I was really fortunate to work for DEO,a graphic design studio in Santiago. (At the time, it was located in Vitacura)

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About DEO

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DEO was founded around 5 years ago by Ismael Prieto and Josefina Bunster, and ever since then, they've developed a reputation for their work.

 

Using a design process with an emphasis on research and ideation, the studio produces work that is incredible - eye-catching, well done and one of a kind. The studio is relatively small - including me, there were around 10 people. It's even smaller now, at 5. It's size, however, is not a limiting factor, but a benefit, as the team is able to work in agile groups. It also means that there is a sense of family, something that felt especially true of Chilean culture, which is cool. From day one, I felt welcomed. There was a lot of laughter, and good times, but also a dedication to work, a sense of purpose. 

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My Experience

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I am very glad that I was able to work in a small chilean studio. This allowed me to learn about the culture from the people around me, young professionals who weren't afraid to share their perspective with me. The studio operated primarily in Spanish, but almost everyone had experience in English as well. I learned a lot of chilean vocabulary by immersion.

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I also learned that, despite the large distance, Chile isn't all too different from the US. As some people put it, there is almost a sense of Chile looking to the US in terms of culture. (Which can be good or bad, depending who you talk to). Especially when it came to design, I realized that some things are universal. Design professionals have a certain culture - they can be fun and laid back, but they always get the job done, no matter what it takes. This is especially true working in studios and consultancies, where there is something different everyday - clients and projects are always changing.

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While there, I got to do a little bit of everything. I worked on projects for clients small and big - projects that were just beginning and projects in their final stages. Some of my tasks included:

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• Researching and understanding a market and a client's competition

• Sketching and making paper and cardboard prototypes

• 3D modeling

• Attending meetings with clients

• Making presentations for clients/presenting to them

• Creating/installing the final design

• Revising existing designs to fit new dimensions

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