Curiosity about the relationship between language and identity directed me towards becoming a communication designer.

Our languages express who we are and, like design, define how we experience the world. In my design practice, I use linguistics and anthropology principles to understand how visual design operates in a multicultural society.

I’m bilingual and a queer Mexican-American designer. My experiences have shown me that the languages we know extend beyond simple categories like Spanish and English. Our communication methods are rooted in our ancestral cultures, borrowed from other communities, and varied between masculine and feminine.

My intent as a typographically-driven designer is to create experiences ranging from clear and unambiguous deliveries of the written word to eccentric and expressive explorations of letters and forms. I believe every space and letter is an opportunity to express breath and emotion.

Historical & Contemporary Influences

Ed Benguiat

Ed Benguiat is one of the first typographically oriented designers that I was able to name. His work in typeface design, lettering, and branding offers an inspiring example of what a portfolio can include. His respect and talent for traditional forms don’t impede his ability to innovate; instead, it propels him to reimagine and reintegrate. His work extends throughout the last half of the 20th century, making him an integral historical influence for me as a designer.

Gloria Anzaldúa

Gloria Anzaldúa’s literary works exist between historical and contemporary. As a queer Chicana scholar and theorist, her influence has supported the growth of the counter cultures moving into the 21st century. Her literature addresses the difficulties of navigating intersectional identities and the cultural ambiguity of being Chicana. As a designer, I’m inspired by the artistic power gained by reclaiming language and her confident expression of Chicana excellence.

Dr. Gerard Unger

Dr. Gerard Unger’s career extends back to the 1970s and has earned him international recognition as a professional typographer, but I discovered him through his most recently published Theory of Type Design. In his discussion, he also links the contemporary world of type design to its historical context. Although most of his typographic work is oriented towards readability and legibility, he provides a nuanced understanding for typographers who work on text or display.