Local Educator

OK, it’s self-disclosure time. I was born and raised in Havana, Cuba and lived my first 30 years there. Like most Cuban families, mine lived in poverty and my prospects for the future were not good. But when I was five years old, my artistic talent was discovered and I was enrolled in a special art school.

I flourished there, and went on to attend one of the finest art colleges in Latin America. I ultimately graduated with a master’s degree in fine art. I was a professor of painting and drawing, and collectors from around the world were buying my paintings. I was living as well as a person could live in Cuba.

However, I was not happy. I enjoyed painting, but I fantasized about working as a computer graphic artist – specifically a 3D modeler and animator. Unfortunately, computers, software and training were not available to the average Cuban at that time. After a lot of soul searching I decided to leave Cuba and immigrate to the United States to pursue my dream.

So I left my family, my friends and all my possessions behind and started a new life in America. During the day I worked as a laborer in a city sewer system – and no, I’m not making that up! – so I could study 3d modeling at night. Less than ten years later, my dream became reality when I got hired for my first full-time job as a 3d modeler. Working in this field has been more fun and rewarding than I ever imagined. All the sacrifices I made were totally worth it.

Why do I tell you this story? Because it’s evidence that career dreams really can come true – but only as long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen. My passion for 3d computer graphics gave me the strength to get through the hard times. Hopefully, you won’t have to leave your family, move to a new country and work in the sewer to prove your dedication to becoming a graphic artist! But you will have to sacrifice your time and money to study graphic design, and be determined to never, ever stop studying and learning.

If graphic art is your passion, get started on your career path today. For inspiration, click HERE to see a list of a few of the jobs that could be yours once you’ve earned a degree in graphic design.

Carlos Suarez is a freelance 3d modeler and animator. His client list include forensic animation companies, online retailers, inventors, entertainers, and game companies. Carlos graduated from the San Alejandro Academy in Havana, Cuba with a degree in fine art. He lives and works on an island in the Florida Keys, along with his wife and son. This is the second in a series of four entries on graphic design.

This is Part Three of a four-part series on graphic design degrees. Read Part One and Part Two for more information.