Andreina Prado: Designer at Anastasia Salazar Ltd.
Q: Let's start off with where you're from and how you got into design.
A: I’m from a small town in California not too far from the Bay Area. I’ve always been into art — I’ve loved drawing and painting since I was a kid — but I got into design specifically after being in a computer class where the teacher invited me to join the yearbook in sophomore year. Usually only upperclassmen got to be in that class. By the time I was a senior, I was the yearbook editor. Being on the yearbook staff is what ultimately put me on the path to apply to art school and major in graphic design.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the design process?
A: It’s always rewarding when an idea in your head becomes something concrete, or when you work for a cause you care about. But I think I most enjoy positive reactions to the end product from the target audience because without that, it doesn’t stand out from the rest.
Q: What's your favorite project you've ever worked on?
A: I don’t think I could pick a single project — I definitely have favorites, each for their own different reasons. I loved the projects I worked on while I was a designer at elefint and the team I worked with.
Q: Do you have a dream commission?
A: I’ve always wanted to create the visuals for an album and everything it entails: promotions, merch, and anything the tour would need.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I do a little bit of everything, but one of my specialties is bringing a handmade, human element to a project.
Q: Who are your design icons?
A: When I got into motion graphics, I looked at Kyle Cooper’s work as well as Rob Sheridan’s when he was the designer for Nine Inch Nails, one of my favorite bands.
Q: What are your go-to sources of inspiration?
A: Inspiration can come from anywhere, really. And not just other designs -- anything from listening to music or even traveling can be a source of inspiration. I don’t put limits on what I can be inspired by.
Q: What are your hobbies? What are you passionate about outside of design?
A: I try to get as much sunny outdoor time as possible, especially with friends and family. I’ve also become a plant mom and love taking care of my plants as well as helping others start their indoor plant journey. Recently, I’ve gotten more into astrology and the spiritual world. You can often find me keeping track of the moon cycle amongst other planets, as well as learning tarot and collecting stones and crystals. And I’m always down to watch a good TV show — I got really into it after a class I took in college. I ended up writing a 10-page paper on Mad Men that only needed to be three pages.
Q: What was it like going to California College of the Arts?
A: Going to an art school was definitely different than going to a traditional one. The work was demanding in a different way than I was used to. As someone who excelled in academics in my K-12 years, it challenged me a lot at first. For the most part, though, I was able to thrive. I loved being exposed to new things, whether it was incorporating my electives like screen printing into my core classes, or learning things practically overnight like cross stitching or After Effects.
Q: Anything else to add?
A: I received a motion graphics certificate from the Bay Area Video Coalition later on to expand on my design skills. I never want to feel tied down to just one thing.
Anastasia Salazar Ltd. is an independent design studio for tailored branding and digital designs. Reach out to learn how we can help you fuel growth and maximize your brand’s impact.