The "Design Heroes" project was one given in Fall 2018 at my University. The goal was to find three designers whose work we admire and make a layout system showing off their work and text explaining who they are and why they're our "heroes." All of the text was written myself and it was a great time for me to learn about layout and writing.

Instead of finding the "coolest looking" design I could, I looked more for what designers effect the world in a way that inspires me. Painter and magazine cover designer Edel Rodriguez creates on the nose political statements that unapologetically display his view of what's happening. His work offers a cathartic expression of solidarity for people with similar concerns. I reached out to him and he was nice enough to let me interview him for this project! As a son of a Cuban immigrant, it's great to see Cuban designers having the reputation that Edel has.

The subtle use of shapes and colors in Pineles' work ironically makes them beam with personality! This is a simple and classic aesthetic that I think was a great example for me to learn from when I was just starting to think about layout design.

My "heroes" are the people from whom I am able to learn and grow the most. Teaching design and illustration might be a goal of mine someday. For that reason, Chris Do is a huge inspiration. It was through the resources that he made available on design that I was able to better my work enough to make it into the design program at my university!