Today we’d like to introduce you to Indira Prieto.
Hi Indira, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I come from a family of jewelers. It started with my great-grandfather, who emigrated to Cuba from Spain. My grandfather passed on his love for drawing to me. When I was very little I remember him drawing the most beautiful animals for me.
So when it came time to go to college, Graphic Design seemed like the only option for me since visual arts were pretty much my only interest. So I graduated from the Superior Institute of Design in my hometown of Havana, Cuba. I emigrated to the United States at 23 years old, coming to Miami with my family where I have been designing ever since.
Now I have over 10 years of experience in Graphic Design, Illustration, and Lettering. When I’m not photosynthesizing from the warm glow of my computer screen, you can find me drawing letters and Instagramming. My aesthetics are quite versatile from minimal, to eclectic and colorful, always with a touch of texture, personal feel, and magic with no creative boundaries.
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?
There is no such thing as an easy road. If it were easy when you get results wouldn’t taste so good. The sooner you learn to not give up, work hard, and never forget to have fun. Usually one might think in order to start doing what you love you have to wait for the right opportunity to come around, but from my experience find what you love and just start.
Little by little try things you enjoy, Art comes from within and what you create has your stamp all over it. It’s common for people who follow their passion to find others who are drawn to it as well. Be consistent with your work, the rest will come.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My culture is my main source of inspiration. I’m Cuban by birth, but I’m American by choice. And I’m so proud of it all. I created IndySign to celebrate and empower the culture and diversity of the Latinx community. My art is mainly focused on Spanglish as a lifestyle more than the inevitable result of speaking two languages at the same time.
I found a way with letters to celebrate achievements, milestones, even setbacks, and holidays of our Latinx cultures. Providing words of encouragement and daily reminders of how powerful we are, its phrases are designed with women of color in mind that can feel represented through heritage and culture.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Stay humble, be kind, work hard and the right people will come your way. I see myself as an eternal student and that there is always something positive to learn from everyone. Anyone can be a source of inspiration and you should stay attentive to find yours.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theindysign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindysign/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/indysign
