Javier Zarracina

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.









Main skills

INFORMATION GRAPHICS AND DATA VISUALIZATION

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.


ILLUSTRATION

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.


MOTION GRAPHICS

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

Portfolio by publication

The Washington Post

Boston Globe

USA TODAY

Wiwo illustrations

VOX

Other Work

Los Angeles Times