Photograph by Daniel Mattallana
Jewelry
www.elenamatallana.com


I’m an art director and motion living and working in New York. Currently. I lead design and storytelling across digital news, editorial and product platforms. At CNN Digital, I have directed award-winning explainers and led development of visual content into clear, accessible experiences for millions of viewers. 

My background spans Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US. My roots are from Italy and Jamaica. A broad international perspective has shaped how I approach design, typically with a global, adaptable and human-centered mindset.

I’ve collaborated with teams at TED, Gizmodo, Vimeo, Yahoo Studios and Al Jazeera English among others, balancing creative skills with fast paced workflows for various media platforms.

Recent recognition includes Emmy Awards for Outstanding Graphic Design & Art Direction, Webby Awards and Society of Publication Designers Gold Medals. 

Outside of work, I teach yoga and breathwork.






Honours | Awards:

International Emmy Awards: Juror (2023, 2024, 2025)

Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Graphic Design & Art Direction (2022, 2024, 2025)

Lovie Awards: Silver Winner in Websites & Mobile

Sites: News & Politics (2024)

Online News Association: Digital Video

Storytelling - Social Media (2024)

Society for News Design Award: Animation Design (2024)

Webby Awards: Official Honoree (2024)

Emmy Awards: Outstanding Graphic Design & Art

Direction (2022, 2023)

Webby Awards: Best Use of Video or Moving

Image (2023, 2x)

Society of Publication Designers: Gold Medal

Winner (2023)

Lovie Awards: Silver Winner in Film & Video:

Animation (2023)

Writers Guild Award: TV Graphic Art & Animation

(2017)

Vimeo Staff Picks (2017)