Visual Communications: Providing Creative Direction for Art, Design and Visual Communications, my independent, visual communications studio, Arriola Creative, provides strategic, award-winning work for clients both nationally and internationally. I have worked on a variety of accounts including Apple Computers, Blue Cross of California, Disney, Toyota, Kaiser Permanente, Lexus, Pioneer Stereo, mySAP.com, Mitsubishi Motors, Northrop-Grumman, City of Hope, and Infinity. Some of my many local Southern California clients are the University of Southern California, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the California Institute of Technology, the Glendale Educational Foundation, the Mendenhall Gallery, the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Arts Center and Arts Council. My creative branding solutions employ visual strategies and executions for new media, print, broadcast, graphic and web design, logo and corporate ID, promotional materials, annual reports, direct mail, and photo shoots. Working with creative talent both in the US and abroad, I believe it is important to recognize that global points of view and messaging make for stronger, fresher and smarter work. Visual Arts_ Academia: I mixed media/interdisciplinary artist, I draw much of inspiration from my Latin roots in LA, my second homes in Denmark/Iceland and my travels. I am an adjunct professor of art and design at UC Berkeley, USC, East Los Angeles College, Cal State, Los Angeles and a Fulbright Specialist/guest lecturer at the Danish School for Media and Journalism in Copenhagen, Denmark. My work combines  and contrasts my upbringing as a third generation, Mexican-American raised in Highland Park, California and 40 years of an evolving life in Denmark and Iceland.  I examine these divisions, connections and states of flux as contemplative transitions. I work with video, data visualization, photography, assemblages, paint, graphite, clay and re-purposed found objects sourced from the earth. My focus is on developing multi-faceted, poetic, and metaphoric visual narratives often incorporating visual systems - incorporating the beauty, mystery and impermanence found in decay. I enjoy delving into the symbolic origins and properties of salvage as relic-like objects, both man-made and organic. I have had the pleasure of participating in Artist in Residencies in Los Angeles, Denmark and Iceland. Professional History/Designer : Art + Creative Direction : Instructor/Education (more under “exhibitions”) Creative Director of Art + Design in Advertising, Visual Strategist, Conceptual Mixed Media Art, Art/Design Educator, Curator - Staff, Freelance (domestic and international) 1995 - Present Guest Lecturer of Art/Design, Fullbright Specialist, Danish School of Media and Journalism, Denmark 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Board Member, California Institute of Technology, Caltech Y (Youth Organization), June 2018 - 2021 Adjunct Professor of Design, Typography, University of California, Berkeley, CA 2020 - present Adjunct Professor of Visual Communications: Visualizing Information + Data, Advertising Design + Production, Intro to Advertising, Digital Tools for Design - USC, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, 2003 - present Adjunct Professor of Design, Digital Tools for Design, USC, Roski School of Fine Arts Adjunct Professor of Art + Design, Digital Tools for Design, East Los Angeles Community College, Fall 2010, 2019 Artist in Residence Program Co-Adminstrator: Curriculum, Instructor, Curator, Board Member - South Pasadena Arts Center, 2008-2016  Adjunct Professor of Design, 2D design, portfolio preparation, CalState, Los Angeles, 2006 Board Member, Los Angeles County Arts Commission for the South Pasadena School District, 2007 Board Member, South Pasadena Education Foundation 2004 - 2007 On-going guest teacher/lecturer at private and public primary/secondary schools and universities Professional Awards: Recognition for Design + Arts Education (in brief) Fullbright Specialist, Danish School of Media and Journalism, Denmark, 2018, 2019, 2020 to present SPARC City of South Pasadena Utility Box Grant, Concept “Drifters”, 2016 East Los Angeles Community College, Teacher Appreciation Award for Contributions to Design, 2011 South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Marketing Maestros Award, 2009 Certificate of Recognition from California State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, 2009 Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff, 2009 Commendation, County of Los Angeles, from Presented by Supervisor Michael Antonovich, 2009 New York Andy Awards (Blue Cross of California) 1995 Belding Advertising Award (Blue Cross of California) 1995 MAIP - Multicultural Advertising Internship Award, 1st Place, American Association of Advertising Agencies, NYC 1990 Personal Reside in California and part-time in Denmark Speak fluent Danish, Spanish, understand some Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, French and Italian Lover of nature, Nordic light, trekking, dramatic seas, stones, Aperol Spritzes, corgis, and being a mother to Sophia Pilar Living in gratitude - while trying to maintain an uncluttered, aesthetic life in peace and harmony with humanity and the earth

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contact:  victoria.arriola@gmail.com  © 2025 Victoria Arriola, all rights reserved

victoria arriola

visual artist  /  visual communications . creative director . professor of art + design . curator