Yena is an art director based in New York.

Visuals are more than just images. They are a potent language that advances culture and encapsulates the essence of the times. I've developed an instinctive capability to speak it.

I've come to understand that a brand's perception and recall are never random. I oversaw all aspects of the creative process at KnewNew Magazine, a digital F&B newspaper with 3.9 million monthly readers, including planning, shooting, directing, and copywriting.

I concentrated on how Gen Z interacts with brands and translated my findings into clear, captivating images. KnewNew Magazine expanded quickly not only because we provided information but also because we were aware of Gen Z's preferences and spoke to them in a way that made sense to them.

Each week, I visited multiple shops, photographed the distinct atmosphere of every location, and converted the brand's identity into images. This was more than just a F&B introduction. It was about enhancing a brand's appeal by fusing strategic messaging with aesthetic sensitivity. I assisted brands in staying true to themselves while showcasing themselves uniquely and distinctively, even while trends changed rapidly. We differ from typical digital periodicals with this strategy.

Keeping up with trends is not my goal. I wish to clarify them and establish new guidelines. My objective as an art director is to create visual strategies that, while being current, reimagine a brand's essential identity. I want to create brands that people remember, interact with, and have a genuine experience with. I try to achieve that kind of art direction.

Experience

BN Interactive | Creative Intern | 2024

Amalgam | Art Director Freelancer | 2025

Knewnew | Visual Director Freelancer | 2025

Education

School of Visual Arts (SVA) | BFA Advertising |

2021-2024(On a leave of absence from school)

Achievements

Department Scholarship Award Winner

2024 BFA Advertising (School of Visual Arts)

High Term Honors

2023 (School of Visual Arts)

Silas H. Rodes Merit Scholarship

2021-2025 (School of Visual Arts)

Leadership Role

Freshmen Orientation Representative Presenter

2023 (School of Visual Arts)

Recognition

2025 ANDY

Gold | Dove - Nope, I Won’t Get It

Shortlist | Vaseline - Blue Shield

2025 Young Ones One Show

Bronze | Vaseline - Blue Shield

Merit | Heinz - The Breakfast Package

Merit | Vaseline - The First Scar

2025 Young Ones ADC

Bronze&Merit | Dove - Nope, I Won’t Get It

2025 Clio

Silver | The Breakfast Package | Student Design

Bronze | The Breakfast Package | Student Creative Commerce

Shortlist | The Breakfast Package | Student Innovation

2025 D&AD NEW BLOOD

Pencil | Google Cloud - Game Changer

2025 ADDY

Gold | Heinz - The Breakfast Package

Silver X 13 | Dove - Unofficial Ambassadors

Dove - Nope, I Won’t Get It

Heinz - The Breakfast Package

Duolingo - No More Love & Thanks