Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Pimentel.
Crystal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a Miami based graphic designer who incorporates photography and visual art into my work. My art consists of vibrant, detailed, and creative perspectives of the world. Currently, I’m a full-time student studying at FIU with a BFA in Graphic Design. I’ve always been surrounded by art my entire life, as silly as this may sound I remember one time I built an entire dollhouse out of paper. I got two floors in there and even made a paper car for the dollhouse… Long story short is I basically would always put my all in everything and the word “impossible” was something that challenged me.
I always wanted to be in the design field, but once I got to college, I figured that if I got into the business world then somehow eventually I would start getting connections and work my way into the art field. All of that changed in my last year getting my AA at Broward College. Something kept nudging at me to pursue art and to leave the business major aside. Something that pushed me into getting my major in graphic design was when I took a beginners drawing class going into my final semester for my AA and this professor inspired me so much. To this day I wish I could remember his name, but he would always motivate us every class and light that spark in my mind that would get us excited about doing art everyday and fulfilling our potential. He brought that idea back into my mind of making the impossible seem possible again.
This got me excited and I started believing in my art again. The inner child in me wanted to go out and fulfill that dream into becoming a designer. So in 2016 I went ahead and applied to Florida International University for my BFA. I got accepted and from there on it was one of the most challenging things I’ve had to do, but I was determined. I took many drawing, photography, and design classes that taught me that I’m more than just an artist. I’m someone who can create a piece for people to see the world from a different perspective. This past year I was able to fulfill many accomplishments and dreams that growing up I’ve always wanted to do. Here I am today entering my final semester in college, getting my work noticed, having a video piece (in collaboration with Fortunée Cohen) called “Think Before You Waste” at an exhibition in the Miami New Media Festival, and I recently landed a position as a graphic design intern at Pérez Art Museum Miami. This has been a huge dream of mine since I first started this design journey and was a big influence in my work as well.
Overall I learned this: Life will throw you so many challenges and test you to see how badly you want what you’re passionate about. Whether its that childhood dream, current goal, or future aspiration don’t give up on whatever drives you because you never know the paths along the road that can push you towards fulfilling them.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road as a designer. Starting off there were times that I didn’t know how to do certain tasks or use certain programs, but I would push myself even if it took the whole day to figure it out. There were days where I would work on three different projects all day, sleep about 3 hours, and wake up early the next day to go to class for 8 hours. There were other times where I had to sacrifice time with my family and friends, but it was all totally worth it because I love what I do!
I remember my first-week starting design classes. There were people who were more experienced than me and knew more. There were professors would give harsh critiques without any reasoning behind it. Of course, I felt intimidated, frustrated, and would at times doubt my work, but then I remembered if I got this far it was for a reason. I had to believe in my work just like these other designers believed in their work. I remember when I was younger my dad and I went to a gallery and I saw a piece – it was this huge white canvas with a simple red dot on it. I questioned my father why that was in the gallery he explained to me that some people see that as art. I look back to that day and remind myself that this artist believed in his/her work so much that something so simple got into a gallery. I have to believe in my work as well regardless of the critiques. This gave me the confidence to take the critiques to grow as a designer, but to not hate the work that I produce.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Over the years I realized I didn’t want to limit myself to only one type art. I pushed myself to making sure I am able to create on all types of mediums with various types of tools. Even though I lean towards more of the graphic design field, I make sure that my work also consists of photography, video, and drawing. A lot of my work is full of color, detail, storytelling, and helps the viewer get up close and personal into the scene of the piece. I want my work to make an impact on the viewer and cause them to want to tap into more of the art world. I’m most proud of how far my designs have come and improved. I used to not be able to do digital illustrations or create full magazine spreads, but I pushed myself to become the type of designer I always wanted to be growing up. There’s two things that I feel sets me apart from others and I emphasize this in my work daily. One, I love challenges- whatever project is given to me I will make sure to take the challenge and make it fun exciting and it will show throughout my work. Two, I’m a persistent perfectionist- I always make sure that before my work is sent out to be seen by others, I will make sure my full vision is there. If not, then I won’t stop working on it until I know it’s ready.
Do you feel like there are certain traits that increase the likelihood of success?
The qualities and characteristics that I feel are most important to my success are really being open-minded and getting excited about new opportunities. Over the years I’ve learned that each person you meet along the way is there to teach you something whether they are difficult to deal with or a great time to be around. Each person is there to add something to your growth that will eventually lead you to a higher step to your success. All my friends, family, classmates, and professors each had great advice for me that pushed me into changing as a designer.
I never wanted to be stuck in my own ways because I remember in my first year of the design program I would see the way some of my classmates would take critiques and rather than looking at their own work they would blame the professor and take it personal. I made sure that I would be like a “sponge” and absorb all the advice that I could in order to prepare myself for my career when I graduate. I feel another important characteristic is that I care a lot about people. I’m not afraid to help others out in a field where things are so competitive. I’ve met some amazing people along the way who have helped me find connections and open me up to different techniques. Those people inspired me to pass on the help to other creatives. We are all here to succeed so why not help each other along the way to get there?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crystalpimentel.com
- Email: crystalpimentel12@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohheyycrystal
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OHheycrystal
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/OHheycrystal
Image Credit:
Crystal Pimentel
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