Early inspirations
Communications may seem daunting to some, but for Roberto Esquivel, it’s simply a work of art.
A native of San Antonio, Roberto is no stranger to the city’s artistic ways. Growing up on the West Side, Mexican-American culture had multiple effects on what would become his artistic style.
Roberto’s love for illustrations began in grade school. But when he graduated from Lanier High School, his plan was to go into dentistry. Instead, he joined the Marine Corps.
“During that time, I would do drawings for buddies there,” he said. “They wanted tattoos done so I would draw tattoos for them. People wanted little Valentine cards drawn for wives and girlfriends back home so I would do that stuff.”
Happy accident
He wound up as a Graphic Designer at BioBridge Global after being stranded on Interstate 10. He saw the big double hearts glowing on the front of the Headquarters Building and asked himself “I wonder if they hire people?”
They were. He applied and got the job. Today, he is the man behind the company mascot Harry Hemoglobin in his many incarnations.
But he also has used his creativity in other jobs, from four-color process work to designing lottery tickets. He even volunteered at high schools to give pointers to young artists.
‘Art with a message’
Graphic design isn’t just about aesthetics, however. To Roberto, it is art with a message.
“I simplify the message and at the same time bring some technical languages into it,” he said. “That is where illustrations and design work come in, to grab the attention and hold it.”
Spreading a message is what motivates him to come to work every day.
“There is always someone with a good idea that needs to be put down on paper,” said the Marine veteran.
