Tell us about yourself:
First generation Mexican-American, Texas native, and Kansas Citian with a passion for diverse design. Currently finishing up my final year of design school while working as the head designer at Westside Storey (a local Kansas City boutique) and also while running my own Freelance operation. I specialize in T-shirt design so holler at your boy if you’re in need of a cool t-shirt design!
What is the inspiration behind your poster design?
My poster is inspired by the 1960’s Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement. During this time Mexican-Americans fought against discrimination and segregation, labor laws, and political representation. While many individuals contributed to the movement notable activists were Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and Sylvia Mendez.
Design-wise I utilized portraits of Chavez, Huerta, and Mendez to set the general theme and time for the piece. Additionally, I set the lyrics to the popular track by Mexican Band, Tigres Del Norte – Cesar Chavez in the background to further emphasize the struggles and hardships individuals had to go through during this time to gain basic human rights in the United States. I brought the entire design together through a collage aesthetic to further represent the grittiness of the era and to highlight how no matter how difficult the struggle – Si Se Puede.
Please tell us why you think inclusivity and solidarity are essential in our society…
I believe inclusivity and solidarity are essential in our society because they allow us to promote social understanding thus creating stronger communities. Furthermore fostering collaboration amongst individuals propelling innovation and society forward.
How can we create a more inclusive design world and ensure that everyone is represented?
I believe Pick Progress is the perfect example of how design can be more inclusive. By giving minorities, no matter their race or ethnicity, the platform to share their design eye only broadens the diversity of design as a whole allowing for greater representation of designers.
