Meet Antonio Valverde | Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antonio Valverde and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antonio, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For me, I honestly think taking risks is essential for growth. Being a first-generation Mexican-American it is ingrained in me to strive for more. Moreover, navigating life as a queer individual involves confronting risks daily, given the ongoing debates surrounding our rights. For better or worse, taking risks is always scary but vital for progress.
One of the most recent risks I have taken is the decision to attend graduate school to receive an MFA in Graphic Design. The decision was not easy as I am still financially recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, but returning to school was a risk I was willing to take. This decision was a step into a new creative future for myself. Each risk has been a learning opportunity for my personal development. As my career as a graphic designer begins I will have to take risks creatively and professionally to keep growing and learning.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up I found myself drawing and painting as a means of expressing myself. I was never the loudest in the room but my art sometimes was. Along with drawing and painting, I also found photography. Photography is special to me as it allows me to see and believe in the world I want to be in. Once I decided to turn the camera on myself in my self-portrait series I grew a self-confidence that I have always struggled to find. Art has saved me and has allowed me to keep pushing both personally and professionally. Currently, I approach my art through thoughtful research, delving into themes that resonate deeply with me and the communities I identify with. I am inspired by my Mexican heritage and personal experiences as a queer individual.
Ultimately, I want the world to know that my art is more than just visually interesting; it’s a testament to resilience, identity, and the power of self-expression. Through my work, I strive to amplify voices, spark conversations, and foster understanding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a bit new to the area but if my best friend was visiting, I would take him to grab some tacos from a taco stand in Westchester. I discovered them randomly. They’re called Nely’s Tacos, some of the best I have found in the area. My favorite thing to order from there are the vampiros de carne asada. After getting some tacos, a trip to the beach would probably be the next move. Dockweiler State Beach is close to LAX, and they have fire pits, which is always nice for summer nights. I enjoy this beach because it is so close to LAX that you can see airplanes take off while hearing the sound of ocean waves.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my best friend who has helped motivate me into pursuing my creative endeavors and for supporting me along the way. I would also like to dedicate my shoutout to my family who have always been able to support me from afar.

Website: https://antoniovalverde.cargo.site/

Instagram: @totovalverde

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniorvalverde/

Image Credits
Antonio Valverde