Meet Juan David Arboleda | Associate Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juan David Arboleda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juan David, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was a kid, I used to play a game with my mom while watching television: Guess the brand of the ad, what made my first connection with advertising a funny experience. Years later, when I was pondering my future, I thought to myself: I want to be creative and make advertising that people can enjoy. So, I studied advertising and began my career at DDB, one of the best ad agencies in my hometown of Medellín. There, I spent four years among amazing people and mentors who helped shape my creative style. We achieved many accolades, including bringing home the first Gold Lion in Cannes Lions history for the city.

Later, I moved to Bogotá to join the prestigious agency Mullen Lowe SSP3. I had the privilege of working on meaningful and award-winning campaigns, from turning dance into a social business to breaking stereotypes in marriage proposals. We even turned radio beer ad disclaimers into messages to stop domestic violence. These campaigns were recognized in the most important festivals around the world. But life had bigger plans for me. One day, I received an offer from Casanova McCann USA to lead creativity for Chevrolet in the Hispanic market. I said yes, and from that moment, I lost the fear of change and developed a foreigner spirit that has helped me navigate multiple challenges in amazing agencies like 180LA and currently at BBDO.

The rest is the history and I’m living now, which I call the ad-merican dream. One day, I will write a book about this journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Dreaming is often romanticized when discussing achievements, but the sacrifices behind those dreams are rarely acknowledged. It’s like the fine print that no one wants to read, let alone follow. That’s why I’ve always believed that there’s no secret beyond hard work, humility, and staying true to your principles. For me, maintaining a positive and cheerful mode has opened many doors and led me to fulfill dreams that I never thought possible, even in my wildest dreams

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I always say the same thing about Los Angeles—it’s like many cities within one, and there are even more fantastic spots just a few hours’ drive away. So, I’d split the trip into three parts: City, Mountain, and Beach.

For a beach day, start off in Santa Monica to stroll along the Promenade and check out Pacific Park. Then, take a walk by the ocean to Venice to soak in the best of urban LA vibes. For lunch, head over to Provisions Beach in Playa del Rey and try their famous crab mac and cheese! it’s a hit.

Next up, the mountains! The following day, we could venture to Big Bear, just two hours from LA. Kick off the day with a delicious breakfast at Grizzly Manor Cafe, and if it’s winter, hit the slopes at Big Bear Lake Ski Resort.

Finally, back to the city. You can’t miss out on LA essentials like the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, and a visit to the bustling Central Market in Downtown. And why not wrap up the day with a classic movie screening at Quentin Tarantino’s theater, New Beverly.

Website: arboledajuan.com

Instagram: @juandavidarboleda

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-david-arboleda-aa7a5819/