The art scene in Fresno is thriving, and ArtHop is the hub for creative fun. If you haven’t been to an ArtHop yet, it’s a must! You can find out how to get started by checking out my Beginner’s Guide here.
An epic event like ArtHop needs a great logo, and part of the fun is that the logo changes every year. The winning design is chosen by a local design competition.
The logo competition showcases the design talent in Fresno, which is pretty intense. This year’s winner, Peter-David Carrion from Carrion Design, has been a fixture on the local design and art scene for a while. It’s always fun to learn about the person behind the logo, so check out my interview with Carrion below!
FresYes: First of all, tell us a little about yourself!
Peter-David Carrion: My name is Peter-David Carrion. For almost 20 years, I’ve been a creative professional in the Central Valley. During that time, I’ve had a variety of positions in the world of design from illustrator, junior to senior designer, art director, creative director and, for the past 10 years, I’ve expanded my skill set to include commercial photographer and cinematographer.
I’ve had the pleasure to work for several amazing companies and local design firms where I was able to work with small family businesses to Fortune 500 and international companies. I just celebrated a year at my current position as Senior Designer at the historical Duncan Enterprises, where I’m a part of an amazing creative department developing new craft, creative, and inspiring products.
In 2015, I was awarded “Creative of the Year” by the Fresno Advertising Federation for all my industry work and over the course of my entire career, I’ve also been awarded over 100 American Advertising Awards.
In addition to my commercial work, I’m also an abstract painter and portrait photographer. I am currently assembling my new portraiture art show for exhibition in early 2019.
What is your background in design/art?
Ever since I could remember, I’ve loved art and being creative. I was lucky enough to have a family that supported that drive in me. I graduated from Fresno State with a degree in Fine Arts and Graphic Design. I actually took the first design programs offered at CSUF, so I was ecstatic to know that I could get a job at being creative.
For the longest time, I became so focused on my professional design work, I lost sight of my passion for my own self-expression. It wasn’t until I met my wife, Anna, where she really challenged me to do more art for myself, because she was right, that type of expression is so personal and something that can’t always be expressed in your professional work. So it’s all about finding that creative balance. In 2017, I did my first art show for ArtHop at CMAC and I got a lot of great feedback, so it’s really inspiring me to continue that work.
What made you decide to enter the logo contest?
A byproduct of this recent self-awareness of my artistic side, I realize the Fresno area’s own art community continues to flourish and that really intrigued me, as not only as a Fresno resident but also as an inspiring artist. I really wanted to be a part of that growth. I’ve known of all the great work the Fresno Arts Council does for that community, so I started to follow them online and I saw the contest. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I figured even if I didn’t expect to win, it was a fun creative exercise for me.
What inspired your design?
Honestly, the Fresno Arts Council ArtHop Logo Contest was pretty open-ended with requirements on the logo, just some copy requirements, so for a designer, that much freedom can be awesome or intimidating. Graphic Design is problem-solving, so when you don’t have a clear problem, that abundance of answers can be overwhelming.
For me, I immediately jumped into the project with total excitement for the opportunity to develop a logo that was fresh and modern for FAC’s ArtHop, and was versatile, so something that would look amazing as a window sticker and be just as impactful online or on social media. In regard to visual inspiration, I just made sure to design a logo that would complement the new evolving downtown area.
How does it feel to win?
I’m very honored to have won. Like I said, I wasn’t expecting to win, so I do sincerely thank the Fresno Arts Council and its board members for selecting my logo. I know this is a small contribution to the larger artistic community Fresno has, and I will continue to contribute however I can. Fresno is my home, I grew up here all my life, so something like this, a way to give back to your community, a way to give back to the art community as well, is a good day in my book.
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For more information about Peter-David Carrion’s design and art work, you can check out his website here or watch this CMAC interview on his art. To keep track of Fresno Arts Council events and news, follow them on Facebook here.
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