What was the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you about being or working as Designer? Since as long as I can remember I used to draw and doodle a lot in school like most Illustrators and Designers. I loved drawing comics and characters for friends–we used to have a lot fun and in most cases I used to get in trouble because I’d draw them in the middle of class. One day in English class my teacher caught me drawing (again) and not paying attention, so he confiscated my drawing and asked me to talk to him after class. I was expecting to get scolded but to my surprise he told me that I should consider dedicating my career to graphic arts. At the time I didn’t paid much attention to it but as I was about to study music his advice came to mind and I transferred to the graphics program. Up to this day I really value his advice because without it I may have not ended up in this career.
How did you get to where you are now? It simply boils down to a lot of work, dedication, motivation, ambition and more work. Throughout most of my career I’ve come across great individuals who have pushed me and inspired me to get to where I am today.
Do you work better under pressure or when you plan things out? I think, in most cases, I work better when I’m under pressure. Majority of the times, when I plan things out nothing really goes the way I intend it to. It can actually go completely into the opposite direction, mainly because I love to experiment with my designs and I like to keep my options open and try multiple techniques until I feel very content with the final look.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as a mentor? I’m not going to lie, this question always gets me. If I have to choose just one I guess it would have to be Alberto Cerriteño. His illustrations are not only amazing but also incredibly unique, rich in texture, and simply beautiful. He is truly a master of all trades, not only does he illustrate in different mediums but he is, in my eyes, a master of desaturated colors. His surrealistic characters are so quirky yet mysterious in my opinion and I can spend hours examining his work. It would be great to spend a day and learn everything I can from him.
Check out his website, or Follow Frank on Twitter and check out his work on Behance.
Each Tuesday we’ll feature a designer who loves type or a type that designers love. If you would like to be featured in Type Tuesday, send your portfolio or website link and a short bio to socialmedia@orlando.aiga.org.