March 17, 2021Javier GutierrezJavier Gutierrez is an artist and illustrator currently pursuing their BFA in Art direction in Chicago. Javier Gutierrez is a talented artist and illustrator currently pursuing their BFA in Art direction at the American Academy on Art College in Chicago. Can you tell us a bit about your background as an artist? I was always a crafty and artistic person when I was younger. It wasn’t until I was 12 years old when I decided I wanted to pursue a career in a creative field. I was very fortunate to receive awards from local art shows and received Silver and Gold Keys from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards during my high school career. How did you hear about FluevogCreative? Fluevog has been an ongoing opportunity for students during my enrolment at the Academy. Because of my interest in fashion and design, I felt this year I was more confident in my artistic abilities and took the initiative to enter my submission. How long have you been Fluevogin’ for? I was always interested in unique and eccentric clothing and shoe design. Participating in FluevogCreative allowed me to build interest in the company. I am excited to start experimenting with different looks and incorporate Fluevog into my daily attire. What was the inspiration behind your piece, “Portal Perfection”? My inspiration for my submission titled “Portal Perfection” stemmed from my interest in editorial fashion, drag, and astrology. We are currently in the Age of Aquarius, which is about expansion, change, and conquering and expressing things in new ways in our daily lives. I wanted to express this in my piece to represent where I’m at personally. Tell us a bit about your creative process. I like to visualize and fixate on what I like to create until I am ready to work on it. I gather reference images and sample works to help me know which direction I want to go to. Most of the time, the piece grows and changes as I am working. I use my original idea as a guideline. I like to trust my creativity and spontaneity to create something I am content with in the moment. Apart from art and design, what do you like to do for fun? When I am not physically creating something, I like to surround myself with people from my community. I strive and express myself better in vibrant groups or settings. I spend time with people close to me who inspire and push me to be the best version of myself. Check out Javier's work on their Instagram!
