a unique graphic style that reflects the mood and emotional tone of its corresponding track, while still belonging to a cohesive visual universe.

    The series blends a wide range of influences:
    Cartoon-inspired linework and stylization, with exaggerated characters and bold outlines.
    Urban and street-art aesthetics, with raw textures, graffiti-like typography, and expressive compositions.
    Expressionist touches, using dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, intense color palettes, and distorted perspectives to heighten emotion.
    Minimalist portraits, focusing on iconic features and symbols that echo Maikcel’s identity.
    Each piece explores a different atmosphere, from introspective and melancholic to energetic and playful, echoing the variety of sounds in the album.

    Musically, Ambrustic Boy fuses RnB, Pacific rhythms, rap, soul, and ragga, creating an eclectic soundscape that guided the artistic direction. The result is a collection of covers that not only represent each song but also work together as a visual diary of the album’s journey.

    [CLIC HERE TO WATCH] ()