Harmony in Crisis
Within 'Harmony in Crisis,' artist Lorena Cortez masterfully captures San José's resilience amidst adversity. This graphic artwork has been selected for display within the esteemed confines of the City's Office of Emergency Management/Fire Department Training Center by the San José Public Art Program.
Through meticulous craftsmanship using a combination of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Cortez intertwines elements of the city's map, representing its foundation and emotional fortitude, with the iconic image of a firetruck—a beacon of hope and unity during emergencies. Surrounding this central motif are poppy flowers, evoking beauty flourishing amidst hardship and serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of San José residents. 'Harmony in Crisis' stands as a poignant reminder of the community's unwavering determination and resilience in navigating turbulent times.
Levi's Denim Dreams
While serving at Levi Strauss Headquarters in San Francisco, CA, Lorena Cortez undertook the task of crafting a bespoke design for embroidery on a trucker jacket, subsequently retailed in the Headquarter's store. Drawing inspiration from Levi's storied Western heritage, she meticulously conceived a motif reminiscent of classic motel signage. Introducing elements such as the iconic cactus, a carefully curated color palette, and typography reflective of Western aesthetics, Cortez skillfully imbued the design with a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.
The Lonesome Town Motel
Inspired by the timeless allure of classic motel signage, this design seamlessly merges nostalgic elements with contemporary aesthetics. Employing a soothing pastel color palette and subtle paper texture, it evokes a sense of familiarity and comfort, reminiscent of roadside nostalgia. Integral to its composition are the poignant lyrics from 'Lonesome Town' by Ricky Nelson, infusing the artwork with a lyrical narrative that resonates with the viewer on an emotional level. Through meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for harmonizing disparate elements, this design encapsulates Lorena's dedication to crafting visually compelling narratives that transcend time and evoke a sense of nostalgia and emotional resonance.
Above are a series of engaging infographics created for Ruby Rae Clothing, aimed at educating followers about the sourcing of vintage apparel. Conceptualized by Lorena Cortez, these infographics address the common struggle of finding one's size in vintage clothing by revealing the phenomenon of survival bias. Despite smaller sizes being less commonly worn historically, they have disproportionately endured over time. This insightful narrative sparked a remarkable 70% increase in engagement on Ruby Rae Clothing's Instagram, including heightened comments, shares, saves, and profile visits. Through meticulous research and strategic storytelling, this project exemplifies Lorena's ability to deliver impactful visual content that informs and captivates, driving meaningful engagement within target audiences and enhancing brand resonance