Earlier this year, I was asked to participate in career day at the University of Texas, Arlington to speak with junior and senior design students, look through their portfolios and give suggestions on what they were best suited for.

Many of the students who cycled through my table were talented and some still finding their way. I remember being on their side of the table. Now as a Creative Director looking at 40, at times I still wrestle with my style and still have fellow colleagues review my work just to keep myself in check. I’ve found that keeps me humble and a quote I often refer to is from Michelangelo, “I am still learning.” Simple and direct.

Whether if I’m talking to students or managing a staff, my style of critiquing and direction is through empowerment. Quickly addressing the positives while explaining areas that can be developed – this is how I was mentored.

One student who came through, Abraham Lopez, I will never forget. He sat down quiet, shaking and was sweating he was so nervous. I immediately saw myself in my first interview except I was in a suit interviewing for an AD job… yeah. He quickly rushed through his resume and work. I quickly stopped him and asked “You’re nervous aren’t you?” He said “Oh, yeah.” I broke from the standard review procedure that had been going with prior students, told him to shake it off and pulled a joke to break the ice from what I remember. He lightened and opened up.

What I’ve found in reviewing books over time is that many designers try to be everything to everybody given this day and age of tech and the “need it, need it now!” mentality. Abraham, like several of the students I spoke with had range in their books but I saw huge improvements in specific areas whether it was illustration, logo development, environmental design, photography. I picked up immediately Abraham was a born illustrator, but it was buried in the back of his book with little mention. I gravitated the focus of his time onto the illustrations. They were on par with illustrators I was using while at American Airlines Publishing. This was an artist waiting to take off but needed that boost as I remember colleagues who have become life-long friends have done for me and my career.

Abraham’s story was interesting. His style of work and subject was that of life on in the valley of south Texas. The stories that he quickly shared about the terrain, environment and people in that region were fascinating and I could easily see he found a way to express that through his illustration work. A direct connection between design and nature.

The following is his story in his own words.

“At 24, I’m the youngest in my family. Born in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas Mexico and raised in Brownsville, Texas has had a crucial impact towards my vision into the art world. Ma, Elvia Lopez, always reminded us to stay focused and be true to who we are.  She encouraged the love I had for art. Pa, Horacio Lopez, was the backbone for our whole family without him we wouldn’t be here. He encouraged hard work and patience as the two major building blocks for success. My brother, Horacio Lopez, Jr., and sister, Arainna Lopez have been great role models without their support and guidance I would be lost.

Being able to be closely connected to my roots has giving me the energy needed to create designs that tie back to the community. It all started when I was 13, I entered Cray-Pas Wonderful, Colorful World Contest in 2000 and received first place nationwide. My life took shape and my passion for fine arts grew immensely.

Illustration by Abraham Lopez

“It all started when I was 13, I entered Cray-Pas Wonderful, Colorful World Contest in 2000 and received first place nationwide. My life took shape and my passion for fine arts grew immensely.”

Due to certain hardships I felt I had to change paths in order to provide a positive impact on my family and attended an International Magnet School of Business instead of an Art school.  I followed this path throughout my second year at Texas State University in San Marcos. I felt unmotivated and somewhat lost towards the direction I was taking. Soon after, an opportunity presented itself and I moved to Dallas. I followed my heart again in fine arts and into graphic design.

To be honest, most of my ideas come from my family’s lifestyle. To me, every day is a new idea to design not only for myself but for society. I bring back the memories I had as a child and incorporate newer ideas from today. There is a story behind every design and every design is a completely new experience. I am able to express myself through my designs and perhaps I can have a positive influence in our culture.

Being able to pursue graphic design has giving me the peace needed to move forward and give back to the community.  I am so grateful to be part of the visual design world!”

Having managed as a Design Director for NEXOS, the American Airlines in-flight magazine for Latin American and Portuguese markets, I saw an opportunity for Abraham and his work. NEXOS was true to it’s culture and always promoting engaging stories whether it was through art, photography or editorial. I was so inspired by his work, there at the table I told Abraham, I would make a call to an Art Director who was on my team for NEXOS and set up an interview and that I could see his work being used for any of the sections of the magazine. I did.

A few months later, I received an email from Abraham that his meeting with NEXOS went well and that he was commissioned to create an illustration for the Teleon section. The story, “Ofertas de Lusitania” is about the offerings of Lusitania and its language and history. The illustration was fitting and I could see Abraham’s style come through. Below is his first published work in a magazine while still attending UTA.

On Aug 27, 2011, at 9:27 AM, Lopez, Abraham wrote:

Troy,

It’s Abraham from UTA. First of all I hope you enjoyed your summer. I wanted to thank you for introducing me to Guillermo from AA he is a great graphic artist and was very inspiring.

I had the opportunity to do a design for him for the August issue. I hope it’s a start to a new beginning!

I will send you an attachment with the design. Once again, I really appreciate all of your help and time.

Thanks,
Abraham

If you receive a request to speak, take the time for the 15 minutes I spent with Abraham has probably made a lasting impact while setting a new course for his developing career. Many students who while in their program or on the cusp of leaving a university, really want that extra push for the next generation of designers are the ones who will be advancing the mission of design.

It’s “giving forward.”

I wish Abraham and his work much success.