Ruben Sanchez, the 27 year old Art Director of Spain’s Alai Skateboards, is my new favorite graphic designer. With notable talent in several areas (web, video and illustration in particular) Sanchez takes a particularly unique approach in the creative incorporation of his diverse talents into his work. I just watched his intro for AlaiOle, one of Alai’s latest skate films three times, not only because I am lame, but because the music, animation, and creative direction all add up to something so stimulating that it seems to mirror the addictive qualities of crack cocaine. Like so many successful creative types, Ruben is self-taught in all areas of his expertise — a trait that is nicely evident in his fresh work. He’s also doing a bit of freelance on the side, so if you need a snazzy intro for your latest series of home videos or something else equally serious, I’d have trouble thinking of a better candidate.