Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Gomez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve never been the type of person to make huge, rigid plans for my career. Instead, I’ve always been guided by curiosity and the desire to try new things. Growing up, I was always exploring different interests, with a particular passion for the performing arts. I’d sing constantly, often to the point where my parents signed me up for dance classes once I was old enough. I began dancing at the age of 8, and it quickly became a central part of my life, even though I eventually stopped formal classes. As I got older, my interests evolved—by middle school, I discovered a love for drawing, often stealing printer paper from my mom to sketch Disney characters. Over time, I shifted to recreating fan art from the online world, and this new talent blossomed as I entered high school. It was there that I realized art could be more than just a hobby; it could be a career.
By senior year of high school, I decided that graphic design was the path I wanted to pursue. College gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into art—exploring everything from still life to collage art, as well as the rich history behind it all. I enjoyed every class, and I knew I’d chosen the right path when I never dreaded going to school. During this time, I also discovered YouTube as a creative outlet and launched my small Etsy business, Chiisaico Studios. While that business is more of a hobby now, it helped me learn valuable skills in digital creation and branding. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, I took a leap and spent 7 months in Seoul, South Korea, for both cultural exploration and professional development. It was there that I truly immersed myself in the design market I wanted to be part of, surrounded by the K-music industry and gaining insight into a design world that was both inspiring and different from what I had known. This experience not only deepened my understanding of design but also gave me the clarity I needed to focus on the kind of designer I wanted to be. Currently, I work as a Marketing Director for Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, a role that’s challenged me in new ways, expanding my technical skills while helping me grow as a designer. I don’t have a rigid plan for my career, but I truly believe that everyone’s path unfolds in its own time. Right now, I’m content and focused on the present, working steadily towards the future I’d like to have.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles I faced early on was convincing my parents that pursuing a career in art wasn’t a mistake. Growing up, careers in law or medicine were seen as the more practical choices, and I often questioned whether I was making the right decision. It took time to prove to myself and to them that art could be a fulfilling and viable path, but with every success, I gained more confidence in my choice.
Another challenge came when I moved to Seoul, South Korea, by myself. Not only did I have to adjust to a new culture, but I also had to learn Korean from scratch. It was tough, especially in the beginning, but immersing myself in the language and culture pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected.
After returning to the U.S., I faced another hurdle: a series of rejections from design companies. It was discouraging, but rather than giving up, I kept refining my skills and building my portfolio. Eventually, my persistence paid off, and I landed a position that helped me grow both professionally and personally. Each of these struggles has taught me resilience and reinforced my commitment to my career.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a graphic designer with a strong passion for working in the entertainment industry, and I specialize in Adobe programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. To those who know me, I’m often remembered as the girl who up and left for South Korea on her own for nearly a year, an experience that pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped shape my creative perspective. Professionally, I’m known for being a high-energy team player with a knack for bringing fresh ideas to the table. What I’m most proud of is taking that big leap to explore new surroundings and cultures, and for never giving up on my dream of working in design—even during the tough times when finding a job felt like an uphill battle. Those struggles only made me more determined to pursue what I love. What really sets me apart is my willingness to take risks, step outside my comfort zone, and embrace the journey, no matter where it leads. All of these experiences have shaped me into a more adaptable and inspired designer.
How do you think about luck?
I wouldn’t say luck has played a major role in my life or business, but more like timing and opportunity have come together in ways I couldn’t always predict. I’ve had moments of good fortune, like the chance to study abroad in South Korea and immerse myself in a new culture, which helped shape my design perspective and gave me unique insights into the global creative industry. That trip, in particular, felt like a rare opportunity that came at the right time, pushing me to grow both personally and professionally.
But I’ve also faced plenty of setbacks that could be seen as bad luck, especially in the early stages of my career. After graduating, I went through numerous rejections from design companies, and there were moments when it felt like nothing was going right. But rather than seeing these as “bad luck,” I learned to take them as stepping stones and keep pushing forward. I think the key has been staying persistent and open to new opportunities, even when things don’t seem to go as planned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lauragportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/11aurita/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraGomezz
Image Credits
all designs are concept only.
Artist Image credits to SM Entertainment and HYBE Entertainment
