Interview with Manuel Ruiz

I have always been interested in the arts and visual communication. In high school, I took courses in art and design and enjoyed using my creativity to solve visual problems. I decided to join Monsenor de Talavera University, where I learned the fundamentals of design principles, typography, color theory, and software tools.

I work on this order: research, sketch and digital layout. I try to be very minimalist in my designs since I start from the principle that less is more in design.

I like to create an environment conducive to ideas, that's why I use the night hours to capture the ideas that are generated during the day. The tranquility of a night with good music puts me in the best state of inspiration.

Mezclarse con gente talentosa me ha llevado a completar hermosos proyectos. The social side of interrelationships is a great driver of good ideas.

I visualize my future by creating new design techniques adapted to new technologies. I also want to continue writing books oriented to creative processes.

Continuously learn and expand your knowledge: The design field is constantly evolving, and there are always new techniques, tools, and technologies to learn. Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field, and take courses, attend workshops, or read books to expand your knowledge.
Embrace sustainability: Designers, artists, and architects have a responsibility to create sustainable solutions that minimize the impact on the environment. Consider the materials, processes, and systems you use in your work, and look for ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create designs that are environmentally friendly.

I like the silence when I get up in the morning and a good cup of coffee. My day in my studio begins with a meeting to see the progress of the projects and then everything flows freely until the night. Sundays are my favorite day to ride my motorcycle.

I usually find inspiration in the natural world. The colors, textures, and patterns found in nature can be a great source of inspiration for creating organic, fluid designs.
I like trends, Movies, TV shows, music, and other forms of popular culture can be a great source of inspiration for me.
Traveling to different parts of the world to know new cultures, art, and architecture, which can inspire new design ideas.

A design that fulfills its function is a good design, an exceptional design is one that fulfills its function and also makes you fall in love.

I like to set myself a time limit, although this limit is usually fluctuating. It is good not to fall into overthinking. When is done is done.

I have a lot of branding work that I'm very proud of, but my first book "Building Creativity as an Artist" documents my best insights into my life as an art director.

I find Massimo Vignelli very inspiring, His motto was, "If you can design one thing, you can design everything," and i think it's brilliant.

I am the product of a mixture of places and cultures, I was born and raised in South America (Venezuela) in a loving and respectful environment for nature, where Latin music and food mark an important style in your life. I live and work in the United States where the urban environment inspires me to create designs that reflect the energy and vibrancy of the city.

I promote teamwork a lot, I like to get the best out of each talent that works for me on my projects.

I think that the designer is a great social helper doing his best to make the world more aesthetically better. In addition to being an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, I am also the founder of Muralforacause.com, a movement that donates printed murals to organizations seeking to spread a positive and inspiring message.

I love the idea of collaborating in events with such talented people in different branches of design. I would like to continue participating in the awards and maybe one day as a jury.