Biography
Florencio Raul Zavala is a Chicano creative leader at the intersection of design, technology, and social impact. As founder of Estudio Zavala, he harnesses the power of visual storytelling to address global challenges through local actions and partnerships.
Zavala's approach is deeply informed by his family's journey from the Bracero program to California's canning industry, instilling in him a commitment to social justice and sustainable practices. This unique perspective fuels his work across branding, art direction, digital media, and public art installations.
His portfolio spans from tech giants to grassroots initiatives, including recent collaborations with YouTube, The California Endowment, and Whole Foods. At YouTube, Zavala led global creative strategies, translating complex features into accessible, engaging content for billions of users. His work on Whole Foods' comprehensive brand refresh navigated the complexities of their Amazon acquisition, ensuring brand integrity across all touchpoints.
An ADC Young Gun and Print New Visual Artist, Zavala's work is recognized in the LACMA's permanent collection and was featured in "Inside Out & Upside Down: Posters from CalArts 1980–2019." His experience includes leadership roles at MullenLowe LA, BBH LA, and Apple, where he consistently bridged creativity with strategic business objectives.
Now based in Hollywood, FL, Zavala remains actively engaged with the arts, environment and sustainable food practices, collaborating with local schools, farms and non-profits. This ongoing connection to emerging food trends and sustainability informs his approach to conscious consumerism and brand responsibility.
Zavala's work is guided by core principles:
Design with purpose, prioritizing people and planet
Embrace the medium as an integral part of the message
Seek clarity of vision while celebrating creative play
Style as a reflection of values, aspirations, and character
Through his work, Zavala continues to challenge norms, amplify underrepresented voices, and push the boundaries of design's role in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.