CRISTÓBAL ALMANZA
Quick Bio:
Latino artist and designer (IA, UX, UI) with a passion for human-centered design. Daylight as a design strategist and leader. I do art & design part-time, and serve as a Catholic Christian ministry leader.
Seeking to improve the lives of others through beauty, function, and education.
Design Thinking Philosophy
Design thinking tests hypothesis and measures outcomes like the scientific method of business. I believe applying Human Centered Design improves real people’s lives, and that multi-disciplinary teams create more creative and effective solutions through design facilitation. A good design process provides clarity to generate solid strategy direction for any project. Good design solves real problems and keeps evolving until it does.
My Workflow
1. Understand the Issues
2. Identify Possible Solutions
3. Execute the Best Ideas
4. Iterate With Feedback and Data
Primary Profession
Currently: User Experience Manager for a mobile app company in Austin, Texas.
Previously
Information Architect – UX Design Focus on structure for an agency in East Austin focusing on mission-oriented organizations.
Digital Creative Manager – Specializing in User Interface Design for sites and apps. I also direct a creative services team in Austin that serves as an internal agency for markets around the country.
Profile Indicators
Artist Statement
My paintings have been featured internationally in Rome, and in the United States in Denver, Austin, Lubbock and San Antonio. Many of my original works have been sold to patrons across the country, and am always planning the next project.
My artistic style is known for highlighting color and transcendental themes and Latino vibrancy. I am passionate about the value of beauty and faith and give presentations for all ages about the need for beauty and evangelism through art.
Being Christian is as much an inseparable part of who I am as my Mexican roots and Texan heritage. All three enrich my identity and influence most of my artistic works.
Interests
Culture, Podcasts, Music, Concerts, Dancing, Theology, Languages, Running, Mixed-Martial Arts, Astronomy, Architecture, Travel, Philosophy, History, Wine, Good Conversation, and Art.
Volunteer Roles
Meal Driver for Meals on Wheels of Central Texas. President, Co-Founder of ATX Catholic (formerly Austin Catholic New Media), Youth Ministry Coordinator and Catechist. Also a former Communications Coordinator for ministries, and Pastoral Council Member at St William Catholic Church
All content in my blog and site is my opinion and does not reflect the views of my employers, clients, or partners.
In Depth
Biography
I lived in the Austin, Texas area since 2009, and I grew up in a small country town called Muleshoe located in the Texas panhandle. I’m a first generation Mexican-American and a proud, native Texan.
I have been a freelance designer and artist since 2005. I sell paintings and prints of my works from work I have created or have been commissioned to make. I have also been coordinating retreats and speaking at parishes, private schools, and other religious organizations since 2003.
I began my professional design career in 2007 in Denver, Co, but I also grew up knowing the meaning of hard work on a farm.
Specialties
I work with many forms of graphic design and specialize in User Experience design, and I also have experience with print design.
Traditional art is also one of my passions. I primarily do oil painting and drawing. Graphic design is my visual organization, and creating art is my visual expression.
Education
I graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Colorado, and I also attended St Mary’s University in San Antonio and John Cabot University in Rome studying Theology and Fine Art.
Inspiration
I have a love of knowledge, and I am a seeker of Truth. I seek to find love in all there is in this life. I find freedom in not knowing everything and encourage curiosity about the world around us.
My faith as a Christian (Roman Catholic) and my culture as a Latino are an integral part of who I am as a person and an artist. They are the greatest sources of inspiration for my work.
I actively promote the needed increase in beauty through sacred art and music. Unity in Christian communities is also an important focus of my work.