We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Jonathan Ramirez ("JR").
I'm Jonathan Ramírez, a bilingual Creative/Art Director with more than 15 years of experience in the advertising industry. My journey has taken me from the vibrant cities of Medellín, Bogotá, and Buenos Aires to the bustling creative hub of Los Angeles. I've had the privilege of contributing my skills to renowned agencies such as Grey, DDB, McCann, Draft FCB, JWT, Publicis, and Dieste. My passion lies in collaborating with top-tier art directors globally. I'm driven by an unwavering commitment to crafting imaginative concepts, innovative ideas, and stunning designs that seamlessly transcend diverse media platforms, consistently delivering that captivating element of surprise. Beyond my role as a Creative/Art Director, I am a dedicated digital illustrator who thrives on exploring various painting techniques. My versatile approach encompasses watercolor, markers, pencil colors, and acrylics, allowing me to infuse a unique touch of creativity into every project.
Jonathan Ramirez Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Jonathan Ramirez.
Jonathan Ramirez Design - LAX Branding
Jonathan Ramirez Design - Dr Primavera Quirot Visual Identity
Designer Interview of Jonathan Ramirez:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
JR : I've been passionate about art and design for as long as I can remember. I started drawing and creating at a young age and knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a career in design. I studied Graphic Design at Ingecomputo and later pursued a degree in Professional Advertising from Universidad Católica. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing companies and clients, which has helped me to develop and refine my skills as a designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JR : I am currently working as an Associate Creative Director at Dieste Inc., a leading advertising agency based in Los Angeles. At Dieste, we specialize in creating innovative and impactful campaigns for clients across a wide range of industries. Our team is made up of talented and creative individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of design and delivering exceptional results for our clients.
DI: What is "design" for you?
JR : Design, for me, is about more than just creating visually appealing products or experiences. It's about solving problems, telling stories, and connecting with people on a deeper level. Design has the power to inspire, provoke emotion, and drive change, and I believe that as designers, we have a responsibility to use our skills and talents to make a positive impact on the world.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JR : I enjoy working on a wide range of projects, but I'm particularly passionate about projects that allow me to be creative and innovative. I love the challenge of coming up with new and exciting ideas and bringing them to life through design, painting and animation.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
JR : One of my favorite designs is a campaign I worked on for my Hometown Government, which aimed to raise awareness about a critical health issue. The campaign was incredibly rewarding to work on because it had a real impact on people's lives and helped to drive positive change in the community.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
JR : The first project I worked on for a company was a print advertisement for a local business in my hometown. It was a small project, but it was incredibly exciting to see my design come to life and be used to promote a real-life business.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
JR : I don't have a specific favorite material, platform, or technology, as I believe in using whatever tools are best suited to the project at hand. That being said, I do have a lot of experience with Adobe Creative Suite and find it to be an invaluable resource for my work and for hand-draft I would way watercolors.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
JR : I feel most creative when I'm surrounded by other creative and passionate people. I love bouncing ideas off of others and collaborating on projects, as I find that this often leads to the most innovative and impactful work.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
JR : When designing, I focus on creating visually compelling and engaging designs that effectively communicate the intended message or function. I pay close attention to typography, color, and composition, as I believe that these are key elements in creating effective design solutions.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
JR : When I design, I feel a range of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to frustration and satisfaction. The design process can be challenging at times, but there's nothing more rewarding than seeing an idea come to life and knowing that it will have a positive impact on the world.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
JR : When my designs are realized, I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that my work has made a positive impact on the world. Whether it's a print ad, a website, or a social media campaign, seeing my designs out in the world and being used to communicate with people is incredibly fulfilling.
DI: What makes a design successful?
JR : A successful design is one that effectively communicates the intended message or function and resonates with its intended audience. It should be visually compelling, engaging, and memorable, and should ultimately drive the desired action or response from the viewer.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JR : When judging a design, I first consider its effectiveness in communicating the intended message or function. I look at the overall concept, as well as the execution, including typography, color, and composition. I also consider the context in which the design will be used, as well as the intended audience.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
JR : I believe that designers have a responsibility to use their skills and talents to make a positive impact on society and the environment. This means creating designs that are not only visually appealing and engaging but also sustainable, inclusive, and socially responsible. Designers should be mindful of the environmental and social impact of their work and strive to create designs that are ethical, equitable, and accessible to all.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
JR : The design field is constantly evolving, thanks to advancements in technology, changes in consumer behavior, and shifts in cultural trends. I believe that the future of design lies in innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Designers will need to adapt to new technologies and platforms, as well as embrace new ways of working and thinking, in order to stay relevant and competitive in an increasingly digital and globalized world.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
JR : I haven't participated in any exhibitions recently, but it's something that I would love to do in the future. I think exhibitions are a great way to showcase your work, connect with other designers and creatives, and get inspired by new ideas and perspectives.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JR : I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including art, architecture, fashion, and nature. I also find inspiration in everyday life, whether it's a conversation with a friend, a walk in the park, or a visit to a museum. I think it's important to keep an open mind and stay curious, as you never know where inspiration will strike.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
JR : My design style is best described as clean, modern, and innovative. I'm always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of design and create visually compelling and engaging work. I believe in starting with a strong concept and then using typography, color, and composition to bring that concept to life in a way that is both impactful and memorable.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
JR : I currently live in the United States, but I was born and raised in Manizale, Colombia. I definitely think that my cultural heritage has had a significant influence on my designs, from the colors and textures that I use to the themes and concepts that I explore. One of the pros of living in Colombia is the rich cultural heritage and history, which provides endless inspiration for my work. However, one of the cons is the lack of access to resources and opportunities compared to more developed countries.
DI: How do you work with companies?
JR : When working with companies, I start by understanding their goals, objectives, and target audience. I then collaborate closely with the client to develop a design strategy that aligns with their brand and messaging. Throughout the process, I provide regular updates and feedback to ensure that the final product meets the client's expectations and delivers the desired results.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
JR : My advice to companies for working with a designer is to look for someone who is not only talented and creative but also collaborative, communicative, and responsive. It's important to find a designer who understands your brand and your audience and who is able to translate your vision into visually compelling and engaging designs.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
JR : My design process typically starts with research and discovery, where I gather information about the project, the target audience, and the competitive landscape. I then move on to concept development, where I explore different ideas and directions for the design. Once a concept has been chosen, I move on to the execution phase, where I bring the design to life through typography, color, and composition. Finally, I present the design to the client and gather feedback, making any necessary revisions before delivering the final product.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
JR : Hand-painted Artwork: My wife and I love to paint, so we have several hand-painted artworks hanging on our walls. Each piece has its own story and adds a personal touch to our home decor. Vintage Record Player: I have a vintage record player that I've refurbished myself. It not only adds a retro charm to our living space but also allows us to enjoy the warm sound of vinyl records. Handmade Ceramic Mugs: We have a collection of handmade ceramic mugs that we picked up from local artisans. They are not only beautiful but also functional, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. Upcycled Furniture: We love to upcycle old furniture pieces. One of my favorite items is a coffee table that I refurbished and repainted. It's now a unique and stylish centerpiece in our living room. DIY Planters: My wife and I enjoy gardening, so we have several DIY planters made from recycled materials. They not only add a touch of greenery to our home but also reflect our commitment to sustainability.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
JR : A typical day in my life starts with a cup of coffee and a quick scan of the news and trends. I then spend the morning working on projects, brainstorming ideas, and meeting with clients. In the afternoon, I usually take a break to go for a walk or grab lunch with my wife. In the evening, I might attend a design event or work on personal projects before winding down and relaxing with my family.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
JR : My advice to young designers is to never stop learning and experimenting. Be open to new ideas and perspectives, and don't be afraid to take risks. Surround yourself with talented and supportive people, and always strive to push the boundaries of your creativity. And most importantly, never lose sight of why you started designing in the first place - because you love it!
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
JR : One of the positives of being a designer is the opportunity to be creative and innovative and to make a positive impact on the world through your work. However, one of the negatives is the pressure and stress that can come with tight deadlines, demanding clients, and high expectations.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
JR : My golden rule in design is to always start with a strong concept. I believe that a well-executed concept is the foundation of any successful design, so I always spend time upfront brainstorming ideas and exploring different directions before moving on to the execution phase.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
JR : Some of the most important skills for a designer include creativity, problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. It's also important to be proficient in design software and to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
JR : Some of the tools I use during design include Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Ajete Effects, Animate, InDesign), and Procreate. I also find inspiration in books, magazines, websites, and social media.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
JR : I manage my time by prioritizing my tasks and setting clear goals and deadlines for myself. I also try to break larger projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks, and to work on them in focused bursts of time. And of course, I always make sure to take regular breaks and to give myself time to rest and recharge.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
JR : The time it takes to design an object can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the project and the scope of work involved. Some projects may take just a few hours or days, while others may take weeks or even months to complete.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
JR : One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a designer is, "Where do you get your inspiration from?" I think people are always curious to know what inspires creative people and how they come up with new ideas.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
JR : One of the most important job experiences I've had was working as an art director at DDB Bogotá. It was my first real-world experience working in an agency, and it was incredibly valuable in helping me to develop and refine my skills as a creative.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
JR : Some of the clients I've worked with are: Pharma and Wellness Boehringer Ingelheim, GlaxoSmithKline. • Telecomm / mobile At&T, Huawei, LG. • Automotive Honda, Renault, Chevrolet. • Banking Itau, Bancolombia • Social and Environmental Awareness International Amnesty, Maisa, Donate Life California. • Others Coca Cola, Nectar, Beep,Bop,Go! Play-Doh!, Nerf.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
JR : I enjoy working on a wide range of projects, but I'm particularly passionate about projects that allow me to be creative and innovative. I love the challenge of coming up with new and exciting ideas and bringing them to life through design.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
JR : My future plans include continuing to push the boundaries of design and innovation, and to collaborate with talented individuals to create impactful and memorable work. I also hope to continue growing and developing as a designer, and to take on new and exciting challenges in the future.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
JR : I work as part of a team at Dieste, collaborating with other designers, art directors, copywriters, and strategists to bring our ideas to life. However, I also enjoy working independently on personal projects and exploring new ideas and concepts with my wife.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
JR : I'm currently working on a painting project for a new startup company. It's still in the early stages, but I'm really excited about the direction it's going in and can't wait to see the final result.
DI: How can people contact you?
JR : People can contact me here email: eltia.art@gmail website: www.eltia.co Instagram: @j.r.c_85 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanr85/
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
JR : I think we covered a lot of ground, but I would just like to emphasize how grateful I am to have the opportunity to do what I love every day and to make a positive impact on the world through my work. Design is not just a job for me, it's a passion, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to pursue it as a career.