John Leonti
John Leonti
Creative Director | ARC Creative
John Leonti, an award-winning visual effects leader with decades of experience, excelled for more than 10 years at The Mill, a Los Angeles-based creative content studio where he served since 2008 as the Head of 3D and creative director, before advancing to the role of executive creative director in 2022. Running the visual effects department as a supervisor, he took great pride in creating a strong, happy culture within the company, wherein he strived to always keep his team inspired.
In 2025, Mr. Leonto became the creative director at ARC Creative, a marketing studio focused on visual storytelling for clients across all forms of media. Among his day-to-day responsibilities, he manages clients and collaborates with directors, agencies, and brands to discuss products and approaches to visual ads and commercials. He also assists creatively and technically, as well as finds solutions and ensures everything goes as planned.
Born and raised in England, Mr. Leonti ultimately graduated with a bachelor’s degree in illustration and graphic design from Kingston University London and subsequently worked at an illustration agency for a year. He was doing primarily administrative work, which didn’t inspire him, and so he moved to the Moving Picture Company in 1998; he worked as a runner, climbed up the ladder into the 3D department, and wound up as a visual effects supervisor. At the company until 2007, he had the opportunity to work on countless commercials and long-form TV before joining the Los Angeles office of The Mill.
A dedicated member of the Visual Effects Society, Mr. Leonti has been recognized with numerous awards throughout his career, including nine awards for a Dollar Shave Club ad he was behind, a bronze CLIO Award and other prizes from the New York Festival’s Advertising Awards, and a Bronze Lion Campaign award from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2021. In addition, he was a silver winner at AUTOVISION: International Film and Multimedia Festival for Automotive Industry for an Audi ad. Looking toward the future, he strives to provide his creative expertise and know-how to help grow the company, solidify its reputation, and collaborate with top creatives to solve problems.
Press Release
Marquis Who’s Who Honors John Leonti for Expertise in Advertising and Marketing
John Leonti is lauded for his career success as the creative director at ARC Creative
LOS ANGELES, CA, June 03, 2025 — John Leonti has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Leonti has established a distinguished career in the visual effects and animation industry, currently serving as the creative director at ARC Creative. A bi-coastal company with offices in New York and Los Angeles, ARC Creative strives to create captivating visuals and innovative storytelling for its clients. In this role, Mr. Leonti manages client relationships and collaborates with directors, agencies and brands to ensure the successful execution of commercial projects. His responsibilities include providing creative and technical assistance, finding solutions to challenges and fostering an inspiring environment for his team.
Before launching ARC Creative, Mr. Leonti spent over 15 years at The Mill in Los Angeles. He initially joined the company as the head of 3D in 2008, where he played a pivotal role in opening the Los Angeles office. His leadership and vision led him to become the executive creative director in 2022. During his tenure at The Mill, Mr. Leonti was instrumental in creating a vibrant company culture that inspired employees and resulted in remarkable staff retention.
Mr. Leonti’s early years included honing his skills at the Moving Picture Company in his native London. Starting as a runner, he quickly advanced to the 3D department and became a visual effects supervisor. Over his decade-long tenure from 1998 to 2007, he contributed to numerous commercials and long-form television projects, showcasing his expertise in visual effects. Mr. Leonti initially worked at an illustration agency for one year, primarily handling administrative tasks, providing him with valuable experience that would later inform his career trajectory.
A graduate of Kingston University, Mr. Leonti received a bachelor’s degree in illustration and graphic design. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is recognized for his contributions to the industry as a member of the Visual Effects Society. Beyond these endeavors, Mr. Leonti was affiliated with Escape Studios, where he served as a U.S. advisory board member and tutor from 2012 to 2013.
Mr. Leonti was featured in “Top Talent Joins the CG Department at The Mill Los Angeles” by Stash in 2016, highlighting his significant impact on the field. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including a bronze Advertising Creative Circle Award in 2021 and a Bronze Lion Campaign award from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2021. In 2019, he received nine awards for his Dollar Shave Club ad, including a bronze CLIO award and grand, first and second prizes from the New York Festivals Advertising Awards. The previous year, he received a bronze and silver award from LIA for his work with the Dollar Shave Club. His Old Spice ads earned him a silver award from the One Show in 2017 and six awards in 2016, including a gold CLIO. In 2015, he was distinguished as a silver winner at AUTOVISION: International Film and Multimedia Festival for the Automotive Industry for his Audi ad and by the CLIO Awards for his work with Madden.
Mr. Leonti attributes much of his success to his ability to adapt to new software and industry changes while understanding and supporting the creative visions of those around him. Looking ahead, Mr. Leonti aims to further develop ARC Creative’s reputation for excellence by collaborating with top creative minds to solve complex challenges within the industry.
