Yana Gutierrez on Finding Her Passion

Yana Gutierrez is a 22 year old self-taught freelance graphic designer, illustrator, and art student studying at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. She is also the creator of our The People We Are case.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO ART?

Growing up, I never really had any specific hobbies or interests like other kids my age and I was always really insecure about it. Because I didn’t have much to do after school, I spent most of my time reading books or scrolling on Tumblr, which made me start teaching myself apps like Photoshop and Illustrator so I could make my own fan graphics for the things I fangirled about as a kid (mostly Harry Potter, One Direction edits). This pushed me to try painting, drawing, and other forms of art. Eventually, I realized that design was something I really really enjoyed!

WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM STUDYING ART ABROAD?

In my opinion, the most important part of art education is critique and discussion. Studying in Canada exposed me to so many different types of personalities — I met so many other artists who did so many different styles, had different personalities, and saw things from different perspectives. When you enter art school, you come from an environment where you were probably 1 out of 3 artists in high school, and you’re thrust into an environment where everyone is just like you, if not better. The healthy competition and coalescence of creative minds is really inspiring and gives off the best energy.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR ART?

Playing with color is my favorite part of my process. I like to take color from things I see in my surroundings or in nature and make them more vibrant in my work. I like noticing interesting forms and shapes around me. I also love to travel and visit museums anywhere I go, and research and read about other artists and designers. One of my favorite graphic designers and someone I really look up to is American designer Paula Scher.



WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE ART AS A PROFESSION?

My mom is a really talented graphic artist, so being creative was always encouraged at home. Growing up in a family of artists taught me that it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re passionate about it and are willing to learn and work to constantly improve yourself.

Learn more about Yana and support her work through her personal Instagram and art account.