Hello, my name is Joel Santana. I'm an illustrator who builds story-driven worlds through paint and character. Over the past 20 years, I've had the privilege of collaborating with industry-leading brands — including Disney, Bose, Foot Locker, and Penguin Random House — as well as gaming studios and a range of creative partners across multiple industries. My work spans published children's books to large-scale brand projects, unified by a signature style that weaves together cinematic lighting, rich symbolism, and expressive characters that feel alive on the page.

Joel Santana

Hello, my name is Joel Santana. I'm an illustrator who builds story-driven worlds through paint and character. Over the past 20 years, I've had the privilege of collaborating with industry-leading brands — including Disney, Bose, Foot Locker, and Penguin Random House — as well as gaming studios and a range of creative partners across multiple industries. My work spans published children's books to large-scale brand projects, unified by a signature style that weaves together cinematic lighting, rich symbolism, and expressive characters that feel alive on the page.

Available to hire

Hello, my name is Joel Santana. I’m an illustrator who builds story-driven worlds through paint and character. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with industry-leading brands — including Disney, Bose, Foot Locker, and Penguin Random House — as well as gaming studios and a range of creative partners across multiple industries.

My work spans published children’s books to large-scale brand projects, unified by a signature style that weaves together cinematic lighting, rich symbolism, and expressive characters that feel alive on the page.

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Work Experience

Illustrator / Senior Art Director at Moon Active
April 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Illustrator and Senior Art Director for mobile game projects; contributed character design, concept art, and branding; collaborated with product and marketing teams to deliver engaging visuals for live and upcoming titles.
Illustrator / Senior Designer at Dunn & Co.
March 1, 2015 - August 1, 2019
Character illustrations for advertising and packaging; art direction and leadership of junior designers; concept development and execution of ad campaigns and key art.
Senior Designer at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.
August 1, 2009 - March 1, 2015
Design and illustration of brand icons, logos, and packaging; developed print and digital creative for corporate campaigns; guided and mentored junior creative team members.
Graphic Designer at Walt Disney World Internal Communications
June 1, 2008 - June 1, 2009
Logo design, digital illustrations and storyboards for internal communications and park-related visuals.
Character Designer / Illustrator at Freelance
August 1, 2019 - Present
Character design and illustration for publishing; character illustrations for advertising and packaging.

Education

Associate of Science, Graphic Design at International Academy of Design & Technology
June 1, 2007 - March 2, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Gaming, Media & Entertainment