Staff Spotlight: Meet Elisa Villanueva

Elisa Villanueva is a recent Fresno State graduate and joined the OCED team in August 2016 as a Student Assistant. She is currently the Communications and Events Assistant and helps with many tasks in the office but her favorite part of the job is creating logos for small businesses. She was raised and has lived in Fresno and Clovis all her life.

Tell us about your professional background.

I have been studying graphic design since my years at Clovis High and graduated from Fresno State this past May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design. While in school, I worked as an independent contractor designing for a local skate shop. I also held positions with Fresno State’s DISCOVERe Hub and the Fresno State Small Business Development Center, which ultimately led me to my current role with OCED. 

Who inspires you?

Anybody with the courage and discipline to go out and do what is necessary to have their dream job or start their own business. People who stray off the traditional path of school and a 9 to 5 job in order to find what truly makes them happy, and aren’t driven by the money. People who want to do better for themselves and those around them. 

What's the last book you read?

I was recently on vacation staying at an Airbnb and the host had a shelf stacked with books. In one section, she had a small collection of Goosebumps books. I was so excited to see some of my favorite titles from my elementary years, so I picked up One Day at HorrorLand and relived some childhood memories.

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

I actually never saw Friends and recently started watching the series. I absolutely love it!

What's the coolest project you're working on right now?

I’m going to be part of an ArtHop show that takes place on Dia de los Muertos and I am curating some art pieces to match the theme of the show – ceramic pieces that I’m decorating with traditional Mexican prints to be as whimsical and colorful and traditional as possible. The show is November 1 at Fulton Street Coffee Roasters and will have a mix of mediums between fine art and digital art.

What are some quotes you try to live by?

I have two quotes that frequently come to mind. The first is: “Don’t let a little thing like total public humiliation keep you from having a good time.” I actually heard this on the cartoon Martha Speaks when I was a kid and it always stuck with me. I was a pretty shy and self-conscious child and as I grew older I realized how liberating this quote was (within reason of course). Another quote that motivates me creatively and personally is “Only boring people are bored.” I hate being bored and when I feel myself becoming bored with certain things I try to challenge myself to see my situation differently. 

What job would you be terrible at?

I cannot deal with blood, wounds, pain or trauma – I don’t even like thinking about it. I would definitely fail at anything related to the medical field. As much as I’d love to help someone in need, I would be rendered useless at the sight of blood and pass out on the spot.