Meet Daniel Camolina | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Daniel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As cliché as it might sound, creativity has been an interest of mine since a young age. Any form of creative expression has always caught my attention, especially when the art can be brought to life in a physical form. Creating something as simple as a poster and seeing it take shape is what makes the creative process so rewarding to me.

I’ve always been fascinated by the many ways creativity can be expressed. As a child, I imagined myself becoming a cake decorator, inspired by the baking shows I watched. The intricate and creative cake designs on Cake Boss made me gravitate toward that field. The show not only fueled my passion for creativity but also sparked my interest in problem-solving across different mediums.

After that, I developed an interest in architecture. The idea of creating one of the most tangible representations of creativity inspired me to pursue it. For the first couple of years in high school, I thought that was my path. But as I took related classes, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me.

Entering college, I had a clear vision of my future: I wanted to be a sports journalist. The idea of watching sports as a job excited me, and I was set on that path for most of my college years. However, after trying my hand at graphic design, I realized this was where all my previous creative interests had led me.

Before diving into graphic design, I explored other creative outlets like ceramics, sewing, and even a bit of tattooing. I find all of these activities enjoyable for the same reason I’m passionate about graphic design: the satisfaction of seeing the creative process come to life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The most notable aspect that sets me apart from others is my genuine love for learning new things. One thing I quickly learned while using design programs is that there’s almost always a faster, better way to do something. Gaining new information about what I’m working on is one of the most satisfying aspects of the creative process.

Right now, the most exciting thing for me is seeing my improvement over the past year. The more dedication I put into graphic design, the more I’ve noticed fundamental growth as a designer. Many tasks now come instinctively as I continue to progress.

I’m eager to start working on new projects and dive into as much as I can to further improve my skill set. I’m also excited about future collaborations—creating something that isn’t just my idea, but a team effort.

The most difficult part of this journey has been simply getting to where I am now. Finding something you’re passionate about and genuinely want to improve at every day isn’t easy, but that’s what makes it enjoyable. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is the value of having your work critiqued. Having someone point out mistakes helps me improve the most, and I now look forward to feedback. Though it may be nerve-wracking at first, it can do wonders for your growth.

There isn’t much to me—simple as it sounds, I just want to create cool things.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Although I’ve spent most of my life away from the place I’d call home, I still consider Southern California, specifically the Riverside area, to be home. Nearly all of my family lives there, so it’s always associated with good memories.

First, we’d go to a fast-food place they’ve either never tried or don’t get to visit often, usually In-N-Out. For many people, it’s a must-have when visiting California. Southern California is home to so many iconic spots that it only makes sense to visit a few. While there’s not much to do in Riverside in terms of sightseeing, I don’t think that’s necessary to have a good time.

You can find pretty much anything in the area. The mall nearby has always been a memorable place for me and my cousins, along with attractions like escape rooms, hiking trails, and ice skating rinks. The most exciting part of being there is simply hanging out with my family. We always try to plan something and make the most of the time we have together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m fortunate to have such supportive people around me who have been incredibly encouraging throughout my bumpy journey to where I am now. My parents, in particular, have been my biggest supporters. They always encouraged me to find what I love doing and have stood by me through all the random interests I’ve explored over the years. My siblings, too, have motivated me. As the oldest of four, seeing how talented each of them is gives me added inspiration in my own work.

Everyone who has helped me along this journey, which is just beginning, means a lot to me. Whether it’s a critique or a word of encouragement, every bit has made a difference. I’m especially grateful to my cousin, who let me use his Adobe account. That simple gesture—allowing me to try something in Illustrator without hesitation—helped me discover my passion for graphic design. I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me so far.

Website: https://camolina.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielcamolina/

Image Credits
Daniel Camolina