CCO & Founder

Jonathan Notaro founded Brand New School in 2000. An acclaimed film director and the company’s Chief Creative Officer, his commitment to the power of visual thinking earned him the highest recognition in the many fields of commercial art in which he practices. His work quickly made BNS a worldwide leader in visual storytelling and design. A graduate of CalArts, Jonathan honed his craft at Fuel/Razorfish before founding BNS. He continues to share his knowledge by participating in workshops and lecturing across the globe. Additionally, he’s won a few awards.

Jonathan Notaro

Executive Creative Director, Director, Partner

Chris is an award-winning Creative Director whose vision and versatility make him one of the most sought after leaders in the advertising realm. He has worked with a number of major global brands, including Apple, Google, and Amazon; as well as directing animation for clients ranging from Lego to The Beatles.

Prior to joining Brand New School, Chris co-founded the design and animation studio National Television, where he served as Executive Creative Director. Over the last few years, Chris has been invited to lecture at the FITC Creativity & Technology Conference in Amsterdam as well as the AIGA Design and MOVE Conferences.

Additionally, he served on the D&AD jury, and taught Advanced Typography at Art Center College of Design and CalArts.

Chris Dooley

Creative Director, Director

Nico Casavecchia is an Argentine director, screenwriter and illustrator based in Los Angeles. His work employs mixed media techniques ranging from animation to live action. Nico’s work has been showcased in Wired, BBC, Indi Wire and New York Times, and film festivals as Sundance, SXSW, Austin Film Festival, BAFICI, and Siggraph, among others, and collected Gold and Bronze statues in Cannes, Clio, AICP, and London LIA awards.

His first feature film “Finding Sofía” debuted at the 2016 Austin Film Festival and was distributed domestically by Gunpowder & Sky / Film Buff and is currently available in HULU, among other VOD platforms. BattleScar, a virtual reality film starring Rosario Dawson, written and co-directed by Nico premiered in Sundance Film Festival 2018. The Verge described the film as done with “Unusual confidence and sophistication”.

In 2013 Nico directed A Boy and His Atom, a film created by IBM Research scientists made by moving carbon monoxide molecules. It is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s smallest stop-motion film.

Nico Casavecchia

Mitch Paone, Exec. Creative Director – DIA

DIA is a branding and graphic design studio specializing in kinetic identities and typographic systems. Headquartered in NYC and Chamonix, France, they've developed a new approach to designing identity systems where motion is foundational and creative tools always accompany brand guidelines. Their generative tools and autonomous design systems empower internal teams and simplify oversight.

The focus of R&D in their studio keeps them growing and anticipating how new forms of technology will affect brands and how we communicate. NYC is their base; however, they've been recruited by some of Europe’s best universities because of our unique approach to design. Mitch Paone, Dia's Creative Director, most recently taught design at Haute école d‘art et de design – Genève, Switzerland (HEAD) and The Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, Netherlands (KABK). He was the first  La Becque x ECAL residency professor in La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland. His courses implement DIA’s creative process into the academic curriculum, focusing on motion and generative tools in a graphic design context.

DIA Studio

Director

Based in Brooklyn, NY, director Kyle Sauer aims to entertain and excite, creating videos that make live-action feel as boundless and liberated as classic cartoons. He works with state-of-the-art technology and practical builds to create videos and campaigns conversing with internet culture geared toward younger generations. Kyle is drawn to projects that allow him to tell visually daring and emotionally resonant stories in mediums ranging from music videos and commercials to installations and GIFs.

As a commercial director, Kyle has been at the helm of traditional spots for clients like Bud Light, Adidas, Popeyes, Burger King, Instacart, Mastercard, Aeropostale, Oscar Mayer, Shopify, and Geico. His unique skills led him to direct experimental and interactive commercial campaigns for KFC, Virgin Voyages, Pepsi, and Meta. His work as a music video director includes collaborations with artists like Keke Palmer, Hippo Campus, and Young The Giant. His short film “Take Me To Your Party” is streaming on Roku originals, and his award-winning comedy short “Dave And Alice Want To Have Sex” premiered at multiple festivals across the US.

Kyle Sauer

Associate Creative Director

Reza Rasoli is an Iranian/Indonesian award-winning director, creative director, artist, writer and teacher in Los Angeles. His eclectic portfolio is a combination of a cross-disciplinary approach from animation, live-action, VFX, design to puppetry. He is particularly focused on concept driven stories with an upbeat and whimsical tone.

He has collaborated with many brands over the span of a decade+ including Disney, Facebook, Instagram, HBO, Hulu, Google, Pepsico, Snapchat, Square, Target, Wrigley and Vans.

Reza Rasoli

Art Director

Daniel grew up in the southern part of Mexico City surrounded by art and culture in his grandfather’s library. His extensive background in design and animation has led him to create films with a unique sensibility for visual storytelling that elevates the everyday.

Daniel’s short film was part of the YDA ’20 and was awarded at the Savannah Film Festival, and his music videos have gathered a UKMVA nomination and more than 90 million views. In 2017 he was awarded as one of the Shots "Rising Stars", where he was selected as the next generation of artists under the age of 30 in the creative industries.

Daniel Uribe

Native Angelino Scott Uyeshima’s biggest inspiration is his love for graffiti and street culture, which is evident in the vibe and edge that he brings to his creative work. During college, Scott interned at the Japanese American National Museum, where he was able to explore his family heritage through the medium of art and animation.

Career-wise, Scott got his start designing custom artwork for the Nike Vault boutique, and upon joining Brand New School he began expanding and refining his innate design and animation sensibilities.

Like many folks in LA, Scott is a lifelong basketball fan, and so when the opportunity arose to work on an animated short film starring legendary players including Glen Keane, Kobe Bryant and John Williams, he leapt at the chance. Scott’s passion project became “Dear Basketball”, which went on to win Oscar, Emmy and Annie awards.

Scott Uyeshima

Brand New School

Creative Director

Andrés is a design powerhouse with a passionate love of storytelling, evidenced in both his work and his personality. His versatile skills allow him to create stunning designs that seamlessly move between 2D, 3D, and illustration. Since 2010, Andrés has been an integral part of the BNS family. Andrés has played a leading role in bringing some of our most lauded projects to life. As a Creative Director, he leads with humor and passion to inspire his team and bring out the best in everyone.

Andres Rivera

BRUT operates as a diverse mixed-media collective and experimental incubator. Founded by visionary director Martin Allais, it champions innovative concepts and emerging talent, excelling in a wide array of artistic techniques such as 2D cel animation, stop-motion, and 3D animation. Their adeptness at seamlessly integrating live-action elements into creative projects further distinguishes their vibrant and distinctive visual style. BRUT's current roster features a talented ensemble of artists and directors.

BRUT

Martin Allais, recognized as a multidisciplinary artist of Latinx heritage, boasts an illustrious career. His directorial credits span commercials for prestigious brands such as Oreo, Facebook, Samsung, and Dr. Pepper. Notably, his work on the Samsung Holiday campaign earned him a Bronze Lion Award at the Cannes Lions Festival. Recently, Martin’s animated VR experience chronicling New York City’s punk scene in the 70s, narrated by Rosario Dawson, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and garnered multiple esteemed awards. Beyond commercials, he has contributed to music videos and visuals for artists like Kid Koala, LCD Soundsystem, De la Soul, Madlib, Dj Rocc, and Diplo, with his work frequently featured in Vimeo Staff Picks, AICP, Cannes, Klik Animation Festival, SXSW, and Sundance, among others.

Martin Allais

Garrett Braren

VFX Lead

As VFX Lead, Blake Huber brings over 20 years of experience, a keen eye, and multidisciplinary skill set to all his projects at Brand New School. Blake’s singular approach to VFX leverages experimentation and meticulous attention to detail, building off his innate design perspective. He also serves as an on-set VFX supervisor for live-action shoots, bringing him a breadth of knowledge that extends well beyond the studio.

Blake Huber

Lead Animator

Gerald Soto is the preeminent animation lead in NYC for design, animation, and direction of myriad branded content projects. As the Lead Animator at BNS, Gerald is known for his creative versatility, ingenuity, and groundbreaking approach to problem-solving. A true professor in and out of the studio, he continues to teach and mentor in the graphic design department at the School of Visual Arts, as he has for over a decade.

Gerald Mark Soto

Animation Director

As an Animation Director at Brand New School, Jeff Bryson enjoys honing in on the perfect style for each project’s story and combining disparate storytelling techniques to create a new visual experience. Jeff began his tenure at BNS as an intern after graduating from the School of Visual Arts (SVA) with a BFA in Computer Art, growing alongside the company as he honed his skill set. Amongst his favorite projects are Nike-Huarache, Sprouts, and Café Bustelo.

Jeff Bryson

Animation Director Pete Germano studied art and animation at the Art Institute, graduating with a degree in 3D animation. He spends his days at BNS leading projects that live at the dynamic intersection of design, animation, and storytelling. Pete believes that collaboration is not only an essential part of every project but also a creative opportunity to grow the next generation of talent.

Pete Germano

Emeric Trahand is a Creative Director whose illustrations are renowned for their surrealist feel, treatment of light, and colorful compositions. Originally from Saint Etienne, France, Emeric joined the New York studio of Brand New School in 2020. He has collaborated on design, illustration, and animation projects with renowned global brands, including Apple, Google, Cisco, Snapchat, and Adobe, amongst others.

Emeric Trahand

Technical Director

Growing up in Astoria, New York, Dan Bradham enjoyed tinkering with electronics and computers. As Technical Director of Brand New School, Dan thrives on problem-solving, which might mean designing and programming a new workflow for the team or creating a unique simulation or animation in Houdini. Among the highlights of his tenure at BNS are projects that have enabled him to manage 3D animation and compositing pipelines.

Dan Bradham

Head of CG

Over the last decade, Russ has become one of the most respected leaders in the industry. Before joining Brand New School in 2012, he was active at nearly every major studio in NYC.

Russ is a hands-on technician whose interests gravitate towards the latest technology and software for his craft. Russ and his team of artists make the impossible possible, creating stunning 3D work that is visually captivating and technically superb.

Russ Wootton

As a Creative Director at Brand New School, Rochester native Jeff Welk thrives when infusing his design work with thought, wit and humor. A few of his standout projects include, “The Future of Work” for Slack, Apple Arcade, and Google Holiday. Off hours, Jeff is on foot as a published photographer and darkroom printer.

Jeff Welk

We seek original thinkers who share our beliefs and want to contribute to our mission. People who want creative opportunities to express their authenticity through their work and inspire more originality in the world.

Designing the best workplace is our most important project.

Each employee is assigned a mentor to advise and guide mentees in achieving their goals, while mentors stay in tune with growth trends.

Mentorships

We believe individual growth is the key to success and happiness in your job. Our review format and mentorship programs are designed to foster growth through short-term and long-term goals.

Growth Plans

Our dedicated budget for staff training and ongoing education equips our team to build new skills and grow with the business.

Continued Education

BNS covers 100% of the premium costs at the employee level for the medical, dental, and vision plans.

Health Coverage

All employees are eligible for our 401k plan, with unlimited access to the plan’s financial advisors for planning and investment advice.

401k Plan

We focus on letting you focus with a workflow that balances remote work with onsite collaboration. Employees are provided equipment for use in both the home and office for flexibility.

Hybrid Work Model

Employees are given an allowance to recognize each other’s hard work and contribution in the form of a peer bonus.

Peer Bonuses

What better way to find new talent than to ask within our walls? Employees are encouraged to bring new talent into the fold and are rewarded for doing so!

Recruiting Bonuses

We welcome your furry friends to our studios, as long as they are office-trained and play well with others.

Originals are welcome.

Designing the best workplace is our most important project.

Meet The Makers