team
team
01
//who are we
team
//who are we
team
01
//who are we
team
Jan A. Cordero Casillas
Jan A. Cordero Casillas
Co-founder | VFX Artist & Technical Director
Co-founder | VFX Artist & Technical Director
Jan is a civil engineer from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and a former PhD candidate at Arizona State University, where his research focused on visualizing data for urban resilience and climate mitigation. His technical background led him to work with institutions like the NRDC and the Environmental Fellows Program—but his passion for storytelling, illusion, and visual experimentation drew him toward the world of VFX. During the final stages of his doctorate, Jan dove into 3D modeling, compositing, simulations, and color work, teaching himself through tools like Houdini and blending science with artistry.
Jan’s engineering mind remains a key part of his creative process—physics, coding, and systems thinking shape the way he approaches every visual challenge. He believes that art and science aren’t opposites, but partners in building worlds that feel both magical and grounded. As co-founder of El Arenero, Jan channels this vision into each project, helping push the limits of what’s visually possible from Puerto Rico to the world.
Jan is a civil engineer from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and a former PhD candidate at Arizona State University, where his research focused on visualizing data for urban resilience and climate mitigation. His technical background led him to work with institutions like the NRDC and the Environmental Fellows Program—but his passion for storytelling, illusion, and visual experimentation drew him toward the world of VFX. During the final stages of his doctorate, Jan dove into 3D modeling, compositing, simulations, and color work, teaching himself through tools like Houdini and blending science with artistry.
Jan’s engineering mind remains a key part of his creative process—physics, coding, and systems thinking shape the way he approaches every visual challenge. He believes that art and science aren’t opposites, but partners in building worlds that feel both magical and grounded. As co-founder of El Arenero, Jan channels this vision into each project, helping push the limits of what’s visually possible from Puerto Rico to the world.
Joel A. Alonso Ramos
Joel A. Alonso Ramos
Co-founder | Creative Strategist, Editor & Legal Consultant
Co-founder | Creative Strategist, Editor & Legal Consultant
Joel is a licensed attorney from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law whose career spans content creation, legal strategy, and creative direction. He began as a digital creator on Vine in 2015, quickly becoming one of Puerto Rico’s most recognized voices on social media and building a following of over 700,000 across platforms. After stepping back from personal content in 2020 to focus on business development—including co-founding El Arenero—he remained active behind the scenes, advising creators, shaping content strategies, and contributing to standout moments like a 2024 podcast interview with Bad Bunny. His unique perspective combines first-hand creator experience with a deep understanding of digital trends and platform evolution.
With a legal focus on Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship, Joel brings critical insight to projects that require both creativity and protection. He helps clients navigate ownership, contracts, and branding while maintaining a strong creative edge as an editor and content strategist. From influencer collaborations to high-end productions, his work balances vision with practicality. At El Arenero, Joel ensures every idea is built not only with style, but with structure—making the studio a valuable ally for artists, brands, and storytellers alike.
Joel is a licensed attorney from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law whose career spans content creation, legal strategy, and creative direction. He began as a digital creator on Vine in 2015, quickly becoming one of Puerto Rico’s most recognized voices on social media and building a following of over 700,000 across platforms. After stepping back from personal content in 2020 to focus on business development—including co-founding El Arenero—he remained active behind the scenes, advising creators, shaping content strategies, and contributing to standout moments like a 2024 podcast interview with Bad Bunny. His unique perspective combines first-hand creator experience with a deep understanding of digital trends and platform evolution.
With a legal focus on Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship, Joel brings critical insight to projects that require both creativity and protection. He helps clients navigate ownership, contracts, and branding while maintaining a strong creative edge as an editor and content strategist. From influencer collaborations to high-end productions, his work balances vision with practicality. At El Arenero, Joel ensures every idea is built not only with style, but with structure—making the studio a valuable ally for artists, brands, and storytellers alike.
Let'S WORK
TOGETHER
san juan,
puerto rico
one stop
+ creative studio
Whether you’re launching a campaign, telling a story, or building a brand, we’re here to make the impossible feel real
Let'S WORK
TOGETHER
san juan,
puerto rico
one stop
+ creative studio
Whether you’re launching a campaign, telling a story, or building a brand, we’re here to make the impossible feel real
Let'S WORK
TOGETHER
san juan,
puerto rico
one stop
+ creative studio
Whether you’re launching a campaign, telling a story, or building a brand, we’re here to make the impossible feel real