“Freedom to Express”
For someone who has served in the Navy, the constraints imposed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice can significantly limit one’s personal expression, particularly on matters that might be
controversial or critical of US Government practices or policy. This environment made me suppress my personal beliefs and criticisms, as expressing them could lead to serious repercussions including disciplinary action or discharge.When leaving the military, I felt liberated. This newfound liberty was empowering, and it finally
allowed me to openly discuss and express the thoughts and opinions I previously repressed.
“Freedom to Explore”
I included an image of chicken and rice. I come from a Colombian background and ate rice and chicken for my entire childhood. It wasn’t until I left the house that I started experimenting with other types of food. Exploring different types of art and design can be similarly transformative. Engaging with a wide range of artistic styles and design methodologies not only broadens your appreciation for different cultures and historical periods, but also enhances your ability to think critically and creatively. For instance, exploring the narratives of a classical painting improved my storytelling abilities.
“Freedom from Expectation”
Reducing the feeling of failure is crucial for graphic designers, particularly in a competitive field. Fear can hinder a
designer’s ability to experiment and take creative risks, leading to work that is safe and predictable. It may not be viable at this moment, but I want to one day create work that resonates and matters to a variety of people. I want to lose my sense of identity in my work because its more meaningful when its brought to a community.
