We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lu Quijano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lu, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
There are definitely two major projects I’ve worked/been working on that have helped me find my path as a creative person.
Working in my own wedding stationary for early this year, after working corporate branding and advertising for years, was what drove me to where I am now, just one year later, an almost full-time social branding designer. This was the most fulfilling and life changing experience. After 8 years, I finally found my place as a designer, through my wedding!
The second most meaningful project recently, was being able to be part of the Pop Around the World series by Funko, the collectible figures company, as their Mexico Host. I truly never imagined that my pandemic time collecting pop culture figures and sharing videos through social media would get me to meet the amazing people at Funko and later be part of this awesome video series on their official Youtube channel showing off my beautiful state, Yucatan to the world. I still can’t get over it!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been designing for 8 years, performing professionally for 6 years and content creating for 3 years. Focusing on me as a wedding stationary designer, it all started with my own wedding just months ago. The minute I got engaged in 2022, being able to design my menus, table numbers, dance floor, welcome signs was everything I wanted to do (even over finding a dress). Long story short, I did everything by myself and by talking with other future brides and with some help of my wedding planner, decided to help other brides land their ideas and dreams on paper. What I love the most and truly believe makes me engage with couples in an special way, is the idea of being a recent bride, that understands their stress, excitement, commitment. I treat and enjoy every wedding as my own. Some have called me their “wedding fairy godmother” since I get everything they wish -yes, even a full size Taylor Swift and Checo Perez for their dance floor- even if it’s not part of my common design service. Working with wedding planners and other printing and event suppliers has been an exciting experience. Brides, grooms, planners and any event client can rest peacefully knowing I got everything under control and won’t let go until they get their perfect event stationary.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Being able to leave a mark on the other people’s life, short or long term. As a designer, transforming clients ideas, dreams, hard work in stationary, logos, posters. As a performer, by singing or dancing my heart out in a performance for them to remember. As a creator, by inspiring young people or even adults to be themselves through their own art, hobbies or things they like without feeling judged.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
We as artists need to be seen as full professionals. When you get yourself a designer to help you develop your brand instead of using a generic logo or design from the internet; when you pay a ticket for a musical, play, movie or even your little cousin showcase, instead of watching a bootleg or movie in an illegal site. By supporting artists you are supporting dreams and hard harmless work. Creating is not our hobby, is our job, and sometimes is our life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jemi.so/luquijano
- Instagram: @luciaquii @luciadesignstudio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3BPjjXoUpWPOcc-uIDOJZg
- Other: email: [email protected] / [email protected] Tiktok: @luciaquii https://www.luciadesignstudio.com/
Image Credits
Luis Andrade. Joany Garcia. Miguel Coello. Aldahir Echeverria. Walter Vera. Miguel Navarro.