Meet the Team: Lisa Saldivar
Asking insightful questions, looking at challenges from unexpected angles, and creating work that's as thoughtful as it is memorable comes naturally to AVEC's Creative Director, Lisa Saldivar.
She effortlessly brings that mindset to every project. Whether she's leading a rebrand, painting a mural, or finding inspiration in everyday moments, she believes the best creative work is equal parts strategy, exploration, and craft. We asked Lisa a few questions about what inspires her, what she's working on, and why she's still as excited about branding after 11 years as she was on day one.
What's your favorite part of your firm’s culture, and how does it contribute to your professional growth?
After 11 years, I'd say it's the opportunity to keep growing. In 2024, I took a sabbatical to focus on my painting, and that work is now being exhibited in a solo show at the Museo de la Cancillería. I'm grateful to work somewhere that values creativity both inside and outside the office.
What's the most interesting project you've worked on recently, and what did you learn from it?
That's a tough one after 11 years! I’ll go with a recent fave, the Rocksalt rebrand. It was one of those projects that reminded me why I love what I do. We created something I'm really proud of, and it also challenged me to grow as a Creative Director by thinking beyond the design itself and focusing on how we lead clients through the creative process.
HRD is also a good one that reminded me that some of the best work comes from embracing curiosity, playfulness, and a willingness to try something unexpected. Together, they represent two sides of what I love most about branding.
If you could swap roles with anyone at AVEC for a day, who would it be and why?
Rena! Mostly because I'd love to understand what goes on in her brain. She's always thinking about the business from 30,000 feet and she somehow makes business strategy look approachable, and I'd be curious to see what a day in her shoes is really like. I have a feeling I'd come back with a whole new appreciation for what she does.
Where do you find creative inspiration outside of work?
I'm a painter, and every now and then I trade my computer screen for a giant wall. I love creating large-scale artwork, and it's become an important creative outlet that constantly inspires the way I think about design, color, and storytelling. It's a nice reminder that not every creative decision has an "undo" button.
What's something you're excited about right now?
Workwise, I'm excited about expanding our branding services and launching our new Brand Reviews. It's been fun stepping back and thinking about branding from a more strategic perspective, while still getting to obsess over the visual details.
At home, I'm most excited about becoming a mom. Watching my daughter discover the world has been the biggest creative inspiration of all. She reminds me every day to slow down, stay curious, and appreciate the little things.
The People Behind the Work
From gallery walls to brand strategy, Lisa approaches every creative challenge with the same mix of curiosity, intention, and optimism. It's a perspective that shapes not only the work we create for our clients, but the way we collaborate as a team. We're lucky to have her helping our clients tell their stories—and making AVEC a much more creative place in the process.
Museo de la Cancillería
Museo de la Cancillería
