One of the main reasons I decided to go to Art Center College of Design to complete my art education was because of their stunning printed materials, particularly its school catalog.

In my initial search to attend the right art school, after I identified them, the first thing I did was to order by phone their marketing materials (this is before Google and before Email). I received packages from some of the most prestigious colleges all over the United States. I spent countless hours fascinated devouring all the information, the booklets, posters, reading description of classes and looking at the impressive work of their alumni. My finalists were RISDI, SVA, CalArts, Otis, Parsons, Pratt and Art Center College of Design.

Out of all the packages, what impressed me the most was the magnificent catalog for The Art Center. To my young eyes, it was a beautiful object in every sense. That is, modern daring design, every page was impeccable in its layout, the ink color selection showed me tones and hues I haven’t really seen used that way before. It was the perfect canvas to showcase the student and alumni work and to promote the college curricula. When I closed that catalog, I knew exactly where I would eventually get my design degree.

The beautiful book, which I still have in my possession, was designed by Rebeca Méndez. A designer and artist that eventually became my teacher, my mentor and my friend. In fact, so much of what I know and practice I learned it from her. To this day, I still hear (and follow) her advise.

The catalogs produced by Art Center have become collectables. And, their designers are some of the most interesting and respected creative professionals working today.

Many years later, more than thousand miles away, and with tons of gray hair on my head, I’m still excited when I received my copy of Art Center’s viewbook. I’m immensely proud the 2011-2012 book features one of the images I created. In a strange way things eventually come full circle.

As I hold the white yet colorful book in my hands, I wonder if, right now, there’s a young future designer out there mesmerized —like I was— looking at this beautiful publication. He or she might be dreaming of, one day, being part of the institution’s legacy, hence part of the design community. I believe there is…