About us

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We are Truest., an agency specializing in branding and entertainment advertising. We're a team of diverse and multi-skilled creatives that are passionate about design and storytelling. We deliver high quality concepts and imagery for entertainment advertising, in the form of campaigns, digital ads, posters, publicity images and more.

Our motto is: True intention. True process. True results

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True intention: It's in our name: help our partners' projects reach their 'truest' potential.

Our founder has been working in entertainment advertising since his teen years- the intention to create impactful, authentic and beautiful art has been there all along, and now, an entire team has been built around this shared goal.

True process: Real collaboration, no shortcuts.

We work in harmony with real tearn collaboration- shaning ideas, files, insights and techniques openly, so the the final work is an amalgamation of al team members combined strengths, while still acknowledging and crediting individual contributions. We give correct focus, research and time allotment to each phase of the project, without exception
True results: The work speaks for itself.
Over the past decade, we've produced a body of work that has gained attention, a following, reached our partners' goals, collected accolades and has received mountains of positive feedback. We treat jobs far beyond what is expected or standard. You can read our partners' direct feedback on our 'Street Cred' page
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We are partly cloud based, but with a physical, high-tier security verified office in LA, conveniently located near the studios in Burbank.

Meet the leadership team

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Rob Kandefer

Owner, Creative Director
Rob is our founder and fearless leader. Rob’s background is rooted in entertainment design, typography and illustration. Rob had an early start in entertainment, winning awards and scholarships from Disney and Sony in his teen years, while creating promotions at a movie theater in his hometown of Torrington CT.

Gen X / Xennial to the core, Rob came up collecting Marvel comics, and binge watching anime, horror and 80’s sci-fi, until relocating to LA to start a career in entertainment and immerse in the so-cal skate, graffiti and music scenes. Rob has worked at many of the largest entertainment agencies and holds many accolades in design, illustration and typography.

An early stage investor in Pixar, Marvel, Apple and Nvidia, Rob used the profits to launch Truest.

Rob is a proud husband and father of 3 wonderful girls. Rob wants to someday be sponsored by ‘Fresca’.
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Jenipher Kandefer

Account Executive, Partner
Jenipher is an Account Executive with a background in pharma, which means details are second nature to her. From managing complex projects to keeping client services running smoothly, she brings a sharp eye, organized mindset, and calm problem-solving approach to every collaboration. She’s passionate about building strong relationships and making sure clients feel supported every step of the way.

Outside of work, Jenipher is proudly a “secret grandma” at heart. If it involves crafting, she’s probably already tried it - sewing, crocheting, miniature and dollhouse building, nail art, and just about every creative hobby imaginable. When she’s not making something by hand, she’s spending time with her three daughters and husband, or loving on her cats.

Creativity, care, and attention to detail are kind of her thing - both in work and in life.
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Nathan Sarria

Senior Finisher & Art Director
Calm under pressure and quick with a joke when things get tense, Nathan’s the guy you want in the trenches. An award-winning art director and senior finisher, he brings strategy, polish, and patience to every project - guiding his team with humor and the kind of foresight that keeps everything on track.

A new dad and devoted family man, Nathan believes in creative clarity, Christmas magic, and the power of a well-timed laugh to make even the busiest days brighter.

Nathan enthusiastically educates our team on all matters of football, while we in turn elucidate him on ‘Star Wars’ lore and the ways of the force.
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Caitlin Gortikov

Business Development Manager
Caitlin is a Business Development Manager with a background in entertainment advertising, creative operations, and client partnerships. With experience spanning agencies, studios, and media companies, she thrives at the intersection of relationship-building, strategic thinking, and getting things done.

Known for her organization, problem-solving mindset and collaborative spirit, Caitlin has spent her career helping teams navigate complex creative projects while building lasting relationships. Whether she's developing new business opportunities, streamlining workflows, or keeping multiple moving pieces on track, she brings equal parts structure, partnership, and enthusiasm to every project.

Outside of work, Caitlin can usually be found spending time with her husband and two daughters, playing beach volleyball, or planning her next trip.
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Jose Cruz

Head of Production & Senior Art Director
Jose is an experienced Art Director and Production Artist with a demonstrated history of success in the entertainment advertising industry. Skilled in graphic and web design, art direction and production, Jose also frequently breaks out the paints and inks for handcrafted logos and key art illustration.

Jose pulls inspiration from skateboarding, graffiti, music, basketball and fútbol.

Jose keeps our vibes up by frequently sharing his curated music playlists with the team.
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Leamai Smith

Social Media Coordinator
Leamai is our prodigious, young-gun Social Coordinator, helping us plan, create and post stand out content to our multiple platforms.

Lea has a genuine love for connecting with people and expressing herself, both online and in everyday life. With a strong sense of personal style, she loves adding a little sparkle to the world, whether that's bedazzling her clothes and accessories or showcasing her unique creativity through fashion and self-expression.

Outside of work, Leamai is an avid reader whose love for books started early, as she was already reading at a college level by early grade school. A devoted cat mom to her beloved cat, Sara, Leamai enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and social circle whenever she can.

Leamai brings energy and authenticity to everything she does.
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Our culture

We operate on freedom of responsibility and 360° respect. We respect and value our partners immensely, and we carry that respect over to how we treat everyone, our employees of all levels, our contractors- everyone. If you are an employee of Truest, you start off, out of the gates receiving books, an expense account, swag, mentorship, personalized stationary, access to percentage commission deals, and the ability to work in-office, or remotely, even out of state if desired.

Our in-house team enjoys the perks of our painting and photo studio areas, creative tech, our coffee and health supplement bar and our extensive collection of art and books on creative process. Employees local to the LA area also enjoy our company sponsored, monthly 'team night out' events, where we take turns selecting activities, restaurants and venues to experience together.
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Our partners

Location

We have a security cleared and verified, physical office in Burbank, near the studios at 411 N. Varney St. Burbank CA 91502.

Phone:
818 827 3160

General inquiries & portfolio submissions:
info@truest1.com
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