Fine arts alumna Canino shoots for the moon
In the ever-changing graphic design landscape, where innovation reigns supreme, Mariana Canino stands out as a testament to determination. At just 23, the graphic designer has left a mark on the industry, thanks partly to her journey at San Jacinto College.
A fan of various creative pursuits, Canino found her calling in graphic design amid a sea of hobbies, including cycling, sketching, and mastering new design software.
"I've always found immense satisfaction in tackling creative challenges and collaborating within a team, with clients, or through partnerships," she said. "These experiences continuously encourage me to pursue my passion in the arts."
Like many young adults, Canino navigated higher education without financial support.
"I am first-generation, and my family could not afford to help me with college," she said. "San Jac was the best decision I could've made for my parents and myself."
Her time at San Jac was nothing short of transformative. Canino gained professional experience through work-study opportunities and earned her associate degree in fine arts in 2020.
"While attending San Jac, I gained my first official logo client and got my first job as a gallery attendant at the Central Campus," she said. "I also met incredible individuals and passionate teachers who taught me many things."
Reflecting on her journey, Canino challenges misconceptions about community colleges like San Jac.
"Community colleges get a bad rap about being a student's last choice,'" she said. "In my experience, it's a great place to go for your education. San Jac helped me much more than any other educational facility I enrolled in."
Canino transferred to the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Shortly after beginning
her UHCL journey, she got a part-time job as a graphic designer at the university.
"If you can get a job at the place where you also study, you not only gain experience and save valuable resources but also save time you can use to work towards your personal development," she said.
After graduating with her Bachelor of Fine Arts from UHCL, Canino landed a job as a graphic designer for Intuitive Machines in 2023, creating logos and graphics for its lunar program.
My job requires me to conceptualize ideas into proposal graphics that get submitted to NASA, commercial partners, and other governments for competitive review. Intuitive Machines is like no other job I'd ever imagine. There are so many bright minds in one company, and my mission is to use my creative talents to showcase everything this company has accomplished.
In her professional endeavors, Canino finds joy in her work's diversity and her team's camaraderie.
"One week, you are working on a flyer for an internal event. Another week, you are working on broadcast material for NASA," Canino said. "I want to be a part of Intuitive Machine's growth and its exposure, even if it means learning new tools along the way. I get inspired at work simply from being there. We all want to see each other grow and succeed."
As for the future, her goals extend beyond personal success.
"I want to help the people I care about while also continuously improving myself," she said. "I want to keep honing my skills to create a positive impact on the earth."
As Canino continues to aim for success in graphic design, her story proves that the possibilities are limitless with talent, determination, and the right education.
