ART DIRECTOR. CREATIVE PRODUCER. FINGER-PAINTING DOG DAD.
Matt Plaia is an art director and artist based in Santa Monica, where he splits his time between design, creative production, and trying to convince his golden retriever, Lennie, that deadlines do in fact matter as much as her walks (sometimes). His work spans collaborations across North America, Europe, and Latin America, leading brand development and marketing campaigns for a diverse clientele—from agencies to entertainment studios.
ART DIRECTOR. CREATIVE PRODUCER. FINGER-PAINTING DOG DAD.
Matt Plaia is an art director and artist based in Santa Monica, where he splits his time between design, creative production, and trying to convince his golden retriever, Lennie, that deadlines do in fact matter as much as her walks (sometimes). His work spans collaborations across North America, Europe, and Latin America, leading brand development and marketing campaigns for a diverse clientele—from agencies to entertainment studios.
A former mental health research associate for UCLA turned creative, Matt’s advertising work for Warner Bros’ Stage 13 earned some notable recognition, including a Webby Award and multiple Telly Awards for the campaigns on “Special,” “Family Style,” and “It’s Bruno!” His interactive exhibit in Malibu, CA, “Sign-Posts On the Way to What May Be,” was showcased at the 2021 AIGA Design Educators Research Symposium, exploring the intersection of art as therapy and exhibition design. More recently, he’s been exploring how AI supports design and creative strategy, although he still prefers pencils and pastels.
In 2022, Matt led the rebranding of New York City real estate company Triplemint, which later merged with The Agency RE, where he serves as Art Director. While he continues to lead design, creative production, and branding initiatives across various markets, Matt finds the most inspiration from his wife and large Italian-Mexican family, whose influence is woven into his art and design.
A former mental health research associate for UCLA turned creative, Matt’s advertising work for Warner Bros’ Stage 13 earned some notable recognition, including a Webby Award and multiple Telly Awards for the campaigns on “Special,” “Family Style,” and “It’s Bruno!” His interactive exhibit in Malibu, CA, “Sign-Posts On the Way to What May Be,” was showcased at the 2021 AIGA Design Educators Research Symposium, exploring the intersection of art as therapy and exhibition design. More recently, he’s been exploring how AI supports design and creative strategy, although he still prefers pencils and pastels.
In 2022, Matt led the rebranding of New York City real estate company Triplemint, which later merged with The Agency RE, where he serves as Art Director. While he continues to lead design, creative production, and branding initiatives across various markets, Matt finds the most inspiration from his wife and large Italian-Mexican family, whose influence is woven into his art and design.
SPECIAL
2020 AWARD WINNER
Comedy: Long Form
Art Director, Marketing
FAMILY STYLE
2020 AWARD FINALIST
Multicultural Community Engagement
Art Director, Marketing
IT'S BRUNO!
2020 AWARD FINALIST
Pets & Animals
Art Director, Marketing
SPECIAL
2020 BRONZE WINNER
Comedy: Long Form or Series
Art Director, Marketing
FAMILY STYLE
2020 SILVER WINNER
Branded Content: Non-Scripted Series
Art Director, Marketing
IT'S BRUNO!
2020 SILVER WINNER
Social Video: Media & Entertainment
Art Director, Marketing
SPECIAL
2020 AWARD WINNER
Comedy: Long Form
Art Director, Marketing
FAMILY STYLE
2020 AWARD FINALIST
Multicultural Community Engagement
Art Director, Marketing
IT'S BRUNO!
2020 AWARD FINALIST
Pets & Animals
Art Director, Marketing
SPECIAL
2020 BRONZE WINNER
Comedy: Long Form or Series
Art Director, Marketing
FAMILY STYLE
2020 SILVER WINNER
Branded Content: Non-Scripted Series
Art Director, Marketing
IT'S BRUNO!
2020 SILVER WINNER
Social Video: Media & Entertainment
Art Director, Marketing