Darlene Sanchez
Darlene Sanchez is a seasoned Creative Project Manager, Senior Multimedia Designer, and Art Director with a decade of experience bringing bold ideas to life through motion design and visual storytelling. As the founder of Dar.Ivel, she leads creative projects that merge strategy and artistry, specializing in art direction, branding, animation, and visual effects. Darlene holds a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Graphics and Visual Effects from the Art Institute of Tampa, where she developed her passion for crafting visually immersive experiences that connect with audiences on an emotional level.
Throughout her career, Darlene has made a significant mark in the sports and entertainment industry, notably during her eight-year tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Starting as a Motion Graphics Assistant and rising to Motion Graphics Creative Manager, she contributed to award-winning campaigns and live-event visuals that energized fans and elevated the team’s brand presence. Her work has been recognized with honors such as the IDEA Conference Award for Best Scene Theme Night and NAB Las Vegas Top 10 Viewed Max Videos, as well as a career highlight—creating a Stanley Cup celebration animation in under 48 hours that became a fan favorite.
Beyond her professional achievements, Darlene is deeply passionate about creative innovation, mentorship, and representation. She enjoys cycling, movie nights, and producing electronic music—where she experiments with blending visuals and sound. Looking ahead, she aspires to establish her own creative agency, inspire women and Latinas in tech, and continue speaking at industry events to share her insights on design, technology, and storytelling. Her mission remains clear: to create experiences that move people, both visually and emotionally.
• Art Institute of Tampa- BA
• IDEA Conference Award – Best Scene Theme Night
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance. For nine years, I worked without taking a single day off, continuously learning and pushing myself forward. My growth comes from a commitment to self-education, a passion for creative evolution, and a determination to remain competitive in a male-dominated field. I also believe in the importance of sharing knowledge with others and leading by example—being a leader among leaders.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “Just start. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to begin.” This simple yet powerful reminder gave me the courage to launch my freelance business and step into creative leadership roles, even during times of doubt or imposter syndrome. It taught me that progress comes from action, not perfection.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is: keep creating, even if no one is watching. Your portfolio is your proof. Consistency and creativity will open doors long before recognition does. I also encourage you to build your personal brand, keep learning new tools and software, and connect with other artists—especially through online communities. Collaboration and continuous growth are key to building a lasting career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the lack of female representation in motion design and visual effects. Freelance instability can also be difficult, especially when it comes to managing the business side of creative work. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes nature of what we do often means that the creative process isn’t always fully recognized or appreciated. On the other hand, there are incredible opportunities emerging. The growth of remote and freelance work has expanded access to global projects in the digital arts. There’s also a rising demand for interactive branding and visual storytelling, which allows for more creative experimentation. Beyond client work, I see great potential to educate and inspire others through speaking engagements, mentorship, and community involvement.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are creativity, community, consistency, and inspiration. Creativity fuels my passion and keeps me curious, while community reminds me of the importance of connection and collaboration. Consistency helps me stay disciplined and committed to my goals. Most importantly, I strive to inspire others by doing what I love and being visible as a Latina in tech—showing that representation and perseverance can open doors for the next generation of creators.
Locations
Dar.Ivel
Tampa, FL 33605