Meet Rolando Castillo of Freelance Graphic Designer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rolando Castillo.

Hi Rolando, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Early in life my uncle suggested that I look into Graphic Design as a potential career. I had no idea what Graphic Design was but a seed was planted. In my teens I drew graffiti letters in a sketch book while listening to independent hip-hop music. Lately I have been seeing the spirit of graffiti mesh with the typography scene and it makes me feel at home. My love of letters continues. I investigated what Graphic Design was at Los Angeles Trade Technical College and I learned how to use Adobe Illustrator. I became well trained on the production side of the trade and started taking ArtCenter night courses to learn more about typography. I became very engaged because I realized I could continue learning what Graphic Design was for a lifetime.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like learning anything with many layers, it has been a process of mistakes and breakthroughs. Design solutions aren’t prescriptive, so each project requires resetting ideas and applications. It can be difficult to find the right balance between structured guidance and creative freedom. And with new tools constantly emerging, there’s always something new to learn. Overall, I love it because it keeps me busy.

We’ve been impressed with Freelance Graphic Designer, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I love uncovering the client’s vision. The best projects come from the perfect blend of the client’s needs and the designer’s expertise. Asking the right kinds of questions during the kickoff meeting should feel like an organic conversation. Creating a casual setting helps the client speak about their ideas and vision as if they’re sharing them for the first time. Afterwards, a well-documented brief-back creates an opportunity for more clarity, which then translates into the creative brief. The visual design explorations are extensions of these important early conversations. Communication is key, and open-mindedness eliminates friction—from both parties. This people skill has developed over time and through experience, and it’s a layer of design that I’ve come to genuinely enjoy.

What’s next?
I hope to strike the right balance between work and life. I love design, but I love it even more when it complements a full life of experiences outside of work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rolandocastillo.info/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolandocastillodesign/