FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
My name is Flor Eugenia Buitrago, a senior at Florida International University, graduating with a BFA in Digital Arts, in the Graphic Design Track, this Fall 2024. I’m Salvadoran and Nicaraguan but born and raised in Miami. I usually enjoy drawing, playing games with my friends, watching anime/k-dramas, and listening to K-pop. I have always been interested in art since I was little, so I very much believe that I am following the right path.
I hope to continue creating wonderful and meaningful pieces for the people around me and for myself. I enjoy creating work that focuses on helping the environment and currently created my thesis on connecting with nature through illustrations. I want to continue my journey in graphic design by making more connections and being able to work in industries that will help me grow and that will grow along me.
fbuit005.myportfolio.com
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
Getting to see work from other artists and peers around me. Especially when its on subjects I enjoy creating work on such as protecting our environment or showing aesthetics with nature.
WHAT AREA OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
I hope to focus on illustration since I believe that is my strong suit and where I have the most fun creating. I also hope to learn more on product design in the future.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
I didn’t expect to develop concepts in graphic design. I thought school would be to learn how to use an application or skill to create something pleasing. However, I got to use those skills to make intriguing concepts or give a message in my work.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?
Silvia Pease, my professor. I love her dearly and she is someone that I look up to and have learned so much from in the past year. I hope that I can make her prouder as I grow because she has gotten me to try harder and get back into what I thought I lost a love for, illustrating.
WHAT ARE YOU READING, LISTENING TO, WATCHING (BOOKS, MOVIES, TV, SOCIAL MEDIA, MUSIC)?
I am currently listening to many K-pop bands such as Day6, Lucy and the Rose. They’re music is calming and helps keep me motivated while working.
DO YOU, OR DO YOU PLAN TO, DESIGN FOR ANY CAUSES OR CHARITIES, I.E., DESIGN FOR GOOD?
I would love to design for climate change and anything nature related. After creating posters for a non-profit on protecting birds and making my thesis on being connected to nature, I would really want to collaborate with more non-profits and organizations in the future on these topics.
DO YOU FEEL THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS PREPARED YOU TO FIND A JOB?
Of course! It has been a journey learning and getting to know myself more. When seeing work I’ve created before entering FIU with afterwards, I feel like I not only developed the way I create work but the way I communicate a message and with others, which I believe is a necessary skill.
