Michael
Estrada is a gradating BFA major with a focus in Graphic Design. Estrada’s
works combines a more straightforward textual approach to graphic design with a
more illustrational style. Estrada’s works focuses mainly on a fictional
magazine, called Examine, displaying
a series of chapters or articles that focus on social problems in the 21st century.
For this series, Estrada wrote and illustrated fictional articles that tackle
important social problems that are relevant today, including religion,
temptation, technology, modern parenting, divorce, abortion, education, and the
media. All of Estrada’s designs are in a very distinctive style, carefully put
together but still have an organic feel to them.
For
this series Estrada says he was mainly inspired by Commentary Magazine, an American magazine composed of stories on
American politics, social, and cultural issues. Estrada says to create the text
for these illustrations he wrote about his own personal feelings and
observations on each issue. Some are more straightforward and demanding of your
attention such as his article on religion, while others such as his article on pregnancy
require the viewer to look a little closer at the imagery. Overall for this
series Estrada makes the viewer question and reexamine these issues, while also
displaying an impressive portfolio for his future career.
Overall,
Estrada says, “ I am motivated to remain inspired and passionate in further
elaborating on my palette of choices for approaching type, image and composition.
I continue to grow as an artist by studying those that came before me
while simultaneously expanding on the latest trends in contemporary art.
I am always looking to elevate my capabilities while still commenting on
the world around me with positive intentions.”
After
graduating Estrada plans to start working immediately, preferably for a design
firm in either New York, Miami, Phoenix, or San Diego. He hopes to work in
publication design, which inspired him to create Examine Magazine. To see Estrada’s work as well as work by other graduating
BFA majors, check out the exhibit until Friday, May 9th.
Alison Bur
Gallery Assistant
University Art
Gallery
Saginaw Valley
State University