Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristian Sandoval Puentes.
Hi Cristian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Colombian artist with a background in Graphic Design from Los Libertadores University, and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Motion Media Design at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). My journey began several years ago in Bogotá, my hometown, with a deep interest in illustration and design. Since then, my path has been a combination of creative exploration, constant learning, and a strong commitment to crafting images that tell stories, spark connections, and invite reflection.
I come from a middle-class family and am part of the first generation to access higher education. That’s why I deeply believe in the transformative power of education—many of my life decisions have been shaped around it. I’ve always seen knowledge as a way to open doors, not just professionally but also personally.
Between 2016 and 2017, while finishing my studies in Colombia, I decided to take a couple of electives in After Effects and motion design. That became a turning point: although I already had some background in animation, something clicked. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by film and video games, but until then, I hadn’t found a clear way to merge those passions with my training in graphic design. Motion became that bridge.
Since then, I’ve worked as a designer, illustrator, and art director on a variety of projects, exploring themes ranging from visual identity and representation to political and experimental approaches. Through that journey, I discovered two areas that truly excite me: visual design connected to music (like music videos, concert visuals, and creative direction for artists) and the world of title sequences, where design, rhythm, narrative, and cinematography intersect.
This passion led me to give talks, workshops, and courses about the history, artistry, and impact of title sequences, as well as teaching illustration and After Effects in several diploma programs. These were years of growth and dedication, but eventually, after the pandemic, I reached a moment of personal crisis. I felt the need to pause, reassess my path, and reconnect with what I truly wanted: to design title sequences. Even though I had always admired and studied them, I realized I had never actually created one. That insight pushed me to take a leap and apply to SCAD.
At that turning point, I also met my partner—an incredible illustrator and artist—with whom I share not only life, but also a passion for creative growth. Together, we packed our lives into a couple of suitcases and moved to Savannah, driven by the conviction that we could build something greater and grow in the creative industries we both love.
I chose SCAD because I want to specialize in title sequence design, a field that brings together many of my interests: visual composition, typography, narrative rhythm, visual metaphor, and cinema. In Colombia, title design is still an emerging field; therefore, my goal is to grow and contribute to the vibrant, collaborative community that exists in the U.S.
Today, I continue to combine making and thinking—developing motion graphics and visual storytelling projects, exploring analog and digital techniques, and experimenting with a visual approach that blends the surreal with the symbolic. I’m interested in creating images that resonate emotionally with audiences and in building a visual language that allows me to tell meaningful, identity-driven stories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—and I think that’s true for many of us who choose a creative path. Coming to study in the U.S. from Colombia, especially coming from a lower-middle-class background, has involved a series of sacrifices and challenges that go far beyond academic effort. Accessing resources, navigating visas, funding tuition, and adapting to a new culture while trying to stay creatively inspired can be overwhelming. But these challenges have also taught me resilience and helped me appreciate every step I’ve taken to be here.
One of the most defining moments in my personal journey was being diagnosed with clinical depression a few years ago. It was a painful but eye-opening experience. That diagnosis helped me slow down and reevaluate what I truly wanted from life, not just professionally, but emotionally and personally. It pushed me to question whether I was creating for others or myself, and it ultimately helped me clarify that I wanted to build a life where art wasn’t just a career, but also a source of meaning and connection.
Like many artists, I also wrestle with impostor syndrome. That voice in your head that questions whether you’re good enough, whether your work matters, whether you’re “really” an artist—that voice never fully goes away. It shows up especially when you’re surrounded by brilliant people (as is normal at SCAD, with thousands of marvelous Artists around you), or when you’re trying something new. But I’ve learned to see those doubts as part of the process. They’re uncomfortable, but they also remind me that I care deeply about what I do.
Art isn’t about certainty—it’s about exploration. The creative road is full of doubt, but also full of moments of truth. It’s those flashes of clarity, connection, or growth that make the struggles worth it. Every hard moment I’ve faced—from financial stress to mental health battles—has shaped the way I see the world and the kind of work I want to put into it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is rooted in motion design, art direction, and visual storytelling. I specialize in creating emotionally resonant visuals that combine strong conceptual thinking with an experimental approach to composition, rhythm, and typography. My background in graphic design, paired with my passion for film, music, and animation, allows me to move fluidly between static and moving images, always looking for ways to tell stories that feel both personal and impactful.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the work I’ve done during my time at SCAD. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to create the first two title sequences of my life, which has been an incredibly meaningful milestone. Finally being able to explore this format—something I’ve admired for years—feels like aligning with a long-held dream.
On the professional side, a project that holds a very special place in my heart is the full creative direction I did for Supernova, the debut album by Colombian artist Fátima Push. I designed the entire visual concept of the album, animated the video lyrics and visualizers, and created all the cover art for the release. It was a deeply collaborative and creatively rich process that allowed me to merge music and visual design in a way that felt authentic and expressive. That project is a reflection of my ability to build cohesive visual worlds across different platforms and formats.
What sets my work apart is my ability to move between the poetic and the strategic—to create visuals that are emotionally charged but also grounded in clear design thinking. I approach every project with sensitivity, curiosity, and a desire to say something meaningful, not just make something beautiful. Whether it’s a title sequence, a music video, or a visual identity, my goal is always to create work that resonates on multiple levels.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always open to collaborations and creative partnerships. I’m available to work on projects involving motion design, illustration, art direction, or creative direction—especially those connected to music artists and independent filmmakers, which are two areas I’m truly passionate about.
If you’re interested in working together or simply want to connect, feel free to reach out!
You can find me on all platforms as @crioff:
🌐 Website: www.crioff.com
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/crioff
🎥 Vimeo: vimeo.com/crioff
🎨 Behance: behance.net/crioff
I’d love to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crioff.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crioff
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crioff/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/crioff
Image Credits
Image 3: MARIPOSAS DE LA ETERNIDAD
Short Film and Original Idea by: Veronica Ramirez
End Credits Sequence Directed by: Cristian Sandoval (@crioff)
Design, Animation, and Art Direction: Cristian Sandoval (@crioff)
Music: “Before Pranzo” by Luiz Murá
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Image 4: THE MORNING STAR – Title Sequence
Directed by: Anna Porter (@annaporterdesign) and Cristian Sandoval (@crioff)
Type Design and Typoe Animation by: Anna Porter (@annaporterdesign)
Design, Animation and Art Direction: Cristian Sandoval (@crioff)
Special Thanks: Duff Yong
