Carmel Ada is a Chicago-based designer, illustrator, and visual thinker currently pursuing her BFA in Art Direction at the American Academy of Art College in Chicago. Upon graduating, Carmel plans to pursue a career on a creative team at an advertising agency. Read on to find out more about this FluevogCreative winning artist in her own words!
Can you tell us a bit about your background as an artist?
I have always considered myself to be artistically inclined, whether it was visual arts, performative, or in music. Being born in the Philippines and moving to Chicago, I was given the opportunity to explore my artistic pursuits with more opportunities. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I really decided to pursue art as a career. Movement, musicality, and culture ground my work; I feel drawn to create art that ties back to my roots in culture, heritage, and music.
How did you hear about FluevogCreative?
I heard about FluevogCreative through my advertising instructor at the Academy, as it has been an ongoing opportunity for students to enter. I consider myself to be an artist who indulges in detail, so this contest allowed me to push my creative boundaries and experiment more with colors and composition.
How long have you been Fluevogin’ for?
Just recently, I’ve only heard about Fluevog through my school but FluevogCreative has allowed me to build interest with the company and expand upon my fashion repertoire! There is so much creativity and thought that goes into the design of each shoe, I can’t help but appreciate the fun variety Fluevog has to offer!
What was the inspiration behind your piece, “A Splash of Color”?
This piece showcases an illustrative take on the Sky High F Fizzy shoe, incorporating patterns and colors taken from the original shoe design, with a bit of flower power! Inspired by pop art and quilt patch work, the background and graphic elements engulf the shoe in its own unique Fluevog world.
Tell us a bit about your creative process.
I am very much a visual thinker and learner who enjoys process, trial and error in order to reach the best visual solution. My work usually starts with a list of concepts and ideas that carry over to visual research and moodboards in order to execute my vision accurately. After gathering visual references, I sketch out variations of my idea and then move on to rough drafts and color palettes. I create work that is honest and transparent to the viewer, showing all the nuances and details that go into the creation of my piece.
Apart from art and design, what do you like to do for fun?
I am a big craft enthusiast, as I currently work in a paper and craft store and get to hone my creativity through my job! I enjoy putting together paper kits, Legos—really any repetitive and monotonous task I can do with my hands. Apart from art, you’ll probably find me sleeping or enjoying a lot of coffee!
Check out more of Carmel’s work through her portfolio!