 Victor Pascual is Navajo and Mayan, originally from Farmington, New Mexico. After graduating from high school in New Mexico, he moved to Durango, Colorado, where he studied fine arts and graphic design, along with a little art history and sociology in the mix. A graphic designer for almost 5+ years, Victor has built a sizable portfolio while, in his opinion, working with some of the most inspiring folks across the country.
Victor currently resides in Seattle, Washington.
Torry Mendoza: Can you tell our readers how it is you came to be a graphic designer and why you chose this particular path?
Victor Pascual: I became interested in design when I was in high school and continued to study it through college. I chose to become a graphic designer because of my love for art and typography; also I’ve realized that I can make a career out of this, which is even better. I’ve always wanted to own an all-Indian studio, now I feel that I’ve reached this point.
TM: Does your Native identity play any role in the work you do? If so, how does it influence your work and your design aesthetic?
VP: It certainly does. Most of the people that I work with are Indian or indigenous. There aren’t too many Indian designers out there and I’m playing my role by supporting my people and community. Also, in my illustrations, I try to carry over the design of Dine’ (Navajo) that can be found in pottery and weavings into my style, while remaining contemporary.
TM: The graphic image you utilize for your website and card logo, where does this come from and why did you decide to use it?
VP: The image that I use for my logo is one of our sacred mountains over in Dinetah called Shiprock. I was born there back in the 80s and my folks, who are living on the rez, live within 20 miles of the mountain. I use this image because as an individual, the mountain is my piece of home and is deeply sacred to me; I like to believe that the mountain gave me life.
TM: You’re not only a graphic designer, but a web designer and photographer as well. Regarding photography, how do you go about choosing your subject matter and why is it important to you?
VP: Yes, I do many things. Photography is a big part of what I do. I try to capture what’s real and honest, but lately I’ve been doing more commercial shoots. I’m fascinated by imagery, especially portraiture. I have the blessing of capturing a moment in people’s lives, which is extraordinary. Also, as a designer, I’m able to have creative control of a project from start to finish, like shooting my own photos and illustrating them. Most of my illustrations are pulled from my own photography or by folks who hand me photos.
TM: Back to graphic design, explain your aesthetic sensibility and why you choose, image-wise, to design in a somewhat minimalist manner?
VP: I used to believe that simpler is bette, and while I was in school I was trained to break the rules, and to follow a European design aesthetic, but now I beg to differ. I’d like to make my work more extravagant and colorful, but without looking cookie cutter. There are a lot of design trends out there that don’t hold up to their expectations, and some of the more popular trends that are overkill – (an example) would be the iPod-like style. I try my best to work away from that, but a lot of folks love that style and it sells. Some projects also require quick execution and simpler is always almost faster. But from this point on, I’m diversifying my style a bit more and changing things up to keep it fresh!
TM: You’ve had clients like the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the National Indian Gaming Association, Culture Shock Camp, and Longhouse Media to name a few. Does politics play a role in your decision when taking on clientele?
VP: Politics will always play a role in the work that I do. My studio chooses to work exclusively with Indian Country and the many organizations and individuals that exist in our communities as Indians. Sometimes I will do work for indigenous organizations that aren’t labeled as American Indian, but still have the need for indigenous talent. I am also well aware of my clients and their needs and continue to support them despite how my political opinion rests based on their interests.
TM: Are you at all politically motivated in your work? Could you elaborate why you are or are not?
VP: As for my illustrations, I do remain politically motivated, but the work does not present itself in that stereotypical way. I try my best not to illustrate people with the typical “feathers-and-gas-mask-hero with fist in the air” that are being idolized, but I also don’t dislike it. I think it has its place and time and I must admit that I have done work in that style on several occasions. Instead I try my best to illustrate “us” in the contemporary moment, and from a colonized, but culturally and well-informed Navajo-Mayan perspective. I’ve accepted colonization, and have to move on in the most healthy and sustainable way possible, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know who I am. I still very much like to avoid Western Ideology, but it seems almost impossible to do so while living in U.S. cities. Also, I’m well aware of my privileges, and hope to serve my community in the least colonizing way possible; though I may need some help with that. Not many Indigenous people have the opportunities that have been presented to me, and I feel that my privileges, and the privileges of other Indian designers are examples that Indians, and Indigenous people are capable of doing amazing things that no one would expect.
TM: You have a very discerning eye, what particularly do you find most enjoyable about the work you do, and out of photography, graphic design/illustration and web design, in what order would you place them from most enjoyable to least?
VP: Thank you! I find that illustration is the most enjoyable thing that I do. I’ve drawn pictures since I was a kid starting with things like ninja turtles and fast cars. No one can tell me how to draw, unless it’s for a tattoo or something. Also, illustration is my true talent and sets me apart from my counterparts. I like to be different. Next in line would be design, then photography, and then web-design.
TM: I know you’re in Seattle, but as a Mac user, and as a Mac user yourself, why Microsoft?
VP: It’s the industry man! That’s just a Seattle thing. I did some MSFT work when I was staffed at an agency, but now I don’t care much for them. I’ve learned that MSFT work is good for paying the bills and paying off credit cards, nothing more. There are some things that we must do in order to survive, so long as we don’t completely sell our souls away.
TM: Since I know you, I’ll have to preface this next question for NAICA’s readers. Victor will be attending President Obama’s inauguration. So, what do you intend to accomplish, if anything, while in D.C. at the inauguration, or is this simply an historic moment you want to be a part of?
VP: I suppose I don’t want to accomplish much of anything other than getting out of Seattle to kick it with almost everyone who is going to be there and making new connections and friends. I have old friends, new friends, Seattle friends, LA friends, New Mexico friends, Denver friends and DC friends who’ll be there. Now if I can just get everyone into the same room! I was also at the Denver DNC and Native Nations event so I feel that it’d be great to continue on and be entertained. I don’t travel much, and also didn’t travel for the holiday in hopes of saving $$ for this trip, so I feel this experience would be fair. The payoff is spending quality time with people.
TM: Do you have any advice you can impart to Native youth that may be traveling a similar path as yours?
VP: I sure do. Do it and go all the way even if you’re broke. Also, don’t be afraid to meet people along the way, and always mix things up a bit, and experiment with your work. Collaborate. Avoid egos because being a designer is always about the client, or the people you work with; making them happy and letting them shine, even if they can’t pay you as much and you’re standing on your last leg. There are plenty of egos in Indian Country, try your best to differ. And lastly, you don’t need fancy equipment to do great design - just the love and appreciation of great design. Also, be patient when working with Indians as clients; it’s worth the wait.
TM: Last question: Where do you envision yourself in the next 5 years? The next 10 years?
VP: Ah, I wish I could tell you where I specifically envision myself in the future, but in Dine – we’re not allowed to look too far ahead based on ancient teachings. Although, my ultimate goal is to move back to New Mexico and work in education. Graduate school is also nearing, but my hopes are to go back to get my MFA, then return home. As for my design career…I’m pushing this as far as I can and am able to. More sunshine for immediate needs would be nice.
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