Designer and illustrator Juan Zurita aka Getithowyouliveit has created graphics for some of the biggest artists in the game, cranking out top-level creative work for a ton Empire and Columbia artists and affiliated acts. We got to have a brief chat with the design about what makes him tick, his philosophies, and his creative process.
Tell us about yourself a little bit
My name is Juan Zurita, I go by @_getithowyouliveit on Instagram, I'm a graphic designer based in the Bay Area. I grew up here in a small town called East Palo Alto. I only graduated from high school, from a school called Carlmont, It was kind of tough growing up, a lot of gang stuff. But eventually, I got into going design work and since then I've worked with some pretty cool clients from Empire Records to Columbia Records, Wolftyla, Duchi Da Vinchi, Tallia Storm, Iamsu, and more than I can list here.
What originally made you want to become a graphic designer?
I have always loved art and photography. I use to draw a lot growing up, I was able to draw really good when I was young. I would get a lot of compliments from everyone. I ended up switching to calligraphy and thought maybe I can make money by drawing names and sick lettering designs. [There's] Not that many opportunities over here, especially with all the violence and gangs. I did make some money, but it wasn’t something I was super interested In. So I switched to photography and started doing shoots for people, and word of mouth started [to] bring me clients. This was something I loved doing but was taking too much time especially having to work and pay bills. A few years later, I interned at Facebook. Being there boosted my creativity as I was surrounded by art, which was posters, art etc. that’s when I started getting into graphic design. I eventually tried it out and never looked back. I have been doing graphic design for a few years now and it's something that I really have a passion for.
How did you get your start or what led to it becoming a career?
I have always been a creative person throughout my life. I started creating photo manipulations on Photoshop and would just post them on Instagram. I started to gain a lot of followers and Photoshop actually reached out to me a couple of times to share my work on their Instagram page.
Give us some insight into your creative process, do you have any kind of typical workflow?
I'll typically have a discussion with the client and get as much information out of them as I can. After getting all the information from a client, I start with sketching out the design or writing it out. So step one would basically be preparation, blocking time on my calendar to only focus on the design. From there it's really absorbing and processing, so a lot of brainstorming and researching. Step three would be the actual design work. Once I finally have the design I like the final stage is just sharing it with the client and delivering.
Who or what has been the biggest single influence on your way of thinking?
I would say the internet. Mainly like Instagram and Pinterest. I can go on any of those pages at any time and be inspired by all the daily designs it shows. I used to follow this account @ronnaldong, I used to do designs like that haha. But I think being featured on the photoshop main page on Instagram was huge in motivating me to create designs. They pretty much started my design career.
What would you say is your strongest skill and how have you honed that skill over the years?
Being an expert in Photoshop has come a long way in my career. Knowing how to use all the tools in the system has made work easy for me and the client. I have been able to master a lot of stuff that people have a hard time learning. It’s not even about the creative work for me. I think it’s just Being able to catch up to anything that has to do with photoshop.
What are you currently fascinated by and how is it feeding into your work?
Right now I am fascinated by 3d art. I am pretty new to it but I have noticed it is currently trending in the music industry. I gained some exposure from it on my Instagram.
What has been your best project and why?
Empire Records reached out to me several months back to make a flyer for a new music release. I would say that was a big project for me because it had included over 20 artists which led to them seeing my work. I can't really say who or what it was, unfortunately.
Who is your biggest client?
At the moment Wolftyla. I created Wolftyla's cover called Play For Keeps and designed some merch that she asked me to make for her.
How do you stay creative under pressure?
Having a clean space actually. I am very organized, especially when it comes to my work. I can sit and work for hours if any surroundings feel clean and quiet.
Do you have any passions outside of graphic work?
I currently also work In the tech industry. I have a lot of knowledge in tech and that is something I also enjoy doing.
What’s the best piece of advice you have heard and repeat to others?
A few years back a supporter commented under my post “Never stop creating bro”. That has been stuck with me ever since because it showed me that people actually love my work and it inspires them to get into the creative industry. The more you learn, the more you grow.
Follow Juan Zurita on Instagram @_getithowyouliveit
