Javier Zarracina
Visual Journalism Leader | Graphics, Data, and Motion Storytelling
Javier Zarracina
Visual Journalism Leader | Graphics, Data, and Motion Storytelling
I’m a graphics and visual storytelling leader who turns complex information into clear, engaging, trustworthy work. My work has ranged from breaking news to investigations and explanatory storytelling at The Washington Post, USA TODAY, Vox, the Los Angeles Times, and The Boston Globe, among others.
What drives me most is clarity: finding the strongest visual form for an idea and helping audiences quickly understand what matters. I lead teams, but I stay close to the craft in a fast-changing, multiplatform environment.
I bring leadership, editorial judgment, visual strategy, and hands-on execution. I help organizations communicate complex ideas clearly, sharpen storytelling, and create work that earns trust and holds attention.
ROLE
Cross-team leadership
Visual Research and reporting.
Graphic Editing
Hands-on graphics
I led USA Today’s visual coverage of COVID-19, helping turn a fast-moving and confusing crisis into clear, trustworthy journalism. The work ranged from live data trackers, science explainers and practical guides, created in close collaboration with reporters, health experts, and developers. It brought together leadership, visual storytelling, data, and public service at a moment when clarity truly mattered.
ROLE
Illustrator
Art Director
At Vox, USA Today, and other publications, I led the creation, commissioning, and art direction of editorial illustrations for daily coverage and special projects.
Reciprocal rage: why Islamist extremists and the far right need each other (Javier Zarracina/Vox)
ROLE
Animation
3D graphics
Video Editing
I believe in bringing information graphics into video beyond traditional logos and lower thirds, using motion across scrollytelling, social video, and other platforms to make stories clearer, more informative, and more engaging.
sizzle reel