Claudia Canas is a visionary Creative Director with a dynamic career spanning acclaimed agencies in Los Angeles and Dubai, including DDB Worldwide, Saatchi LA, 72 and Sunny LA, and FP7 McCann Dubai. With a keen eye for business development and a track record of success, Claudia brings a unique blend of creative expertise and strategic acumen to every project.

Throughout her journey in the industry, Claudia has led teams in developing innovative campaigns that captivate audiences and drive measurable results for clients. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to foster strong client relationships have earned her a reputation for delivering exceptional work.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Claudia is an avid traveler, having traversed over 120 countries. This global perspective enriches her creative approach and allows her to understand different consumer mindsets on an international scale.

Claudia's exceptional interpersonal skills and her ability to inspire and motivate her creative teams foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that client needs are not only met but exceeded. This harmonious blend of client focus, team leadership, and creative vision further distinguishes Claudia as a dynamic force in the industry, driving unparalleled success and making a significant impact wherever she goes.

Creative Director | M&C Saatchi

Dubai | Aug 2024 – Present

Clients: Aldar Properties

Led creative development and direction for integrated real estate and lifestyle campaigns, from strategic concepts through film, photography and rollout.

Freelance Creative Director | Disney / McCann / M&C Saatchi

Los Angeles / Dubai | Dec 2023 – Jul 2024

Clients: Disney, McCann, M&C Saatchi

Provided senior creative direction and hands-on concept development across agency and brand assignments.

Creative Director | FP7 McCann

Dubai | Jun 2020 – Aug 2023

Clients: GMC, OnStar, Nestlé, Mastercard, McDonald’s, Sun & Sand Sports, Atlantis, Shoemart, Aldar Properties

Directed multidisciplinary creative work across automotive, consumer, retail, hospitality and property accounts.

Associate Creative Director | Decoded Advertising

Los Angeles, CA | Jul 2018 – Mar 2020

Clients: Visa, T-Mobile, Metro, Caldrea, Johnson & Johnson

Associate Creative Director | Hoodoo Creative

Los Angeles, CA | Jan 2016 – Jan 2018

Clients: Keurig, Warren Tricomi, CBTL, Whole Foods, SmileActives, Conair, Circulon, Little Passports

Associate Creative Director | Grupo Gallegos Advertising

Huntington Beach, CA | Nov 2013 – Jan 2016

Clients: Comcast Xfinity, California Milk Processor Board, JCPenney, Pistachios, Foster Farms

Design Director | Script to Screen Inc.

Orange County, CA | Feb 2008 – Nov 2012

Clients: TurboFire, Met-Rx, Cuisinart, Contour, Tria Beauty, Creatopia, Slice, Rusk

Associate Creative Director | Saatchi & Saatchi LA

Los Angeles, CA | Sep 2005 – Jul 2007

Clients: Toyota

Associate Creative Director | DDB Worldwide

Los Angeles, CA | May 2002 – Aug 2005

Clients: Ameriquest Mortgage, California Lottery, Sparkletts

EDUCATION

Communications Advertising — California State University, Fullerton | Art Direction — Art Center, Pasadena |

Portfolio Program — The Bookshop

LANGUAGES & CREATIVE TOOLS

English & Spanish | AI image and video exploration: Krea, Midjourney

LIFE EXPERIENCES

I’ve traveled to over 120 countries and experienced some wild stuff along the way. 

In Southeast Asia, I got bit by a monkey and lived with many indigenous tribes. I traveled Central America by chicken bus, evacuated an erupting volcano, became a Reaki master, and rented my own private island. I swam with sharks in the Great Barrier Reef, danced with the richest Romanian gypsies, slept on the Great Wall of China and saw the most beautiful sunset from the tallest building in the world (but that was nothing compared to the sunrise over the Himalayas I saw while staying in a monastery in Nepal.)

I’ve hiked the Machu Picchu Trail, spent the night with a tarantula in the Amazon jungle, and drank whisky chilled with a chunk of ice from a South American Glacier. I’ve been to the city of “Hell,” swam with over 300 sting rays in the Caribbean, crossed the length of Russia on the Trans Siberian Railway, and spent many nights sleeping in the tents of Mongolian nomads. 

I’ve taken a selfie at the foot of Everest and from a private plane at the top. I’ve ridden camels and elephants and bathed in the Ganges river. I’ve been on safari through five countries in Africa and got lost in the biggest Medina in Morocco. From Chernobyl to the pyramids of Egypt, my thirst for adventure is never-ending.

Traveling the world inspires my work everyday. I’m constantly drawing upon the images my mind filled with incredible people and places. So don’t be surprised if you see some of my ideas start with...Open on a deserted island in the Caribbean.