From designing for MTV to leading creative at Disney, Gennifer Leong Alvarado’s journey proves the power of fearless creativity.
Gennifer Leong Alvarado. Photo by Mark Seliger, 2023
Written by Rachael Dubinsky
Gennifer Leong Alvarado (BFA ‘99) didn’t know what to expect when she moved to Boston to attend MassArt, but she remembers her first day as a transfer student quite clearly. Everyone was sitting in a circle making their introductions and then one person proceeded to get up and do an entire spoken word piece on their name. At that moment, she knew she had found an incredibly unique community of talented creatives.
As a Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM) student, Leong Alvarado took a variety of multimedia classes, exposing her to everything from sound to video to installation. She got involved with student groups and produced events across Boston, and even heard the Dalai Lama speak at Harvard. Leong Alvarado credits her time at MassArt with giving her access to all different types of artists and the broad range of careers available in art and design.
After graduation, she moved to New York City and applied for an internship at MTV. A fellow MassArt alumnus, Colin Barton (BFA ‘93), who had presented in one of her SIM classes, saw her resume and instead of an internship, offered her a full-time production assistant position. This serendipitous opportunity, Leong Alvardo recalls, is what laid the foundation for the rest of her career.
Gennifer on set for a MTV commercial doing production designer, 2007.
“I was able to really hit the ground running by being comfortable with experimenting in mediums like animation and stop motion,” Leong Alvarado shared. “The ability to adapt to the unknown while trying new things is a skillset that has been hugely helpful throughout my career.”
Leong Alvarado eventually became an Art Director at MTV and then went on to a variety of innovative roles in the entertainment industry. From designing commercial sets to branding for the Oprah Winfrey Network, she has had a front row seat to the changing visual landscape for broadcast networks.
Leong Alvarado’s most recent role as Vice President for Branding, Design and Creative Services at Disney Entertainment oversees the creative strategy for television series on ABC that also stream on Hulu. Her team does everything from designing posters (key art), social media advertisements, billboards, and more for shows like The Bachelor, American Idol, and 911. Her team’s work can also be found in Disney Parks and on Disney Cruises. Her position also allows her to work across Disney, Freeform, FX, Hulu, and National Geographic to help guide Disney Entertainments’ overarching umbrella branding and design.
3D Abbott Elementary billboard production photo
Gennifer with 3D Abbott Elementary billboard in Los Angeles.
Emmys 2024 Red Carpet design/installation after photo
Bringing designs to life has been both challenging and rewarding for Leong Alvarado. Learning how to read a room and give and receive feedback, a foundational skill learned during her time at MassArt, has enabled her to execute design campaigns at the highest levels.
With the entertainment industry constantly evolving, her advice for students is simple: “don’t be afraid to explore because your path can lead you to unexpected places.”
Don’t be afraid to explore because your path can lead you to unexpected places.Jennifer Leong Alvarado
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