I've often wondered whether I was born with a talent for design or if it was something I developed over time. Looking back, I realize that my journey into the world of creativity was shaped more by necessity than by any natural gift.

As a child, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. In a world that heavily values language and writing, this made communication a challenge. But instead of seeing it as a limitation, I discovered a different way to express myself - through drawing. Whenever I struggled to find the right words, I could capture my emotions, thoughts, and ideas visually. My school notebooks were filled with sketches, diagrams, and visual structures that helped me understand complex concepts more easily. This way of thinking became second nature to me, and my parents quickly realized that my academic path should lean toward the arts. From that moment on, I immersed myself completely in the creative world.

When I entered the Fine Arts program at the University of Salamanca, I encountered a universe far beyond traditional painting and sculpture. It was there that I discovered design and visual communication. Unlike fine arts, which often focus on self-expression, design is about solving problems and communicating messages effectively. I saw in it an incredible opportunity—not only to do what I loved but to build a career that would allow me to collaborate with others, shape brands, and bring ideas to life. I specialized in this field, and my decision proved to be the right one. I graduated at the top of my class, earning the highest honors in my program.

From the very first day after graduation, I started working. Over the years, I explored various areas of design—advertising, direct marketing, digital design—but what truly captivated me was branding. Branding allowed me to touch every aspect of visual communication, from identity and storytelling to strategy and experience. I became fascinated by how a strong brand can create an emotional connection with its audience and shape perceptions across cultures.

The Global Experience: Learning from Cultural Diversity

The economic crisis of 2008 was a turning point in my career. The agency I was working for in Spain closed, forcing me to look beyond my country’s borders. What started as a necessity quickly became an opportunity—I began collaborating with branding agencies worldwide, working in cities like New York, Riyadh, Taipei, Luzern, and Vilnius. Each of these experiences profoundly shaped me, not only as a designer but as a person.

Working across different cultures taught me that design is never universal. What is visually appealing or meaningful in one country might not have the same impact in another. Symbols, colors, typography, and even the way a message is structured can carry completely different meanings depending on cultural context. For example, while minimalism is highly valued in Switzerland, a market like Saudi Arabia often embraces more intricate, detailed aesthetics. In Taiwan, functionality and simplicity are key, while in the U.S., boldness and storytelling play a crucial role.

At the same time, I also realized that certain elements of beauty and design are universal. Regardless of cultural background, people instinctively respond to harmony, balance, and emotional storytelling. This insight has allowed me to develop a design approach that is both adaptable and deeply human-centered.

Talent vs. Growth: A Lifelong Learning Process

So, was I born with talent, or did I develop my skills? If I’ve learned anything throughout my career, it’s that talent alone is never enough. It’s curiosity, resilience, and continuous learning that truly shape a designer. I started with an instinct for visual thinking, but every step of my journey—from overcoming dyslexia to studying fine arts, working internationally, and constantly pushing my creative limits—has contributed to the designer I am today.

More than 20 years later, I still feel the same passion for design as I did when I was a child drawing in my school notebooks. I love the challenge of translating ideas into visuals, solving problems creatively, and working with diverse teams worldwide. And perhaps, more than anything, I love the fact that design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about communication, connection, and making an impact in the world.

Welcome to visit my work at https://bit.ly/my-portfolio-david