What do you love most about graphic design? 

We’ve all heard the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Well that’s how I feel about graphic design! There are all these little details you can add in that really make a difference: that perfect shade, the weight of a line, the kerning of letters on a page. Every detail has the power to transport you, evoke emotion, and impact your thoughts within that moment. 

Since the world has become so digital, I like to use graphics as little windows into different moments!

What do you like most about designing for Gleamin?

When I started working with the Gleamin I was most excited about the branding! My initial thoughts were that it was so effortlessly cool, bright, inclusive and straight to the point. The core elements in the brand’s visual identity aligns really well with the brand’s ethos and I love being able to support the creative team in continuing to reflect that.

I also love the culture here at Gleamin! My first day, everyone within Marketing and Creative took the time to meet me individually over virtual calls. In fact, despite being a fully remote company, I found it to be the most welcoming and tight-knit of all the brands I’ve worked with!

What are your favorite skin care products/what do you eat for healthy skin?

I recently started using skincare products from Tula Skincare. I use their cleanser and acne clearing gel. However, a huge part of my routine is making sure I’m nourishing myself from within. I am allergic to EVERYTHING and it took me a while to realize that my diet was contributing to many of my skin issues. I like to start my day with an elixir of hot water, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. I also love to add turmeric to my food or drinks. Having Turmeric both internally and externally (like Gleamin’s Vitamin C Clay mask) has been super helpful for me!

What are your favorite makeup products?

As someone with extremely sensitive skin (acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation) I am very cautious about what I put on my face. I have gone through countless makeup products from high end to drug-store and my skin has always reacted differently. Lately I’ve been reacting very well to ColourPop’s Pretty Fresh line. There are 42 different shades so it was really easy for me to find my match. My favorite part? It has coconut water and hyaluronic acid in the formula so I don’t have to worry about my dry patches showing through! I also live by Nudestix Nudies Matte. It’s meant to be a blush but I use it on my lips, cheeks, and eyelids for a monochromatic look. 

What are some things you like to do in your spare time or what are some of your favorite ways to de-stress?

I LOVE cooking, traveling, and eating of course! I feel like they all go hand in hand. I’ve always been a huge history buff and food has always been my way of immersing myself in a culture. If I’m traveling I try to eat at all the local spots and hole in the walls. When I cook at home I go ALL OUT. Being Filipino, my favorite thing to do is a Boodle Fight. You cover the table with banana leaves and then pile on seafood, meat, fruits, veggies, and rice. No utensils are used—everyone must eat with their hands! 

Because I eat so much, I love to stay active to help balance it out. I love going on hikes, bike rides and going to the beach!

 

You recently moved from New York to Los Angeles, how has the move been?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so it’s definitely nice to be back after living in NYC for 6 years! I learned how to work hard, think fast, and be resourceful. I like to think that my experiences in NYC led me to graphic design. I originally wanted to work in fashion, so I worked in PR with different luxury brands out there. As I got deeper into the industry, I realized it was not for me and that I wanted to do something more creative. Let’s just say it was very Devil Wears Prada for me! I found myself drawn to skin care ads I would see all over the subway or flyposts I would see on the streets. I would obsess over the fonts, colors, and images that were used so I started freelancing and building my portfolio!