RICK BLANCO, Executive Creative Director in Los Angeles, CA

About

Summary An award winning creative leader with over 25 years of design, production and management experience. Utilizes a diverse background of strategic and tactical expertise to inspire teams in the development of creative initiatives that build and expand global brands.

Education

Executive MBA

Loyola Marymount University
Bachelor of Arts Graphic Design

Loyola Marymount University

Experience

Art Director

Birdsong Creative

Burbank, United States

In conjunction with creative director, served as a team leader in the design and implementation of super-graphics for a 5000 sq. ft. traveling museum exhibition on the Human Brain sponsored by Pfizer, which launched at the Smithsonian Museum in July, 2001. Walt Disney Imagineering (contracted through Tac Entertainment Staffing)
Vice President, Creative

Cartoon Network

Burbank, United States

Present

Led the creative develop team for licensing and merchandising of Cartoon Network's portfolio of brands. (Adventure Time, Regular Show, Ben 10, Gumball, Powerpuff Girls, etc.) Served as creative catalyst between content development and consumer products to bring greater relevance of IP through convergent technology and new paradigms within CP categories/retail. Partnered with cross functional teams to maintain brand integrity and champion new extensions across multi-platform opportunities.
Mattel Brands Consumer Products/ Hardlines

Oversaw in-house design team and outsourced agencies in the global development of product for various hardline categories including toys & activities, electronics, role play, gift & collectibles, party goods, stationery, health & beauty, home, sporting goods, publishing and confections. Served as a principal collaborator in the content development of licensing style guides.
CEO/ Creative Director

Horizon Line Studios

San Marino, United States

Provide curation and strategic development to extend IP and fan engagement through targeted and authentic consumer products. Serve as creative agent for Cartoon Network through the launch of the Cartoon Network Collective. http://cartoonnetworkcollective.com This program commissions celebrated artists to stylistically interpret CN show properties, and will leverage both data management and organic "fanthropology" to create relevant products and supporting content.
Senior Creative Manager

Mattel Inc

El Segundo, United States
Creative Director/Owner

Iluminar Creative Group

Burbank, United States

Operating within a consortium of design firms including Amalgamated Studios, Birdsong Creative, and Storeytime Productions, provided full service graphic design for use in various applications and across multiple industries. Clients included Disney Consumer Products, The Grove at Farmer's Market, AAA and So Cal Edison for RMK Direct and more.

Awards

2016 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (Ages 9-12)

- Over The Garden Wall, Licensor Creative Direction - Cartoon Network/BOOM Comics

HOW Magazine: International Design Annual. Spring, 2015. “Miscellaneous Merit,

” Adventure Time Spring/Summer Style Guide p.88.

2013 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (Ages 8-12)

- ADVENTURE TIME, Licensor Creative Direction - Cartoon Network/BOOM Comics

2013 Harvey Award for Best Original Graphic Novel Publication For Younger Readers

- ADVENTURE TIME, Licensor Creative Direction - Cartoon Network/BOOM Comics

HOW Magazine: International Design Annual. April, 2007. “Miscellaneous Outstanding,

” Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends Style Guide p.106.

Communication Arts: Design Annual 47. November, 2006. “Identity Program,

” Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends Style Guide p.62.

Skills

Elsewhere on the Web

k

On Coroflot

@RJBlanco, member since 2016

Followers 6

Rick Blanco

Assistant Professor - Educator, Communication Design, Myron E. Ullman, Jr. School of Design

Systems Administrator, Visible Futures Lab (VFL)