Ross talks graphic design and visual meaning

 

Daryl Ross is a newer member of the tourism and recreation department of Socorro, currently working in the Teen Center.

How long have you been working in your current position?

Maybe two weeks. So I am very green to say the least.

How were you able to get the position?

I talked to the Mayor (Bhasker) as well as James, my supervisor. They got me into this position. The mayor had known me when I was working at Solaro where I was doing some of the same things like graphic design and website stuff. That unfortunately closed down so they were able to find me a position here.

Was the shut down to your previous employer due to the pandemic?

Solaro has done it several times in multiple states. I’m not sure what happened but they were here for the ten years I was there.

Was that your first formal work experience?

No. Before that I worked freelance while attending Southwest University of Visual Arts. Traveling from here to Albuquerque made it a five year journey towards a bachelors degree. I was also working for Ross Electric here in town.

What drew you to graphic design?

Originally I wanted to be an illustrator. I was drawn to finger drawing and really wanted to get into comics. But the instructors told me that it is a lot harder to get into that field and convinced me to go into graphic design. Graphic design is very simply visual communication. We try to convey things through from flyers to event designs that will catch your eye.

What are your day to day activities as a graphic designer?

Right now I am working on flyers for Matanza (recreational center). I’m also working on social media for events from twitter to facebook to get the word out about what is going on in the community. I am also working on creating a new online map for people visiting.

When you create logos and designs, are there certain rules you abide by or is it all you?

Most of it is in my hands. But the way it works is I start off with 2×2 drawings which will evolve with input from my coworkers and we go from there to make it good.

What is the best and worst part about being a graphic designer?

It goes both ways. You have to be very careful about what you do and do not want to mean with every project. Visually what you see may not be what another person sees in an image. But my favorite thing is when something clicks with people. That is my goal.

Back to your beginning, were you born and raised in Socorro?

Yes. My father Daryl and Elaine raised me here. I’ve always been a Socorro native.

What was your experience like growing up here?

It’s a lot different now than it was when I was growing up. Things really changed in 2008 with the inflation happening. But no question positive experiences when I was younger.

If you could live anywhere else in the world other than Socorro, where would that be?

I’ve thought of Iowa, Chicago, Seattle. But I really like the southwestern atmosphere. I enjoy the desert that isn’t too dry. New Mexico and Colorado would be at the top of my list.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with that money?

Who knows. All kinds of good stuff. Buy a house and a truck first. Then give some to family, friends and the community. It depends how much I win.

What is your favorite movie?

“Enter the Dragon.” I love Bruce Lee. He was one of the first Asian American heroes to be starring in a big movie. I was big into those martial arts movies as a kid and loved Lee’s intensity.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

I haven’t done it in a while, but I always loved riding my motorcycle. Going hiking in Box Canyon is always great. Going to movies before COVID put a damper on that.

If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing, what would you say?

Be more productive. Sometimes I push things to the last minute. So I would say, if there’s any kind of projects you are working on, you better do it quickly.