Name: Judith
Job Title:Freelance Graphic Designer & Illustrator
I do print and identity design for small businesses and Illustration for local and national publications.

What do you get out of being an AIGA volunteer/member?
When I came to Houston a year ago, I was a total island. I didn’t know anyone and nobody knew me. AIGA has changed all that. I feel I am part of something larger than I am, and I have met lots of amazing people that have gone through similar experiences. Even if that’s all I ever get from AIGA, I’ll be thankful.

What inspired you to become a designer or when did you know you wanted to design?
I had dabbled with design in Highschool, but I went to art school resolved to be a painter. On sophomore year, I took a design class and I realized how much of a powerful communication tool design could be. Design touches so many people everyday, beyond galleries and museums. That’s when I realized I didn’t want to walk away from that.

When you aren’t designing, what are you doing?
When I’m not doing design, I’m doing illustration. I try to work on as many personal projects as I can. Also, I like being outside when it’s sunny.

Who are your design heroes or what designers are you following right now?
The usual suspects: Lubalin, Chwast, Glaser, and Saul Steinberg (illustrator)
I am also inspired by less known designers and illustrators I went to school with, or find floating on the web.

What is your greatest accomplishment to date as a designer?
My greatest accomplishment so far has been not giving up as a recent  grad. I graduated in mid 2008, when the economy apocalypse was beginning. It’s been a tough year and a half, and things might not get better for a while. But I am still doing this and my dreams are moderately intact. That is a huge accomplishment to me.

What’s your favorite typeface?
I love modern typefaces like Didot. I may not have the opportunity to use them as much, but when I do, I relish the opportunity. Its structure and stroke inspires my hand-lettering and illustration work as well.

How was speaking at Pecha Kucha Vol 02?
It was very therapeutic! I was able to show people my work and talk about the reasons and feelings behind it. People were very excited about it, and I had some great conversations with people I’d otherwise never meet.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t know. Two years ago when I graduated I saw myself in a different place than where I am now. But I do hope to be working in a place that values and inspires me as a designer.

Where can we find you?
www.juzcategui.com
Also, I love getting emails! judith.jocabed@gmail.com
twitter.com/juddde