I’m Nalena Kumar, a San Diego-based senior motion designer and creative director with over 15 years of experience.
My foundation lies in traditional animation, illustration, and drawing – skills I developed during my time at CalArts, where I earned my BFA in Character Animation, a program established by Disney.
This early training continues to influence my work today, grounding my creative process in time-honored techniques while pushing boundaries in the digital world.
As a first-generation woman of color with a Ukrainian mother and South Indian father, my cultural background enriches my approach to storytelling, bringing a unique perspective to every project.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with well-known brands and agencies, from Sun Bum to Cartier, Capital One, Disney, and most recently Microsoft. Crafting original, engaging visuals across social media and long-form content.
With a comprehensive skill set that spans graphic design, character design, storyboarding, and illustration, I create fully realized narrative experiences from concept to completion. My goal is always to fuse artistry with functionality, ensuring each piece of work is not only visually compelling but strategically executed to meet client needs.
Whether working on a national campaign or a brand’s creative vision, I deliver content that resonates and stands out.
When I’m not working, you’ll often find me surfing. Spending time in the water is my way of finding balance and inspiration, and it’s a passion that helps keep my creativity flowing.
