Daniel Barcelo
It’s often said that being a “creative,” whether that’s musically, artistically with writing or drawing, or any other form of art, is just a hobby. And when a high school student who has a knack for art considers the prospect of making it their career, fears of it being an unsustainable and low paying “job” might stop them. But what if art was more than just a hobby and more people found ways to make their craft into a profitable way of living? These LCS graduates are proof that you can take a childhood passion and make it into a a career. See how they did it and be inspired.
Daniel Barcelo began to attending LCS in the 8th grade after moving from Miami at the age of 12. He graduated from LCS in 2009. Daniel said he’s been a visual person his entire life. Taking after his Dad who was an “amazing artist,” Daniel learned from him how to draw and sketch. However, Daniel didn’t perfect his skills until he joined Mr. Johnson’s mechanical drawing/autoCAD (computer-aided design) classes.
After taking the class, Daniel considered going into architecture, but because he struggled with math, he steered toward graphic design. His first project with graphic design was in highschool, when he created logos, menus, and brochures for his mom’s new catering company. After graduation, Daniel attended Southeastern University (SEU) and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations. Through the coursework he created he formed a “deep appreciation” for writing.
“When you bring together thoughtful writing and beautiful visual art, it makes for compelling work—this makes for better advertising, entertainment and advocacy,” Daniel said. While at SEU he also led the student event marketing team, and worked as a designer for ProAd Media followed by being a designer with The Lakelander.
After graduating SEU in 2013, multiple doors opened for Daniel to share his “God-given passion” for design. He became the lead designer for The Lakelander until he took a break for a year to work at Relevant Magazine as the lead print designer and art photography director. He then returned to The Lakelander and became the creative director, the role in which he also helped launch Lakelander Creative, The Lakelander’s in-house creative agency. Through the agency he had the opportunity to rebrand several prominent Lakeland organizations including The Lakeland Country Club, The Terrace Hotel, and First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland.
In 2021, Daniel took an art director role with King & Partners, a creative and strategy agency in Manhattan, NY, and was able to expand his skills in brand identity, print collateral, and editorial design. At King & Partners, Daniel worked primarily with clients in the luxury hospitality and real estate industry to create visual identities and print collateral. Among his favorite projects were creating a brochure and packaging design for Aurora Anguilla, a resort in the Caribbean, a print campaign design for The Boca Raton resort in South Florida, and brand design and collateral for a luxury fitness club in Texas. He even had the opportunity to direct a campaign shoot for JW Marriott and create print collateral for Four Seasons.
Daniel is currently transitioning to the next phase of his career, where he is launching his own agency to partner with clients in Central and South Florida and Dallas, Tex. He aims to maintain a creative strategy that brings his designs to life through visual and experiential designs. He shared that he wants people to know him not just “as a creative doing a job,” but as somebody living out a calling that encourages others to pursue their God-given talents.
“When I have opportunities to lead I strive to be gracious and encouraging,” he said. “And as an artist, it’s hard to not let ego get in the way, but with my faith, I’ve been reminded to stay humble and actively champion others.”
As Daniel continues to make an impact in the arts, he shared he’s gained another perspective of the role of art, which is in communication and commerce.
“Throughout history,” Daniel said, “companies, governments, and individuals have used art to reflect the values of society and tell stories that inspire people.”
Daniel enjoys studying visual expressions of different decades or eras because “it’s a source of inspiration” for his work.
“A big part of improving your art is by consuming art,” he said, “As well as creating things for yourself.” To find inspiration for art, Daniel encourages young artists to explore personal projects or other creative mediums that don’t correlate with your day job. “I’m a huge lover of music and DJing has been a great alternative creative outlet for me,” he said.