Paulo Santana Alves

Graphic Designer (BA) Undergraduate in Graphic Design. 

Coming from a Brazilian background and working as a person of colour in a field that remains largely white, I bring a perspective that is often missing in mainstream design. My culture and upbringing shapes how I approach visual work, storytelling and communication. I draw from Brazil’s energy, including the colours, textures, street art and layered histories that influence everything from public spaces to personal identity.

For me, design is not only about solving problems. It is also about opening space for new voices and different ways of seeing the world. I believe design should  represent the full range of human experience, not just the narrow view that has traditionally dominated the industry. Because of this, my work often explores themes such as inclusion, cultural relevance and visibility.

I usually begin projects with sketching and analogue thinking, then move into using digital tools. This balance between hand-made and digital methods reflects both where I come from and where design is heading. I enjoy working across posters, digital platforms and video, often with a focus on communicating clearly to different audiences. Humour, honesty and intention always play a part in how I shape my outcomes.

In a recent project that looked at the role of artificial intelligence in design, I questioned how automation might affect the future of creatives, especially those who are already underrepresented. While AI offers efficiency, I see a risk in losing the emotional and cultural depth that comes from lived experience. As a designer of colour, I feel strongly that our work brings something unique and irreplaceable to the table.

My practice is grounded in visibility. It is about being seen, about representing others who are not often reflected in this industry, and about using design to keep those stories alive and present.