I see myself as an Observer, Communicator, Problem­solver, Editor, Translator, Curator, Creative Thinker and, quite dutifully, a Cultural Diplomat. Growing up in both the US and Colombia, SA, I was given the opportunity to master two languages (sí, dos idiomas!), understand two cultures (dos culturas MUY diferentes), and recognize the many beautiful tones of gray that exist in a world that others so often choose to view in black and white (o al revés, blanco y negro).

My studies have taken me from Industrial Design to Advertising and Graphic Design (or as we say at Parsons, Communication Design); From Colombia and the DR to Switzerland and NY; From “old school” to “new school” (no pun intended, really) via triangle and T­square to the Adobe Creative Cloud, and back to “old school” through Book Arts with bookbinding and letterpress printing. During this time, I have been challenged and inspired by generous “design thinkers” and educators, likewise by the artistry of Wyuu women weavers from the Peninsula of Guajira.

This return to my alma mater for a full immersion into the world of academics is part of a greater plan for a professional transition from Designer to Design Educator. As a New School student, I seek opportunities for a collegiate exchange of ideas and encourage interdisciplinary collaborations to help advance concepts relevant to the unfolding field of Design Studies.Themes of social responsibility, cultural identity and universal understanding are challenges I wish to formulate into future curricula for which the Bauhaus continues to be a source of inspiration. The Swiss or International Style is an inspiration and common influence in my approach towards typographic design solutions and my infatuation with German Modernism will follow me to future classroom discussions with future design mentees.

Tags: Design Studies, student profiles, Student Spotlight