Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Rangel.
Alicia, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born and raised in Oxnard, California as the daughter of immigrant parents I was raised with the mentality of achieving someday “el sueño americano” the american dream. Growing up I felt privileged to have the opportunity to choose a career path. As an american mexican I struggled with the concept of identity. This internal struggle with identity early on introduced me to the world of wardrobe and costume design. Everyday was an occasion for a performance where I dressed myself in custom pieces, thrifted, found, recycled. I fell in love with the creative impulse of recreating myself through my appearance. I found comfort in clothes and what they could communicate. After highschool I began community college in Oxnard/ Moorpark where I focused on philosophy and fine art. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at the time. After being introduced to the principles of philosophy and fine art I found that I wanted to create based on these ideas that were generated through my research and findings within philosophy and fine art. As a result, I started to become familiar with graphic design.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been many struggles along the way. Learning to let go has been the greatest struggle for me, learning to let go of who you thought you were, letting go of social norms and expectations, learning to let go of what people perceive you as, letting a part of you that is no longer good for you go, learning to let go of homes, people, objects, spaces, mentalities. Shedding layers of falsehoods that I was taught to believe. It’s been the most painful yet the most rewarding struggle yet. Despite the struggles along the way I feel very optimistic towards the future.
Letting go is definitely hard but sometimes the only way to move forward. Thank you for sharing that with us. What should we know about your graphic design practice?
Nowadays, I enjoy colliding worlds of current culture, and social issues within my work in my graphic design practice. I have a strong interest in using an uncompromising approach to design, marrying conceptualism with artistry, mystery and modern elegance. I am a recent graduate of ArtCenter College of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. I am specialized in art direction, typography and developing brand identities with visual concepts. My interest now that I am out of school is to further gain experience in editorial design, and art direction within fashion, music, lifestyle, art, and contemporary culture.
I have become fascinated by the idea of identity – what we decide to drape our vessels in and how this represents the perception of ourselves. I have a strong interest in branding and how identity is formulated. In my most recent editorial project I had the opportunity to rebrand Harper’s Bazaar. My approach was to deconstruct and rebuild an identity system that is gender fluid celebrating both masculine and feminine. To redefine gender roles in editorial fashion. Details about this project amongst others can be found on my website alicia-rangel.com.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have begun my favorite creative endeavours in collaboration with talented creatives that I am very thankful for. I love working with a team and the magic that happens when you can support each other. I have various mentors to thank for playing a big role in my achievements by challenging me and helping me see the greater vision.
Special thanks Prismess BEAM and photo credit to Bibs Moreno and David Lopez.
Contact Info:
- Website: alicia-rangel.com
- Phone: 805.822.3169
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ali.r.angel
Image Credit:
David Lopez, Bibs Moreno and Kari Faux
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
