Cerebras Nasdaq Tower Advertising & Event Branding
→ Role: Sole Illustrator & Character Designer
→Collaborators: Cerebras Creative Team, Eli Carrico, Anthony Esquivel
→Deliverables: Mascot Character System, Illustration Asset Library, Campaign Guidelines, Large-Scale Activation Assets
→Tooling: Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, Figma
As the sole illustrator and mascot designer, I created Cerebras’ llama mascot to serve as an approachable, flexible, and distinct voice for the brand—a playful counterbalance to the complexity of AI deep learning. The visual system was built from scratch to adapt across mediums, from large-scale activations to fast-turn social content, maintaining consistency without losing energy or personality.
Development included close alignment with the Cerebras creative team and motion designers to ensure the character assets translated effectively into motion and aligned with overarching brand guidelines.
After debuting at the Bay Area’s Llamapalooza event, the mascot scaled up to the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square to mark Cerebras as the first generative AI IPO. The bold, high-contrast illustration system held strong on a massive display, cutting through the noise of one of the world’s busiest intersections and reaching an estimated 150,000+ people in a single day.
The mascot has also since appeared in Cerebras events around the world, including England, France, India, and Singapore.
Working with motion designers, the llamas were brought to life through animation that enhanced their personality without overcomplicating the moment.The llama illustrations were built with flexibility in mind—holding their charm whether used small on stickers or blown up across a 7-story screen.