Meet Gina, Dowitcher’s Newest Graphic Designer!

Drumroll, please! We are delighted to introduce out newest Graphic Designer, Gina Agapito. Gina recently graduated summa cum laude with a B.F.A from the Art and Design program at Cal Poly, where her concentration was in Graphic Design. She comes to us with fresh perspectives and creative ideas. We wanted to learn a bit more about her and, as she settled in, she took a little time to answer our questions.

What do you love about living in Santa Barbara?

My family has lived in Santa Barbara for generations, and I want to keep it that way! I consider myself very, very lucky to call this town home, and the local environment and community are so special to me. I love getting out and connecting with my surroundings through hiking, walking on the beach, surf lessons from my boyfriend, trying new restaurants, and strolling the farmers market. My favorite thing about Santa Barbara is that I’m surrounded by family and friends.

How did you become interested in graphic design?

It started with a love for fine art. I grew up loving my art classes at school, and I studied fine art and art history at Santa Barbara City College. For some reason, however, I didn’t feel like I wanted to make a career in either of those fields, and when a friend suggested I explore graphic design I was blown away that I hadn’t heard of this field sooner. I knew it was the right path for me, and I transferred into the graphic design BFA program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. There, my passion for design grew with each class I took!

What is your favorite design activity?

I think I have two favorites, which actually seem like opposites now that I think about it…On one hand, I love the rules, precision, and tiny details of fine-tuning typography. On the other hand, I love the organic, tactile, and spontaneous elements of creating illustrations by hand.

We know some designers are huge proponents of Pinterest and others not so much. Where do you fall in that debate?

I love Pinterest, and I think it’s a great tool for getting inspired! I typically use it for inspiration in the parts of my life that are not graphic design related—interior design, recipes, party planning, etc.—and for finding moodboard images in the early stages of a graphic design project.

Favorite color?

Pink always puts a smile on my face.

Any pets?

Despite being a HUGE animal lover, I don’t have any pets of my own. Luckily I get to spend a lot of time with my brother’s chocolate lab, Boone, and my sister’s Queensland heeler, Rooster.

   

If you could go on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

That is such a hard question! If I have to pick one I think I’ll say Italy…for the food.