As a Latina woman I’ve realized I have to work harder to get to where I want to be. Being able to help out my community and other POC communities truly is the reason I love being a Graphic Designer. We’re all human and I believe we all deserve the same amount of opportunities as anyone else and if not more.
Today and every day we celebrate women of all backgrounds, creeds, ethnicities, shapes and sizes. We had the honor of teaming up with talented graphic designer, Celeste Rojas, who created a special GIF for today’s celebration, along with an interview that represents her journey as a Latina artist.
Tell us about your background and the road that led you to become a Graphic Designer and Animator.
I’ve always had an appreciation for Graphic Design and the different types of Typography but it wasn’t till the day I came across a beautiful flyer that led me to become completely intrigued! I began learning everything there was to know about Adobe (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and that’s when everything started. I then realized graphics would look so much more unique and would have their own personality if I added animation to them, so I learned After Effects and now here we are!
How would you describe your approach to design?
My approach to design has a lot to do with the client and what kind of event is happening or what they’re trying to get across. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with clients who give me the creative freedom to create whatever it is I want. I love using bold and bright colors, most people who know my work can tell a graphic is mine if they come across it which is a great feeling.
You passionately empower Mexican Americans by creating a voice for people of color through art. Was it always your main goal to use art as an outlet for expressing yourself?
It has definitely always been the goal to express myself through art but the more I got into Graphic Design the more I realized I can also help others such as POC, Women, the LGBTQ communities and everyone else who struggles to have a voice. It’s important to me to provide light on a topic or certain group of people by making a graphic that can reflect what they stand for.
Who were your role models growing up? And who do you admire today?
I admire my mom for the woman she has become. My mom had me when she was 17 years old and has always struck me as a superwoman due to everything she worked for. She’s now 43 and has her own business, I find that amazing and I hope to be like her one day.
The renewed discussion of feminism is playing a major role in today’s society. What is your personal advice for women on how to work less competitively and more collaboratively in their respective field?
I do understand that there are organizations or women who work competitively however, I also feel most people in general do no matter what field you’re in. Not only just women but everyone should be at least trying to help others anyway they can. You can do this by simply going to events, telling your friends about this new thing you heard or this new artist you found, supporting anyone and everyone any way you can. Working more collabortively can open SO many doors and possibilities, why limit yourself?
As a Latina, your artwork inspires me to live unapologetically while being proud of my heritage. Why is it important for you to spread this message within your art in today’s world?
As a Latina woman I’ve realized I have to work harder to get to where I want to be. Being able to help out my community and other POC communities truly is the reason I love being a Graphic Designer. We’re all human and I believe we all deserve the same amount of opportunities as anyone else and if not more.
What are you currently fascinated by and how is it feeding into your work?
I am currently getting back into DJing and that itself is so fascinating to me. For a long time I felt like I wasn’t good enough or I wasn’t “ready” but these past couple of weeks I’ve decided to throw myself out there and I am SO happy I did/am! Not only being a DJ but a Latina DJ is amazing to me. I’ve met so many talented people along the way and I’m very excited to see where this year leads me.
Tell us about some of your past work and collaborations. Are there any projects that you feel are your biggest accomplishments?
There are many projects I am proud of but here are some that struck out to me the most: I helped an organization called In Bold Company create their Podcast cover art. In Bold Company is a community for WOC to relate, connect and support each other while exploring their identities! – I also helped a non profit called Summer of Womb that is based in Dallas, Tx. I helped Summer of Womb create 4 flyers regarding workshops that helped women heal their inner child along with learning self growth!
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs?
Advice I would give to aspiring artists or entrepreneurs is to be ready to learn. Nothing came easy to me so definitely be willing to put in the work or learn on your own how to be the best you can be.
What is your interpretation of a Raw Femme?
To me Raw Femme is a place where women can be heard and celebrated. In todays society, it’s hard for women to celebrate at times due to all of the things we go through or have to deal with as women. However, given the platform Raw Femme has created, it’s allowed us to memorialize all the good and positive things we’re doing!
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Women’s History Month is a time when we pay homage to the trailblazing women before us, who have contributed to our society and history. Women are the core driving force behind change in our world. May we empower and honor one another, not just today, but every day.