Today we’d like to introduce you to Joaquin Abrego.
Hi Joaquin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Currently, I am an associate principal in an award-winning architecture firm (PBK) that focuses on K-12 and higher education design. But my design career started later in life, and only in the last 6 years have I given my hobby of art a bigger focus. I have been an interior designer for 14 years, prior to that, I spent several years working on multiple behavioral science degrees (associates in social work, bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in counseling). Followed by a few years working at Communities in Schools providing counseling and social services to students in at risk districts. After a few years in that profession, I knew I needed a change and decided to focus on my creative side. I spent the next 4 years working on a bachelor’s degree in interior design, and for the first time in years, I felt fulfilled and knew exactly where I belonged.
I graduated in May of 2008 during a recession when most firms were downsizing, so I was worried my journey might hit a wall, but fate stepped in and introduced me to Kell-Munoz Architects. This firm had a long and rich history of design (over 90 years now) and it provided me with a solid foundation. Henry R. Munoz III and Claudia Carlos were my first design mentors, and during my eleven years at Munoz & Co, I was fortunate enough to work on K-12 projects, college campuses, office buildings, the AT&T center, and a few residences.
I have always had creative inclinations, which is why I became an interior designer, but for years art had just been a small hobby. Only recently have I chosen to invest time in developing my technique and content. I would describe myself as someone new to the art scene who is confidently discovering their voice as an artist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being raised in a home filled with strong females, it was no surprise I idolized Wonder Woman as a kid. The idea of a female friend and savior was something I could relate to. Growing up gay in a small town, I depended on my everyday wonder women to protect me. To be honest, I spent a lot of time avoiding outside people primarily because they were not accepting or welcoming of a feminine kid with a high-pitched voice. For years, I only had one friend outside of my home and it was a little girl next door. Her family was as protective and allowed me to be myself without judgment. The biggest struggle I had growing up, and to some degree still, was people’s lack of acceptance and fear of an openly confident feminine gay male.
As a kid, I was bullied relentlessly, and during middle school, I felt terrorized and alone. While I loved school, it was the place I was most exposed and vulnerable. Had it not been for a solid family foundation, my life might have taken a different trajectory. Still today I feel my fem voice and mannerisms have an impact on how I am perceived or initially received. Like most other marginalized groups, I feel the pressure to outperform and overachieve just to be an equal to straight America. Only in the last 10 years have I truly embraced all parts of myself, and in doing so, I have come to realize visibility in mainstream America is crucial. Being able to see yourself in someone in positions of power is life-changing and reassuring. Having a place in the world and seeing yourself represented in everyday life is such a powerful concept. As a result of all this, I have made it my goal to be an honest and true LGBTQIA representation in everything I do daily.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a licensed interior designer with a green thumb who dabbles in arts & crafts and has an affinity for all things pop. I am currently employed at an architecture firm and during my free time, I focus on my pups, art, digital designs, and residential portfolio. I am a self-taught artist with a focus on developing my stenciling and spray-painting skills. My works are best known for their use of color, humor, inclusivity, equality, and light-heartedness. I would describe my art style as pop art mixed with crafting and like using aerosols, stencils, glitter, rhinestones, collaging, and some acrylics. My biggest sources of inspiration are pop culture, strong women, and queer/ drag culture. I am most proud of the impact my donated works have at local fundraising events. Having queer art auctioned off at public school functions is a great example of LGBTQIA representation and inclusivity in mainstream America. Additionally, several of my works have helped raise funds for our local Pride Center, animal shelters, and local art district. Participating in art events with students and donating my time and skills is such a fulfilling way to give back to the community. It is also a great way to let the LGBT youth see themselves in positions they may not have otherwise. I truly believe visibility is key, because if you can see them, you can be them.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Education and integrity were two fundamentals in my family. My parents encouraged both my sister and I to focus heavily on our future while stressing hard work, commitment, responsibility and most importantly kindness and honesty. As a kid, I was a creative with a big imagination. I spent most of my time playing with toys, coloring, or mixing fabrics together. My best friends were my mom, grandmother, and my blind aunt. I was a feminine kid growing up in a small town in the 80s, which made for some tough times outside our house. My home and family were my safe space and that is where I was allowed to fully emerge myself in whatever I wanted. I was loved, supported, encouraged, and sheltered from all the negativity, judgment, and cruelty of the outside world. This was also about the time I became infatuated with Barbie. Her fashion, use of color, hair, glitter, and accessories were hard for this queer kid to resist. Personality wise, I would say I was similar to who I am now. I never had the obstacles of having to hide in a closet, pretend to have a girlfriend, or even worry about my mannerisms. I like to say I was a free-range queer who was fortunate enough to discover genuine acceptance of who they were becoming.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.
joaquinabrego.com/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/joaquin_abreg0/? hl=en - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/joaquin.abrego.75
