Elevate your brand with visionary creativity: Danny Luna, Creative Director & Photographer

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Danny Luna

Executive Creative Director, Photographer & Visual Storyteller

Delivering bold vision, from concept to completion. Across media. Across industries. Always with purpose.

Clients

 

  • About Me

    Raised in LA, shaped by the street and the studio—I didn’t follow a straight path into the creative world. I built one from the ground up.

    I grew up in neighborhoods where creativity wasn’t just expression—it was survival, communication, and resistance. I picked up a camera to document what I saw, and in the process, found a tool to shift perspectives, tell stories that mattered, and build bridges between communities and culture. That same instinct—to elevate, empower, and create with purpose—still drives everything I do.

    Over the past 15+ years, I’ve worn every hat in the creative process—from concept to completion. I’ve been the photographer, retoucher, designer, director, production lead, tech, copywriter, and client liaison. I know what it takes to build something from scratch because I’ve done it—on tight timelines, with both big teams and lean teams, across every type of media and audience. I’m a doer, a problem solver, and someone who doesn’t just talk creative—I execute it at the highest level.

    My work spans fashion campaigns, editorial spreads, billboards, civic murals, public art conservation, political advocacy, and more. I’ve worked with brands like GQ, Guess, Univision, and Coca-Cola. I’ve directed A-list shoots, designed for digital and physical spaces, managed global teams, and helped secure $200M+ in civic funding through grassroots storytelling. I move seamlessly between high-end commercial sets and community councils because both matter—and both fuel my purpose.

    Technically, I’m fluent across photography, post-production, digital asset management, UI/UX, environmental and interior design, copyright/IP, and public art. I’ve built databases for law firms, taught Photoshop at the college level, restored large-scale murals, and mentored emerging artists in under-resourced neighborhoods.

    I thrive in the overlap of culture and commerce, creativity and impact. I’m not just here to make things look good—I’m here to make them mean something. My strength is in taking big ideas and making them real, grounded, and lasting.

    If you’re looking for someone who knows how to lead, but isn’t afraid to get in the trenches and do the work—someone who brings both vision and execution—let’s build something that matters.

  • I don’t create to impress—I create to connect.

    To me, design is more than decoration. Photography is more than image-making. Creativity, at its best, is a tool for truth-telling, world-building, and remembering who we are. Whether I’m behind the lens, sketching a concept, building out a campaign, or organizing in my neighborhood, I approach the work with the same intention: make it mean something.

    I believe visuals hold power—power to shift narratives, amplify unheard voices, and reimagine how we see each other. I’ve seen that power in motion: on set with global brands, in city halls fighting for equity, and on sidewalks where kids recognize themselves in public art for the first time.

    My creative process is hands-on and all-in. I’ve worn every hat—from directing and shooting to editing, designing, producing, and delivering. I know how to build from scratch and lead with intention. No ego, no fluff—just craft, clarity, and commitment.

    I move fluidly between cultures, mediums, and audiences because that’s how I was raised: to adapt, to listen, and to build bridges. That dual fluency—between art and strategy, commerce and community—isn’t just part of my process. It’s the reason my work resonates.

    I don’t chase trends. I build stories with roots.

    At the end of the day, what matters most are the results, the returns, and the truths. That’s what resonates.

    If you’re ready to create with purpose, let’s build something that lasts.

    • Creative Direction & Art Direction

    • Photography (Portrait, Editorial, Campaign)

    • Digital Retouching & Post-Production

    • Brand Strategy & Visual Storytelling

    • UI/UX Design & Web Asset Creation

    • Environmental & Interior Design

    • Murals, Public Art, & Large-Scale Installations

    • E-commerce & Digital Campaigns

    • Digital Asset Management & Workflow Systems

    • Copyright, Licensing, & IP Forensics

    • Project Management & Creative Team Leadership

    • Community Engagement & Civic Advocacy

    • Cross-Functional Team Collaboration

    • Bilingual: English / Spanish

    • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, Illustrator)

    • Capture One, Figma, SketchUp, Premiere Pro

    • Public Speaking & Youth Mentorship

    • Strategic Vision & Problem Solving

  • Item description

Danny Luna

📍 Los Angeles, CA | 🌐 www.dannyluna.com
📧 info@dannyluna.com | 📞 213.498.3876
Creative Director | Photographer | Designer | Community Leader
Art Direction | Photography | Design | Branding | Digital Asset Management | Community Advocacy

Professional Summary

Dynamic and multidisciplinary creative professional with 15+ years of experience in advertising | publishing | celebrity campaigns | fashion | e-commerce | mural and interior design | and social activism. Adept at managing creative projects from concept to execution across various media platforms including photography, digital design, video, web, print, and experiential formats. Known for blending creativity with strategy, team leadership, and community engagement.

Specialties:
Creative Strategy | Art Direction | Photography | Team Leadership | Digital Retouching | UI/UX | Branding | Licensing & Copyright | Video | Production | Murals | E-commerce | Public Speaking |Digital Asset Management | Graphic Design |Interior & Environmental Design |Community Advocacy & Advocacy

Work Experience

Danny Luna Photography

Executive Creative Director / Photographer / Retoucher / Designer
2006–Present
📍 Los Angeles, CA | 🌐 www.dannyluna.com

  • Spearhead end-to-end creative production across photography, branding, digital design, murals, experiential campaigns and interior and exterior design—balancing bold creative vision with strategic execution.

  • Lead cross-functional teams of designers, stylists, assistants, and producers on fast-paced, high-profile campaigns—mentoring emerging talent while delivering consistently exceptional results.

  • Direct both local and international shoots, overseeing casting, art direction, production, lighting, and post-processing with precision and speed.
    Collaborate with celebrity talent, global brands, and creative agencies to produce emotionally resonant, visually striking content for print, digital, e-commerce, OOH, and social platforms.

  • Leverage expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, Capture One, and digital asset management to maintain high production value and efficient workflows from concept to delivery.

  • Trusted by clients for creative leadership, adaptability, and clear communication under tight deadlines and evolving creative needs.
    Clients: Univision | Harper’s Bazaar | Esquire | GQ | Hola Magazine | Ocean Drive | Inside Weddings | Emmy Magazine |leading fashion/e-commerce brands

RRPIX INC

Studio Manager | Lead Production Director
2007–2016
📍 Burbank, CA | 🌐 www.rrpix.com

  • Oversaw global photo productions and post-production workflows.

  • Manage and over saw teams, involved come concept to completion.

  • Led casting, lighting direction, digital capture, and file delivery.

  • Collaborated with high-end fashion, hospitality, and retail brands.

  • Balanced concurrent high-pressure projects on international timelines.
    Clients: Coca-Cola | Guess? | Visa Black Card | Westfield | Wynn Las Vegas | Skechers | Grand America Hotels

Steptoe & Johnson LLP

IP Consultant & DAM Specialist
2013–2016 (Remote)
📍 Century City, CA

  • Assisted attorneys with intellectual property disputes and licensing evaluations.

  • Conducted digital forensics: metadata recovery, usage audits, copyright validation.

  • Built searchable databases for model releases, usage rights, contracts, and assets.

Pasadena City College

Teaching Assistant – Photoshop & Graphic Design
2004–2007

  • Instructed students on Adobe Creative Suite, focusing on UI design principles and functionalities.

  • Provided mentorship and technical support, enhancing students' design competencies.

  • Supported instruction in Photoshop, Graphic Design, and Web Design courses.

  • Mentored students on design execution and creative problem solving.

Arts Community Land Activism (ACLA)

Website Designer / IT Coordinator / Youth Counselor
2000–2005

  • Built and maintained dynamic websites and network systems.

  • Mentored at-risk youth in community parks through technology and art.

  • Helped create safe spaces for creative expression in underserved neighborhoods.

  • Murals painting for Community engagement and Pride

Education & Certifications

  • Pasadena City College – Photography & Design Media Art - Graphic Design

  • Google Data Analytics Certificate – Spreadsheets | SQL | Tableau | R

  • Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate -

    • Digital Marketing · Social Media Marketing · Email Marketing · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · E-Commerce

  • Planning 101 by Los Angeles City Planning -

    • Skills: Community impact analysis · Urban planning fundamentals · Land use policy understanding · Zoning regulations knowledge · Development review processes

  • Code of Conduct Training by EmpowerLA -

    • Skills: Professional integrity · Conflict Resolution · Governance standards · Community accountability · Respectful communication

  • Funding Training by Office of the Los Angeles City Clerk -

    • Skills: Budget Management · Financial Reporting · Grant Compliance · Financial Responsibilities · Procurement oversight

  • Ethics TrainingEthics Training by Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney

    • Skills: Ethical Decision Making · Accountability · Transparency · Public trust awareness · Compliance with regulations

  • Anti‑Bias Training by City of Los Angeles

    • Skills: Bias recognition · Inclusive practices · Cultural Sensitivity · Equitable decision‑making · Awareness of systemic issues

Technical Skills

Leadership & Strategic Management Skill Set
Creative Direction | Team Management | Visual Arts Leadership | Project Management | Branding | Digital Media Strategy | Photography Direction | Retouching | Art Direction | UI/UX Design | Cross-functional Team Leadership | Content Creation | Marketing Strategy | Photography | Digital Asset Management | Client Relations | Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, InDesign) | Creative Problem-Solving | Budget & Cost Management | Timeline Adherence | Strategic Vision

Creative & Design Tools
Photography |Photoshop | Lightroom | Capture One | Illustrator | InDesign | Figma | SketchUp | Dreamweaver | After Effects | Premiere Pro | Acrobat

Creative & Video Tools
After Effects | Premiere Pro | Resolve | 360 video |

Digital Capture & File Management
Lightroom | Capture One | Bridge | Dropbox | Google Drive | FTP | Metadata Tagging | Backup Workflows |Color management

Web & UI/UX
UI/UX Design |Typography | Figma | Responsive Design | Dreamweaver | Lookbooks | Branding | Digital Campaign Design | Social & E-Commerce Asset Design

Print & Media
Print Layout | OOH | POS | Murals | Magazines | Promotional Materials |Experiential Installations | Large-Format

Office Software
Microsoft: Word | Excel | PowerPoint
Mac: Pages | Numbers | Keynote
Asana | Monday.com

Advocacy & Civic Engagement Leadership
Community Outreach | Stakeholder Engagement | Civic Advocacy | Public Policy | Data Analytics | Government Relations | Strategic Advocacy | Environmental Health | Non-Profit Leadership | Campaign Management | Public Speaking | Coalition Building | Social Impact Initiatives | Public Relations | Volunteer Management | Legislative Engagement | Program Development | Public Awareness Campaigns | Policy Advocacy

Languages

English – Native
Spanish – Fluent

Volunteer & Community Leadership

Elected Representative, District 6
Echo Park Neighborhood Council | 2019–Present

  • Lead land use reviews and zoning decisions, championing smart growth, cultural preservation, and community-first planning. Serve as liaison between residents, developers, and Council District 1 & 13 to ensure transparency and inclusive engagement.

  • Completed certified training in ethics, bias, and the Brown Act.

  • Advocated successfully for policies advancing green space equity, pedestrian safety, and historic preservation.

  • Facilitated public forums, amplified underrepresented voices, and built consensus across diverse stakeholders.

  • Partnered with planners and advocacy groups to align sustainable development with neighborhood identity.

  • Recognized for delivering clear, strategic presentations that drive equitable, long-term planning decisions.

Co-Founder
Vista Hermosa Heights Community Group
2018–Present

  • Secured $230M in environmental remediation funding to cap oil wells in underserved communities—working directly with the Mayor’s Office, Council District 1, State Assembly, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

  • Led data-driven environmental justice campaigns using SQL, Tableau, and GIS to identify heat islands, resulting in 100+ trees planted and major walkability improvements.

  • Acted as FilmLA liaison, overseeing community filming logistics, enforcing protections, and ensuring equitable collaboration between production companies and residents.

  • Spearheaded advocacy for safer streets, green space expansion, and public infrastructure upgrades—shaping city and state-level policy.

  • Built and managed the group’s digital presence, blending design, UX, and strategy to engage, inform, and organize residents.

  • Served as a public speaker and frontline representative on urban equity issues, uniting data, storytelling, and coalition-building.

  • Featured by ABC News, NPR, Hulu, and the Los Angeles Times for innovative civic leadership and effective grassroots campaigns.

Holidays From the Heart – Children's Hospital LA
Volunteer Coordinator | 2009–2020

  • Delivered gifts and support to families during the holidays

  • Trained volunteers and managed delivery logistics

Recognitions & Features

  • Featured On: ABC News | NPR | Hulu | Los Angeles Times

  • Guest Lecturer: CSU Northridge – Environmental advocacy in visual storytelling

  • Guest Lecturer: Pasadena City College – Advertising and Retouching in visual storytelling

  • Government Recognition: Contributions to civic equity and environmental health

 

My Work