Alexis Salamanca

Did drawing and art come easy to Alexis?

Ironically, no, drawing did not come easy to Alexis. He did not have natural artistic skills. He had to train and study to develop his abilities.

He went to school to learn different colors and different styles of drawing. Alexis took every art class that was available to him.

He also studied graphic communication and also the Arts Center in Pasadena for marketing and advertising. He ended up with a graphic design degree with a minor in web and multimedia.
 

What drove Alexis to graphic design while growing up in Columbia?

It was an Atari game called Choplifter. He loved the graphics in the game, and it inspired him to imagine creating video games.

This was the initial spark to get him starting. Alexis’ brother actually helped develop the programs for Atari. Alexis found it interesting, but the coding and programming were too difficult and specific for him.

It was the graphics and designs that really excited him.

His church allowed him to create advertisements, which was the first time that Alexis connected the dots that graphic design could be a legitimate business for him.
 

Were there any other big changes coming to the USA from Columbia?

Alexis was a rebellious atheist when he was in Columbia. He moved to the United States in 1993, and by 1995, Alexis had converted to Christianity.

It opened Alexis’ eyes, and he felt that he was set free.
 

Is Alexis’ work and life a separate entity?

Ideally, you have to separate them. For instance, many business owners often create Facebook Groups and Pages separate from their personal life.

It is good and healthy to keep that separation for personal reasons.
 

How does Alexis get his ideas out?

Alexis believes that a computer is a tool. Sitting in front of the computer screen is not the place to brainstorm.

Once you have your brainstorming and strategizing done, the computer is useful and can help you implement what you’ve already planned. He is faster with his hands, so he always uses paper to plan out his design ideas. Doing your brainstorming at a computer can end up wasting a lot of time.
 

What is Alexis’ favorite form of media?

Digital is Alexis’ favorite form of media. This includes graphics, imagery, and videos. He loves mixing different forms of media and focusing on the message.

Call-to-action designs are some of his favorites.
 

How did Alexis transfer to Director of the Chamber Of Commerce?

He found it difficult moving from a job with a guaranteed check to doing his own thing, where he’d have to find opportunities to make money.

In 2008, he was laid off due to the poor economy. This was actually an amazing thing for Alexis because he could quickly transition to doing what he wanted without feeling guilty.

In San Gabriel, he took the approach of not looking for who he could meet or network with but what skills he could give to prove his value.

So, Alexis went to a bunch of beautiful landmarks in the area and took pictures. He created an amazing 2 by 3 feet calendar. He distributed it to the community and found it to be a great success.

Alexis actually went business to business and offered his services. By doing this, he was able to discover the city’s needs.

In 2011, due to all of his fantastic advertising ideas, Alexis was asked to be on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce.
 

What are other projects that Alexis has worked on through the chamber?

Alexis worked with the San Gabriel Business Journal, which is a digital journal. It was supported by the Hilton Hotel and ended up receiving 1,000 printed copies for distribution, too.

It was celebrating the 80 years of San Gabriel’s Chamber of Commerce.