Looking for a job

Mario Ruiz

@marioruiz

Message

I lead art direction and AI-integrated visual production for entertainment and brand experiences.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead artist-led visual production and creative teams, building scalable AI-integrated workflows that strengthen brand quality, accelerate concept development, and deliver polished entertainment or interactive products.

I've led visual production for Ainsworth, Everi, High 5 Games, and Pearson Education, creating product visuals, brand identity, characters, environments, UI, typography, and motion-ready assets. My work spans entertainment, publishing, advertising, print, digital, and interactive products.

I build artist-led AI workflows with ChatGPT, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and Google Flow to accelerate ideation and production planning while protecting craft and brand quality. I've led artists and vendors, delivered 24+ product launches annually, and designed workflows that reduced operating costs by approximately $202,000.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Artist / Hands-On Visual Lead

Ainsworth

Jan 2026 - Jul 2026 (6 months)

Directed and produced original visual content across four major product lines for a high-volume entertainment brand. Built AI-integrated creative workflows and collaborated cross-functionally to deliver production-ready solutions.

Art Direction Creative Direction AI Workflow Integration ChatGpt Midjourney Adobe Firefly Google Flow Character Design Brand Identity UI Design Motion Assets Cross Functional Collaboration

Principal Artist

Everi

Sep 2022 - Jan 2026 (3 years 4 months)

Led and mentored a team of artists across concept development, illustration, review, and final delivery for a national entertainment brand's product portfolio. Directed internal staff and external vendors, and elevated visual consistency across a multi-title portfolio.

Art Direction Team Leadership Mentorship Concept Development Illustration Visual Identity Environment Design UI Motion Assets Vendor Management Cross Functional Collaboration

Sr. Art Director / Hands-On Creative Lead

High 5 Games

Dec 2011 - Feb 2020 (8 years 2 months)

Directed visual development and hands-on art production for 24+ product launches annually, maintaining brand cohesion and on-time delivery. Managed internal artists and external vendors, and designed workflows that reduced operating costs by approximately $202,000.

Art Direction Creative Direction Cohesion Vendor Management Budget Management Workflow Optimization Team Leadership Quality Assurance

Lead Designer and Illustrator

Pearson Education

Sep 2007 - Nov 2011 (4 years 2 months)

Created 70+ finished illustrations, character designs, environments, and interface graphics for interactive educational products and print programs. Translated editorial concepts into clear, engaging visual narratives across varied illustration styles.

Illustration Character Design Environment Design Graphics Print Production Digital Production Editorial Collaboration

Illustrator, Designer & Art Director

Earlier Career

Produced illustration, branded content, packaging, editorial art, and retouching for commercial release for clients including Marvel Comics, 20th Century Fox, Major League Baseball, Pearson Education, Ogilvy & Mather, and Saatchi & Saatchi.

Illustration Branded Content Packaging Editorial Art Retouching Commercial Arts