Chris Resuma
www.resuma.net, www.gdc3.com

CR: I'm a 32-yr old Filipina-American living in Jersey City and working in Times Square NYC. My love for art & design started as a young child attending the elementary school at the United Nations International School in NYC. Talk about culturally diverse! I was exposed to so many experiences in my art classes from kindergarten to 8th grade to working with plastic. I loved it, we had our projects displayed in the school gallery and it never felt like work but complete joy and fun. That's when it all started.

Where are you from?
Born in NYC. Raised in Jersey City.

Design education:
Self-taught with some handy apps instructions from Noble Desktop in NYC.

How did you start out as an artist and designer?
I went to school at Pace University in New York City and graduated in 1993 with a BBA in Business Management with a minor in Marketing. While at school I worked PT in the Cooperative Education department and at the end of my junior year, I took on a marketing internship at Kaplan Educational Centers, Inc. Working at Kaplan in the 90s was completely rewarding with innovative young mangers and a dot-com atmosphere before it's prime.

Fast-forward 10 years later with desktop publishing & print design on the-job experience, I currently work in the test prep division of Kaplan, Inc. (Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions) as the Art Director of the in-house Creative Department.

Did you go from creating art and then move into graphic design? Or was it the other way around?
I was artsy in my youth, but never thought of it as a career. So I guess I went from creating art to graphic design to creating art (albeit a tad bit sophisticated). I love photography & jewelry design.

How is it like to be a Graphic Designer in New York, isn't the competition a bit tough out there?
I am sure it is and without an actual degree in design I think my chances would be slim to none. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with a mentor and boss who have taught me the ropes in design, and now in managing designers.

I really like your print work, very simple and direct. What inspires you to create?
The shape of things inspires me. Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary inspires me. Usually people read or nap on commuter trains, but I just stare at the nuts, bolts and stainless steel sheeting as well as the plastic light fixtures. Fashion inspires me. I love shoes and accessories. (And, BTW, the shoes and Filipina thing is not a cliche.)

Do you have any cool design tips?
Not so cool but invaluable is save everything. Organize and backup ALL your files. You'll be surprised to see how often you'll go back to projects for either direction, inspiration, or that damn font you don't want to buy again.

How do you find working with clients as opposed to personal work?
Working with clients is a group effort. It's my job to help with a design solution that meets their needs. There's structure with dates and deadlines. With my personal work, it's no holds bar. Sometimes, I have an objective but something else more beautiful is the result not meeting it. The evolution is completely natural.

What are your bad personal and design habits?
My bad habit is not billing what I'm worth. Designers & artists should realize that they are individuals with specialties and we can command more income than we think.

How long have you been creating jewelry?
I've been making jewelry since I was 10. My mom used to design beaded jewelry in the 80s and she used to drag my sister and I to all the suppliers in the jewelry district in NYC. I hated it. Now, you can't keep me away from them.

I've noticed there are Filipino words on the shirts you sell; I think that's a very creative idea. What are your thoughts on Filipino designers?
Thanks. I only started appreciating my culture as a teenager when I started hanging out with more Filipinos. My friends have inspired me to create some fun tees. I don't really know of any Filipino graphic designers. I should really do some research on that!

What was your most embarrassing moment while in the Graphic Design Industry?
My answer to above question. (How sad.)

Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?
This year I plan to start my jewelry & accessories business with my boyfriend, Glenn, who is an illustrator& painter and who recently got into working with leather. He designs rocker-style leather bracelet cuffs and watchbands. We've been actively selling at a local gallery in Jersey City this past December but for 2004 we want to be more visible in retail stores. We are truly blessed with supportive friends & family who are also amazing salespeople.

Thanks Chris!

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