ALFREDO FAJARDO
CREATIVE PARTNER FOR LIVE EXPERIENCES
ABOUT
Extensive US and global experience leading Creative Development, Production, and Implementation teams on large and small-scale LBE projects.
Proven ability to collaborate with disparate internal teams and agency partners to resolve problems and bring the creative vision to life.
EXPERIENCE
Senior Producer
Verb: Experiential agency | May 2024 – August 2024 Abiquiu, NM
- On the ground-breaking Airbnb Icons Disney-Pixar Up campaign, manage fabrication vendors and partner with multiple teams onsite to deliver an exceptional brand experience for the guests.
Creative Project Manager (Contractor)
Magnit: A contingent workforce management company | Sep 2023 – Dec 2023
Los Angeles, CA
- With Netflix Live Experiences team and external partners, discussed and communicated creative ideas.
- Commented on concept design packages, layouts, illustrations, graphics, and drawings.
Faculty Associate (Professor)
Arizona State University Thunderbird School of Global Management | Aug 2021 – Jan 2022
Los Angeles, CA
- Developed and taught Creativity and Design Thinking course for Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management with a Specialization in Creative Industries degree program.
Executive Producer, Senior Project Manager
Meow Wolf: Immersive exhibition production company | Jun 2019 – Apr 2020
Santa Fe, NM
- Mentored Project Managers and Coordinators on how to optimize $60+ million budget and balance speed-to-market and business goals through production of 52K ft2 exhibit for Las Vegas, NV.
- For 75K ft2 Washington, DC exhibit, presented Blue Sky design package to leadership; achieved buy-in.
- With internal stakeholders, explored new ways of creating emotional connections with the guests.
Director of Creative and New Product Development
Parques Reunidos: Global themed entertainment operator | Apr 2017 – Feb 2019
Madrid, Spain
- Championed creative integrity for 15+ product development and creative projects serving more than 22 million visitors at 60+ parks across 10+ countries in Europe, North America, Middle East, and Australia.
- Fostered strategic and strong partnerships with IP holders and Business Development team, while developing new weatherproof revenue streams for 5+ indoor, location-based entertainment centers.
- Shaped creative briefs and collaborated with internal teams, external vendors, and agency partners to find delightful ways to showcase the IP.
Senior Show Systems Manager
Samsung C&T: Engineering and construction provider for Dubai Parks & Resorts | Mar 2014 – Jan 2017
Dubai, UAE
- Acting as in-house art director, oversaw creative excellence from concept development to opening day.
- Optimized multi-million dollar budget for Smurfs Village and Lionsgate zones in Motiongate theme park.
- Employed diplomacy, strategy, emotional intelligence, and empathy to resolve conflicts between creative agencies and IP holders across three continents; strengthened partner relationships.
Design Group Manager
Applied Minds: Technology, design, research and development firm | Nov 2011 – Oct 2013
Los Angeles, CA
- Managed and collaborated with a 15-member team of designers, writers, artists, technology specialists, and model makers to garner new perspectives, innovate, and break the norm in the design industry.
Project Manager, Design Engineer
Carlson & Co: Art fabrication house | Dec 2003 – Mar 2010
San Fernando, CA
- Key contributor in the production of contemporary art sculpture by prominent artists, such as Jeff Koons, Charles Ray, Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Therrien, and Claes Oldenburg.
Director of New Business
Studio Arts: 3D modeling, animation, and compositing training center | Mar 2002 – Jan 2003
Los Angeles, CA
- Collaborated with founders to open center. Researched student needs, market trends, and devised strategic direction to position firm for growth.
Mechanical Engineer
Walt Disney Imagineering | Aug 1993 – May 2001
Glendale, CA
- Designed, engineered, oversaw fabrication and installation of elements in US and international Disney theme park attractions.
- Selected projects: Roger Rabbit’s Car-Toon Spin; The Indian Jones Adventure (Disneyland); It’s Tough to be a Bug; Countdown to Extinction; ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
- Recognized, as part of the Open Forum program, for proposing innovative, creative projects to company leadership, including a new water park concept and a plan for a touring exhibit.
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• UCLA Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Science (BS) – Mechanical Engineering
• San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
IDEO U CERTIFICATIONS
Business Innovation, Oct 2022
Advanced Design Thinking, Nov 2021
Foundations in Design Thinking, Jul 2021
HONORS AND AWARDS
Speaker
• Europe SATE, Themed Entertainment Association, Parc Astérix, France, 2019
Winner
• ImagiNations Design Competition, Walt Disney Imagineering, 1992
SKILLS
Design
• Theme Park Design and Production; Experience Design; Human-Centered Design; Guest Experience; Exhibit Design; Art Direction; Creative Direction; Drawing; Storytelling
Management
• Presentation Skills; Professional Services Management; Strategy; Organizing Skills
Leadership
• Team Building; Mentoring; Collaboration; Verbal & Digital Communication Skills
Digital Tools
• Adobe Photoshop; SketchUp; Apple Keynote; Google Suite; Microsoft Office
Languages
• Fluent in English and Spanish
Alfredo Fajardo 