¡Hola! I’m David Saldaña-Rico (pronounced with the Spanish pronunciation DAH-Veed SAL-DAN-nuh REE-koH).
A graphic artist from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I started my design career playing with abstract ideas and creating a meaningful design. I’m a recent graduate from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Fine Arts specializing in Graphic Design, and a minor in Psychology. My inspiration comes from the people I love, my culture, fables and observations of my surroundings.
When I create design I like to create layers of meaning. You can look at a picture and see the obvious design, but good design has more to it. When I speak English, my Spanish is active too. In other words, I find I am always switching perspectives and this has helped me to see the layered nature of design as well. For me, cultural subtleties don’t slip through the cracks—I notice and appreciate things that are sometimes lost in translation. Speaking two languages definitely frames my perception in design.
I aim to create a positive, motivational or spiritual message on paper, digital or... on a wall. Being able to go back and forth between multiple perspectives means I am a fast problem-solver. I am self-motivated and enjoy working with a team or alone.
In my spare time, you are likely to find me long-boarding, hanging out with the people I love, and painting abstract ideas. I’m known for volunteering, helping others and working out.
I am looking forward to being submerged in the field of creativity with 5J Marketing + Design!
What inspired you to become a vegetarian?
I was in a psychology class googling motivational videos and came across a title “Superhuman”, and it’s about a vegan guy doing calisthenics workouts, he’s ripped.
If you could change your name, what would it be?
Alfonzo, I always liked how it’s pronounced in Español.
If money and career were no object, what would you be really be doing?
I would still be designing, traveling, volunteering, and hanging out with the people I love.
What is the scariest movie you've seen so far?
Hereditary, it's so scary, it'll knock your socks off so bring two pairs.
One of your favorite quotes.
"Whatever your mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve regardless of how many times you may have failed in the past." - Napoleon Hill
What is your favorite color?
I like all the shades of green but an olive green is my favorite.
