Taking the pulse with Esteban Arango

Graphic Designer and Audiovisual Creative Bradian Esteban Arango—a two-time Young Blood Design Awards winner—2023 & 2024. Esteban graduated from the Media Arts Fundamentals program at St. Lawrence College in 2022, and has been freelancing on branding, digital and packaging projects for Canadian and his native Columbian clients. Esteban shared the inspiration and creative process on his latest winning entry—GLOW Indoor Plant Care—an entire packaging design project.             

What is your creative process (from idea to finished product?)

Creating the visual identity for GLOW was an exciting journey that combined nostalgia with modern minimalism. The aim was to create a design that felt both timeless and contemporary, enhancing the overall experience of our indoor plant care products and botanical supplies. 

I began by selecting a palette of solid, plain backgrounds to achieve a clean, uncluttered look. A standout feature of the design is the unique pattern I created. This pattern goes beyond decoration, capturing the essence of GLOW and reflecting the brand’s commitment to simplicity and elegance. It’s versatile enough to be used across various mediums, ensuring consistency and strong brand recognition. Typography was also a crucial component. I chose fonts that are not only visually appealing but also enhance readability and evoke a sense of nostalgia. This choice aligns with the brand’s narrative, fostering an emotional connection with our audience. In summary, the design embodies a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity, ensuring that GLOW’s visual identity is both memorable and impactful.

What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from a multitude of sources. Indie music and photography are my creative catalysts, giving my work a distinct, artistic flair. Traveling and discovering new indie bands expose me to diverse cultures and styles, enriching my designs with fresh insights. I regularly browse the internet and social media to keep up with the latest graphic design and fashion trends, ensuring my work remains contemporary and innovative. My experiences as an immigrant to Canada and the vibrant, diverse culture around me significantly shape my creative vision. Sports, music festivals, and concerts are my outlets for energy and passion, providing balance in my creative life. Each project I undertake reflects these diverse influences, resulting in designs that are both deeply personal and widely relatable.

What are you working on professionally? Anything outside of the usual?

I'm focusing on freelance projects, including posters for events, branding, and social media content. To supplement my income and make ends meet, I also work part-time at a gym. It's been challenging to find a full-time graphic design position, so I've been exploring different avenues to support myself.

Above: part of the Canadian Indigenous Photographers Exhibition, Entire Design Awards program, a 2023 Young Blood winning entry.

What is your dream work environment?

My dream work environment would involve collaborating with well-known brands and working on projects related to concerts and entertainment events around the world. I'm also passionate about the idea of working in television, where I could use my skills in video editing or animation to create engaging content. Being part of such dynamic and creative industries would be incredibly fulfilling for me.

More of Estehan's work can be seen through his personal website, below.

Bē: @EstebanArango30

IN: @esteban-arango-888877123

We see a bright future for Esteban, this multi-faceted creative obviously brings his all to every project he takes on. Esteban congratulations on your Applied Arts Design Awards wins!!