I grew up watching my grandfather draw entire worlds on a chalkboard. He was an ArtCenter alum who had spent his career in advertising, and although I knew him after he had retired, those drawings stayed with me. I knew early on that I wanted to create worlds of my own.

Today, I’m a creative director specializing in brand experiences and spatial design. For more than 16 years, I’ve helped global technology, entertainment and consumer brands turn complex ideas into experiences people can enter and explore, from product launches and keynote stages to global conferences and cultural activations.

I shape the creative narrative and visual direction, then assemble and lead teams across spatial design, graphics, motion and creative technology. I stay close to the work from early concept through production, bringing both a clear point of view and the practical judgment to make ambitious ideas real.

Elyse Marks Studio is my independent practice for creative direction, experiential design and select special projects.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, I earned my BS from ArtCenter College of Design and completed additional coursework at RISD.

Outside of work, I’m usually seeing live music, looking at art and fashion, trying a new restaurant, hiking, or spending time with my husband and dog.

Read about my journey here. And a deeper dive into my artwork here.