Creative Dude in New York City

About

b. 1986, HK.

Hello! Hola! Bonjour!

My name is Carlos Velasco. I’m an award-winning, multidisciplinary, overly-caffeinated creative based in New York City.

In my 9-5 I’m an Associate Creative Director at GREY, leading a team that makes magic happen for Las Vegas Tourism.

In my 5-9, I do a little bit of everything, from writing about food in national publications to screenwriting, to day-dreaming about living in Paris.

I’m a storyteller, and I love to explore different disciplines to tell them. In my free time, I’m probably doing things like shooting photographs, working on film projects, tinkering with AI, painting… or making parody telenovelas

Hit me up if you wanna make cool shit together.


GREY, Associate Creative Director

2024 — PRESENT

Team lead with a dual focus on copywriting and art direction. I mentor and inspire a multidisciplinary team of creatives and content creators to develop best-in-class experiential activations, earned media moments, culturally resonant campaigns, and social-first ideas. Proudly drive breakthrough creative for the world’s leading hospitality and tourism brand, The City of Las Vegas.

Award Nominations: 2025 Webby Awards: @Vegas Social Presence / Heart of Vegas / Hey Chef”

University of Nebraska, Adjunct Professor

2025 — PRESENT

Teach and designed a university course focused on the art and science of creative ideation, iteration, and the unpredictable magic of the creative process. Guide students through real-world Industry-standard techniques for unlocking original thinking, pushing boundaries, and embracing the messiness that leads to meaningful, breakthrough ideas.

Edelman, Associate Creative Director - Art

2023 – 2024

Lead the development of earned-worthy, culturally resonant campaigns across eBay’s most dynamic verticals—including authenticated streetwear, sneakers, luxury goods, watches, autos, and collectibles. Collaborate with iconic streetwear pioneers like Jeff Staple, renowned fashion photographers, and directors to craft work across verticals that breaks through. Partnered with the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) on purpose-driven brand activations, merging commerce with culture and community impact.

Twitter / X, Creative Brand Strategist

2021-2023

Select clients I've had the privilege of creating for whilst in this role included WNBA, MTV VMA Awards, The Latin GRAMMYs, Human Rights Campaign, Apple, HBO, EA Games, Netflix, Target, Disney, Prime Video, and more—projects that span pop culture, purpose, entertainment, and tech.

Awards: Winner, Short Award – Live Video - VMA’s 2021
Silver, Shorty Award – Globalization, VMA’s 2021
Winner, Shorty Award — Twitter Presence, Peacemaker 2021

Saatchi & Saatchi New York, Art Director  

2018 – 2021

Primary account: USAA // Additional experience with Olay, HSBC Bank, Walmart, Pampers, Luvs, Crest and Internal projects.

Awards: Silver, Cannes Lion (Glass Category) — Women in Film, 2021
Gold and Silver, Clio Award — Women in Film, 2021
Graphite Pencil - Integrated / D&AD Awards, 2021
Wood Pencil — Press and Outdoor / D&AD Awards, 2021

FCB New York, Freelance Art Director  

2018

Primary account: FDA ‘The Real Cost’ // Additional experience with FDA ‘Smokey Bear’, LG Electronics (Television and Audio) and Lincoln Financial

Swanson Russell, Creative Intern

2016-2018

Art Direction for Runza Restaurants, Propane Council, Union Bank and Trust

BFA in Graphic Design, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

2013-2018

Go Big Red! A very fun five years.