Meet Andreas Ranasen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andreas Ranasen.

Andreas, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story started far, far away from Los Angeles, CA. It started in a small city of 100,000 people called Boras. A city in western Sweden. Growing up in a somewhat small city was tough. Growing up gay in a small city was even tougher. I grew up having little to no friends, bullied everyday, and anxiety of getting on that school bus every morning. It was a time I had no one. All I had was JK Rowling and her books teaching me courage. And in Dumbledore’s own words, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”.

When I was 18 years old, I took the courage of coming out to my mother. I was fully prepared to no longer have a relationship with them because that is a sad reality for so many of my LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. Luckily my mom and my siblings were accepting of my sexual orientation.

In 2010 (I was 19), I graduated from Upper Secondary High School (College in Sweden). I decided to take a big step and move to the United States by myself. With one suitcase and a big dream, I moved to Los Angeles, CA. To further my education in the creative arts. I was a straight A student with so much talent and hard work to prove myself to people. That I am good. That I am someone.

Shortly after graduating, I started my first job at an agency here in Los Angeles called Battery Agency. I was excited. The first projects we worked on was with; AECOM – a Fortune 500 company, Mike’s Harder and NBC Universal. This led me to have some really great pieces to add to my new portfolio. Shortly after, my career just took off. I quickly gained reputation and grew as a creative. From a Jr Graphic Designer to a Sr Motion Designer, to now a Digital Art Director. The past seven year’s I’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing agencies, studios and brands such as Walt Disney Studios, Paramount, Lionsgate, Amazon, Fabletics, JustFab, Stampede, BOND, Midnight Oil, and so many more. One thing i love about my work, is that i’ve been able to tap into both entertainment and fashion. Able to build a solid relationship with both industries. From ideating and executing paid social marketing for Disney’s blockbuster Aladdin (2019), concepting on Tom Cruise’s Top Gun (2020), to creating a better experience for new customers in the fashion industry and getting them excited to shop.

All of this while being ME. Unapologetically ME. I spent my entire childhood not being myself. But ever since I decided I wanted, and most of all NEEDED a change in my life, things have just gotten better. It was really as if that darkness went away. It was the tough times in my early childhood that made me the hustler I am today. Never taking a no for an answer and always pushing myself and improving myself in all aspects of life and in my career.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For anyone with big dreams, the road is never smooth. From working very long hours to make your dreams happen, to always having those thoughts of “What can I do more?”. You always set a bar for yourself, but that bar will always raise as you grow in your career. And what obstacles can you get over to get there? It’s about finding those solutions.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a senior creative leader with seven years of experience in digital brand building and performance advertising campaigns for some of the most esteemed and exciting creative agencies, film studios and direct-to-consumer brands. My expertise: Social media advertising, video and motion design, landing page creation, design for performance. My current focus is to just take life day by day. We live in tough times right now, so making sure myself and the ones around me stay healthy is top priority.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The most important aspect of success is believing in yourself and what you are capable of. There will always be doubts. But believing in yourself is key to get there. And of course, always staying hungry for more.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.andreasaranasen.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreasranasen

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.