Meet Irene Penagos | Graphic designer – branding & social media

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irene Penagos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irene, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was deciding to move from Guatemala to Texas. I left behind everything I’ve known for nearly 30 years: from family and friends to clients and overall familiarity. Starting from zero in a new country, speaking a different language, and figuring out a new way of life, society, and market is not for the faint of heart. And while going through all of this, I found myself grieving who I was, and what my life used to be. And in the middle of all that chaos, I decided to start my own business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I believe what sets me apart from others is that I studied graphic design for 5 years and graduated from Universidad Rafael Landivar in Guatemala with more than 8 years of work experience. Also, the fact I am a bilingual immigrant has provided me with the unique opportunity to work with clients from a variety of professions.

I am very proud of my work on my thesis for “Las Julietas”, a Guatemalan nonprofit that aimed to educate and inform young women about sexual education and rights. My project involved creating their entire visual identity, social media, and merchandise, and positioning it as a safe space for women, supporting women. The challenge was to effectively communicate this sensitive topic to the target audience without being too literal. I had to be creative in finding a visual solution that would appeal to the audience, but the final result was truly amazing! I used metaphorical imagery for the logo and ethereal elements to tie everything together and create shareable content about heavy topics. Being part of a solution to such an important issue in my country brought me immense joy and hope.

Getting where I am today professionally wasn’t easy, in fact, it still isn’t easy being in a whole new market. Being a designer involves staying up to date with the latest trends, and software, and learning a lot of new things and sometimes this can burn you out or bring the famous imposter syndrome. I have worked in many different areas of design, from a magazine to advertising, and other jobs that have nothing to do with it like a kindergarten teacher. What has helped me grow is taking challenges head-on and developing the ability to learn along the way, even in highly stressful environments.

Some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way are:
– Asking for help is okay, we are humans, not robots.
– Just like art, design is subjective. Separate your feelings from the feedback, it’s not personal.
– Do it with fear, but do it.
– Investing in yourself/your business will help you grow.

I’m all about empathy, creativity, and strategy. I specialize in social media management, branding, and digital design, but above all else, I feel grateful that I have the opportunity to get to know people’s dreams, goals, styles, and values – and then turn them into something as beautiful as they are profitable! If you need help with design or just want to chat, I’m here to help you reach your business goals and have the brand of your dreams. Let’s make magic together!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First I would start by having some texas bbq at Del Toro in Mansfield. Then go for some drinks at Ayahuasca Cantina in Dallas. Go for dinner and have the best pizza and wines at Cibo Di Vino. Go have some fun dancing at Studio 80 in FW! I would plan a road trip, the first mandatory stop at Bucees! then head to Austin, to paddle board in the river, have dinner at Uchiko, and then go dancing at the coconut club! Next day go to New Braunfels for tubbing! then drive to San Antonio, stay at the Emma Hotel, and have dinner at Domingo’s on the riverwalk!
Next day go to Fredericksburg to the Grape Creek Vineyards and head back to Dallas!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my husband Lafayette Dennis, for always believing in me, my talent, and my work; for showing me the power of mindset, and pushing me to be my best version. I also want to thank my mentor Payton Sullivan, for showing me the path to build my business from the ground up, showing me what girl power is all about, and challenging me to live outside of the box.

Website: https://1052creativestudio.myportfolio.com/work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1052creativestudio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1052creativestudio/

Other: 1052creatives@gmail.com