Biographies
Alex Valderrama, Principal/Brand Director
In early 1989, Alex founded X Design Company, which evolved into Cranium Studio in January of 2007. He oversees operations, branding and creative execution for the studio. He has taught branding and marketing courses at Arapahoe Community College and Metropolitan State College as well as a curriculum advisor to several universities and a mentor to students and interns. Alex has worked with national clients such as Massey Ferguson, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Gates Rubber Company and Principal Financial in addition to smaller businesses such as Delish Demure, Basil Doc’s Pizza, Spavia, Santa Claran Hotel and Aldo Leopardi just to name a few.
Alex has served as a judge on several national branding and marketing competitions. In addition, he lectures regularly on branding and marketing throughout the design community and the business sector.
Alex has also served as a marketing board member and independent branding advisor for several community development projects, non-profit organizations, business groups and marketing associations. Alex has helped to establish overall brand architecture, value proposition, differentiators, brand strategy, naming and strategic development of a branded marketing plan.
Alex and his firm have received over 80 national and international awards from Print Magazine, Graphics and American Corporate Identity among others. His work has also appeared in over 20 publications such as: The Big Book of Logos 3; The Best of Business Card Design 5; Blue is Hot, Red is Cool; Direct Response Graphics Book; Rockport’s Letterhead; Logo Design 6 Source Book; and, Best of Brochure Design 5.
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Nate Valderrama, Senior Graphic Designer
I prefer a good peanut butter cookie, unique typography, pantone 3262, live music at least three nights a week, my vinyl collection, First Friday, my Nishiki fixie, lots of reading and design that makes an impact.
Great design and music are my passions. Without them you might as well plant me in the ground next to the veggies.
The most important thing in my life has been design and its impact on everything we do. Being the son of an artist and designer, I have been exposed to design culture my entire life. Growing up I spent my years in design studios drawing and crafting art. Every summer during my high school years I taught children’s art classes full-time, set up art exhibitions and guided tours at Denver’s Contemporary Museum of Art.
In 2005 I began my career at Cranium Studio as an intern. Six months later I was hired as a full-time designer. After many successful years of working with clients, design teams, copywriters, photographers, etc. I was given the opportunity to direct Cranium Studio in Denver. Today, I am working really hard to continue my dream of creating phenomenal design, providing successful direction to clients and working with my peers to broaden both the community expertise and my design expertise.
