Christalinda Beltran
Artist Statement
As far as I can recall, art has been a part of my life since I was three years old; at least, my mother had told me once. If you ask anyone from my family, I usually have a sketchbook and pencil ready to draw my illustrations, no matter the circumstances. As a kid, I did not have access to the internet or even a phone, but it has my books and movies to inspire my creative process. Drawing was my way of communicating, showing what I liked or was interested in at the time, usually animals. It was also therapeutic when stressed about an activity I didn’t understand. These breaks were essential as I am autistic, and drawing was a way for me to express myself and cope with the challenges I faced. Sometimes, my teachers would give me breaks and allow me to draw during class in distress. When I entered middle school, I continued my artistic passion, even by entering a few art competitions and going to an afterschool program for art each school day. When I got to high school, I became interested in digital and graphics classes. This course caught my attention because these programs are the main reason we have ads, websites, film, and even animation production. I always thought it would be my dream job if I went onto this path, as I love designing new ideas and spreading my work for others to see one day.
My ideal profession is to be in animation or go into a marketing design business. Maybe I will even become an educator for a beginner’s course if I choose to do so. Living at the tip of the Valley, I was always concerned about what jobs lay within my area or maybe traveling further up to gain experience. But I know if I continue showing off my work on different platforms, I feel I can finally show my skills to others and even start on my projects. Finding a job without experience can be difficult for others, mainly if they apply for their first job. I want to make designs and projects that help bring more creativity or even help people struggling to get their businesses to life. I want my work to be more open to topics or diverse with the skills I was taught in my college experience. Also, I want to do commissions by becoming a freelancer to help rebrand or create designs, such as posters, magazines, or even logo designs. I have also been in the UTRGV design competition, which help know my level as a graphic designer. My primary goal is to expand my skills and knowledge in other graphic fields and get a job to make a name for myself and make my family proud.
