What does it mean to be cross-cultural? Culturs graphic designer Diana Vega set out to create an illustration series that resonates with the cross-cultural community. Her goal? Use illustrated visuals to let our audience know they are not alone. You are not alone in experiencing struggles that come with an international background. Vega originally is from Merida, Yucutan Penninsula. Which is in southern Mexico, bordering Central America.
WATCH: Click the image above to go to the video or CLICK HERE to see how the series came about.
In this video, Vega shows her illustration process. In addition, she discusses her experience at university in the United States. While persuing a Masters of Business Administration in the United States, she adapted to this new culture.
She wants to share her identity story with you and tell you that you are not the only one.
Illustration of Home
Traveling away was unexpectedly hard but the hardest was returning to her home town. When she returned, she realized something had changed. After missing her home town for so long, she found herself missing her new home in Colorado. Why was this?
At that moment she felt divided in two places: Missing home while in Colorado and missing Colorado when in her hometown. She was always feeling that something is missing.
What’s it Like, Being Cross-Cultural?
Vega wanted to use illustration to represent her experience as cross-cultural. But also she is interested in all the different experiences we have in this Culturs community. She wants to share her identity story with you and tell you that you are not the only one.
At that moment she felt divided in two places: Missing her hometown while in Colorado and missing Colorado when in her hometown. She was always feeling that something is missing.
Can you relate?
Yes, I can relate!! Love tge illustrations.
I enjoyed hearing your story as I watched you create this fantastic illustration that many people can feel connected to. It was interesting to hear the experiences you went through when you moved to Colorado and when you travelled to and from your hometown. I was able to relate to some of the things you said and I love that you want to make people feel like they are not alone in these feelings.
I love this article surrounding this TCK illustration. I believe the wording “To be Divided — In Many Places” hits home to a lot of TCKs who are feeling alone and divided. I think this visual helps TCKs with the realization that they are not alone in their struggles. I felt like I got a good sense of Vegas cross cultural identity, and overall enjoyed the simple yet emotional illustration.