Rebecca Saldaña
Keystone Resources
Creative Director
How long have you been an AIGA member and what do you get out of being a member?
I became involved with AIGA as a student member in 2004 and have been attending AIGA events on and off since then. AIGA has been an instrumental
organization in creating networking opportunities to connect influential designers with one another. The most valuable events are the speakers because
I enjoy hearing the accomplishments of established professionals and the challenges they had to overcome to
reach their ultimate success.
What is your take on the creative industry in Houston? How do you think we can make it different?
Houston has such an eclectic mix of creative professionals, and I appreciate the diverse cultures and backgrounds each individual
contributes to the creative industry. It is a multifaceted city, growing rapidly with local museums and working studios. However, I think
the design industry could benefit from a communal resource center where graphic designers can interact with other design professionals
with similar interests outside of the social scene. I envision a workshop environment that offers letterpress, silk screen or other valuable
techniques as well as focusing on the business aspect of our field since many designers become firm owners.
What inspired you to become a designer?
I believe design was instilled in me from an early age. My mother was a drapery seamstress and I remember pulling fabric swatches
and complimenting colors, patterns and textures. I’ve had a passion for drawing and painting since elementary and grew up competing
in art competitions. Once in college I knew I wanted to hone my talents and mold them into a career. When I researched the graphic
communications program, I knew design was the path I wanted to pursue.
What other creative/art events do you attend?
Continued education and inspiration is key, so I try to attend the design conferences as often as I can to gain inspiration and meet
other creative professionals. Locally, I support the Latin arts and visit Talento Bilingue De Houston to enjoy the performance of the up and
coming actors and artists. The city of Houston is rich in culture and arts, and when I can, I try to catch one of the numerous festivals and
art receptions the city offers.
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
When not working, I spend my weekends with my family. My husband and I have a vibrant and energetic two-year old son who loves to take
on his own adventures. We take him to the park on Sunday afternoons or on occasion to the Children’s Museum. My personal therapy is painting, interior decorating, salsa dancing and playing co-ed softball.
What is your greatest accomplishment to date as a design professional?
I am proud of many of my accomplishments from the first billboard I designed for the Kemah Boardwalk, the grand opening invitation of
the Tower of the Americas, contributing to the design of Papercity Magazine and, most recently, to the rebranding of Keystone Resources
of both its print and Web presence as well as the interior decor of the studio.
Who are your design heroes or mentors?
My greatest design mentors are the professors from the University of Houston Graphic Communication Block program. Their strict
discipline and continual motivation to push boundaries were a catalyst in molding me as a designer. I feel that as a designer you must continually expose yourself to influential designs to gain fresh perspectives and learn new skill sets to continue to create impactful design.
I also give credit to my peers, present and past employers throughout my career for their professional expertise. Their design acumen
has served as an invaluable supplement to my educational and professional knowledge in the creative arts field.
Where can we find you?
About Rebecca Saldaña:
With an appetite for art and drawing at such an early age, it was only natural for Rebecca Saldaña to turn this passion into a career.
Rebecca received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Communications from the University of Houston. Her passion for graphic design
has allowed her to explore the broad range of the creative industry. After graduation she began her professional career in the high-paced,
creative department of Landry’s Restaurants creating ad campaigns, billboards and marketing material for Landry’s Signature Group and
their growing collection of restaurants nationwide. She transitioned into publication design and became Senior Graphic Designer for
Papercity Magazine. There she designed editorial and social spreads for the trendy Houston–based independent magazine which highlights
fashion, pop-culture, nightlife and art. Currently she is Creative Director for Keystone Resources, a marketing and graphic design studio located
in the Historic Heights. She works directly with clients helping them achieve creative solutions for their business goals.
