Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Lozano.
Julian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a 25-year-old Mexican-American from Phoenix, Arizona. Raised by Mexican immigrants, I was taught the virtues of respect and opportunity growing up. These led me through my college experience and to “Silicon Beach” where I currently work as a creative designer for a digital product development studio – Fishermen Labs.
My interest in design started when I was 16. I was fortunate enough to attend a public high school that offered a design program, in which I learned the fundamentals of graphic design, typography, and print.
After high school, my first design job was working for a billboard company in Phoenix. I also worked designing materials for political candidates’ campaigns.
I moved to Southern California from Phoenix when I was 20 to attend Laguna College of Art & Design (LCAD) in Laguna Beach. During my time at LCAD, I took internships at Column Five, Obey Clothing, and Hurley. I also participated in immigration reform activist organizations where I designed posters and social media posts. It was the first time I worked for a cause, and I highly encourage everyone to participate in social justice activities.
By the time I graduated, I had built an impressive resume and well organized online portfolio – it’s all about having online presence. My first out-of-college job was at the fintech startup company, Acorns, where I worked as a marketing designer. I then realized that marketing is not where my passion lies. I have always been interested in designing experiences and interfaces for digital products, and that is what brought me to the team here at Fishermen Labs where I design web and mobile apps. So far it’s been rad.
Has it been a smooth road?
I definitely encountered some obstacles, especially as a recent graduate. I sort of had this notion that I had to get my dream job right out of college. And when I found a job that looked impressive on the resume, it wasn’t what I was expecting. I lacked passion and didn’t see growth. You have to ask, where do you see yourself growing as a creative?
When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
There have been some tough times in my career. For a moment, I wasn’t happy with the work I was producing for a job. Not to sound dramatic but I fell into some sort of depression because I was in a situation where I just felt stuck and feared the idea of quitting so soon. Just had to remind myself where my passion lied and do be afraid to talk it over with peers! Never felt so much relief after I moved on.
What would you tell someone who is just starting out?
Just a few tips:
– Pay attention to detail, have a reason for every decision. Be able to explain why.
– Attend creative meetups, I swear there is one every week in LA. Meet new people and network!
– Have a good online portfolio and be sure to update it. Have online presence such as Twitter and Instagram.
– Do passionate projects on the side, this where designers can get the most creative.
– Be nice, be humble, and never stop learning.
– Always ask for creative feedback.
– Just be a cool person, don’t be a dick.
What are you looking forward to?
So much uncertainty! Altogether I hope that I improve as a designer, skill-wise. There is so much that I need to learn in this fast-paced environment. With better skills means better efficiency and better portfolio.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.julianlozano.com
- Phone: 6025028130
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: julianlozano
- Facebook: julianlozanoaz
- Other: Twitter: @eljulianlozano Dribbble: www.dribbble.com/julianlozano
Image Credit:
Alex Cruttenden
