Right-brained Left-brained
Engineering has always been publicly viewed as a technical, quantitative profession with little to no room for aesthetic freedoms as many engineers abide by outdated standards and methodical approaches. As a civil engineer with a passion for graphic design, photography, videography and the visual arts as a whole, I have been able to observe the shared characteristics between right-brained and left-brained professions.
What is the purpose of a great idea without an effective medium in which to communicate it? As an engineer, not only must you be able to formulate solutions, but you must be able to communicate them to an extensive audience. This is where visual arts clash with complex designs. This is where there is an opportunity to thrive as an individual who wields access to both sides of the brain. And little did I know just how powerful visual communication, the underlying spirit of graphic design, would become in my profession.
What started as an impulse, complimented with a lifelong passion has led me to where I am in my journey of the visual arts. I began my graphic design journey when the ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) chapter at my college was in search of a new graphic designer. Without having any formal experience except for a background in photography and videography and a passion for artistic design, I accepted the position in 2019. Today, I have branched out from making flyers and logos to pursuing designs within my wheelhouse of inspiration. In 2021, I made it a goal to open my Etsy shop to share my work with the world. I didn’t care if I failed to make a single sale, all I cared about was the accomplishment and the satisfaction of being able to say I took that next step. Because it’s not about knowing the path, it’s about simply taking that first step in the right direction.
This shop is a compilation of some of my favorite work superimposed onto merchandise for all to enjoy. I draw inspiration from things that have had any sort of impact in my life, from TV shows and movies, to my childhood and college experiences, and influence from other artists. I hope to continue this endeavor for as long as it is fueled by my passion to create.
-CS