We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Illkya Acosta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Illkya below.

Illkya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

To date, one of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege to work on was the design of the warm-up jerseys for the NJ Devils during their Hispanic Heritage Dedication night in the autumn of 2022. This project held particular significance for me as it coincided with a period of frustration in my full-time 9-5 communications agency job. Seeking a creative outlet beyond my day job, I actively pursued smaller projects that allowed me to express myself more freely.

When I applied to the NJ Devils’ call for artists, I honestly didn’t expect to hear back, considering the vast pool of submissions. However, to my pleasant surprise, the NJ Devils’ creative director reached out to me in early September 2022. Ironically, around the same time, I was let go from my communications agency job. Though it was a sad moment, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, providing me the time to fully dedicate myself to the NJ Devils project.

Throughout this endeavor, I delved into the rich tapestry of Latin and Hispanic cultures, ensuring my designs resonated authentically. Witnessing my creations come to life on the jerseys worn by talented hockey players was a surreal experience. The project also bestowed upon me the privilege of attending the game with tickets generously gifted to me, allowing my family and close ones to share in the celebration of my achievement.

This project marked my introduction to hockey, an industry previously unfamiliar to me, yet it ignited a newfound passion. The positive reception from fans on various social media platforms, particularly from the Latin community, was overwhelming. It challenged stereotypes, showing that hockey can resonate with diverse audiences beyond the expected realms.

The experience even sparked my interest in venturing into merchandise design. Representing my home state, New Jersey, and celebrating my Central American roots (shout-out to Salvadorans and Hondurans!) made this project truly special. Regardless of how one defines themselves—Hispanic, Latino, Latina, or Latinx—this project reinforced the importance of feeling seen, heard, worthy, and valued.

Looking back, this project remains one of my favorites—a transformative journey that not only showcased my abilities but also reaffirmed my resilience amid career transitions.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I found my passion for graphic design while at a vocational technical high school in South Jersey, where I honed my skills in Photoshop and Illustrator. My love for art and technology converged in graphic design, a field that allows me to make a visual impact in our highly visual culture. This journey continued at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where I learned from inspiring professors.

My diverse services cover everything from album artwork and music promotion to branding, identity, and creative direction. Notable clients include The NJ Devils, Latin Punk Fest, and Visit Philadelphia, showcasing my versatility. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and experienced in typography, editorial design, and illustration, I offer a range of creative solutions.

Specializing in Print and Digital Design, Illustration, User Research, Branding, Moodboarding, and Photography, I aim to break away from homogenous styles. I prioritize client collaboration and understanding their narrative to deliver exciting and accurate products. This approach has led to successful transformations, such as revamping a client’s website and increasing traffic significantly.

In both artistic and freelance projects, I draw inspiration from diverse sources, believing in the enrichment of design through daily life experiences. My process merges graphic design with a deep appreciation for conceptual and fine arts, resulting in expressive, symbolic, and gritty creations. I stand out with an approach that unearths beauty in unexpected and sometimes dark places, employing visual words, quotes, and symbols.

A recent source of pride is my work with the NJ Devils creative team in the fall of 2022 for their Hispanic Heritage Night Warm-Up Jerseys. I want potential clients to know I invest time in cultivating concepts, yielding the best outcomes. I embrace the line between traditional and edgy, taking risks and working with themes often overlooked. I would love to take on more projects that involve creative direction, book cover design, music-related design, and branding & identity. My intrinsic sensibility, informed by my love for art, music, and culture, ensures evocative work.

Ultimately, I believe in beauty as a driving force for transformation, celebrating the overlooked and unconventional and finding beauty even in the shadows and beyond.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most gratifying aspect of being creative lies in the continual astonishment arising from self-discovery and the impact on others. Each project I undertake serves as a canvas for diverse perspectives and unfamiliar modes of thought. Even when granted greater artistic autonomy, I stay attuned to the invaluable input and insights of those engaging with my work, fostering a dynamic interplay of ideas. The capacity for growth and embracing unforeseen challenges underscore the rewarding journey of creative expression.

There is also satisfaction in contributing to the rich tapestry of society through the arts. Through my artistic endeavors, I attempt to interweave and display a personal vulnerability, whether it be an exploration of happiness, joy, pride, or sorrow. I aspire for my creations to serve as a channel for shared human experiences, dismantling the boundaries surrounding emotions. In my artistic narrative, I seek to dismantle the notion of certain feelings as taboo, recognizing the entirety of the human spectrum as a rich and interconnected tapestry.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is not bound by a predetermined outcome; instead, it thrives on the unpredictability of artistic evolution. I embrace the ebbs and flows, understanding that the path is not concretely linear. Setbacks and challenges are integral to this journey, shaping me into the creative professional I am today. I recognize that overcoming obstacles has been instrumental in my growth.

Authenticity lies at the core of my creative mission. I strive to remain true to myself while navigating diverse mediums and industries, always open to new avenues that foster the expansion of my creativity. One inspiring aspiration is to direct a music video. The medium captivates me as a unique art form, and I enjoy exploring its resurgence in the current creative landscape. Music videos are visual treats, and the prospect of contributing to this form is a delightful fantasy I hope to fulfill one day.

Learning and growth, especially concerning art and design, is lifelong. The world and the people I encounter serve as my classroom. The journey is a continuous exploration, and I’m enthusiastic to discover where my creativity takes me next. Each experience teaches me more about myself—what I naturally gravitate towards, what brings me joy, and what I can navigate and work with within my limitations.

In crafting my works, my ultimate aspiration is to create pieces that resonate personally, whether in a personal or commercial context. Beyond surface aesthetics, I infuse my creations with elements that invite people to find fragments of themselves within the art. The connection between my work and its audience is paramount, as art has the power to evoke emotions, spark memories, and create shared experiences. This intention extends to visual aesthetics and the underlying narratives that weave through my designs. Through this shared connection, I want to leave a lasting imprint and contribute meaningfully to the creative fabric of those who encounter my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://illkyaacosta.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illkyaa
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/illkyaacosta/
• Other: personal Instagram/me in-real-life: https://www.instagram.com/gothprima/

Image Credits
All photos provided by me with the exception of: NJ Devils photos provided by courtesy of the NJ Devils Creative team. Photo of the Visit Philadelphia Greater Beer Trail Bottle portrait provided by Robb Lim. Also featuring my assistant Bri Branco in this photo. All other behind-the-scenes photos of the Visit Philadelphia Greater Beer Trail Bottle provided by me.