We speak to the 2022 LEGO Student Brief winner, Ileana Aguilar-Gomez to find out more about her award-winning work and plans for the future.

Tell us a bit about you

My name is Ileana. I was born and raised in Mexico, but I have lived in Miami for 10 years. I always had the dream of studying graphic design, but I had never proposed doing it. I am 42 years old, and two years ago I decided that age does not matter and that the first step to realising a dream is to start doing it, putting my hands to work without being discouraged I started studying to recover all the time I wasted doubting what I wanted for my future. I am now studying for a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design at the Open College of the Arts in the UK and am about to start a Master's in Packaging at La Basad in Barcelona.

What is it like to be the first-ever LEGO x Pentawards Student Brief winner?

It has been like an incredible dream. I did the project thinking that I wanted to capture the ideas I had in mind and dreamed of winning many times, but I knew it was difficult. That’s why when it happened, I was very excited!! And I continue with that adrenaline.

What’s the inspiration behind your winning design?

When I learned that the topic was diversity, my head immediately began to fly. I wanted to show diversity beyond the typical concept of dividing humanity into nationalities, skin colors, or sexual orientations. I believe that diversity extends further; diversity exists within each individual, and every one is unique. We all have different physical characteristics, ways of thinking, and education. That is the beauty of diversity. Because despite these differences, we all have the same rights and live in the same world. Our house, our world.

Can you share some insights into how you developed the project?

The first thing I did was review the LEGO page from head to toe. I wanted to find inspiration and get to know their products better. As part of the brief, I was to use existing LEGO products in order to integrate my ideas into them. Once I decided that THE GLOBE was going to be the product with which I wanted to express my idea, I went to the store to meet it personally, I saw its size and its box, and after that, I got to work. I definitely wanted to include the mini figures to show how different people can be.

I bought some of the most eccentric ones I could find. Since I couldn’t add the photos in the box as they weren’t part of the product, I decided to draw them one by one, copying his pants, accessories, face, hair, etc. After reading the LEGO identity manual, I adhered to its rules of use of color, and use of logos, and fonts. In this way, I created a composition that would be harmonious to put in a mockup.

What have you been up to lately? Have you been working on any interesting projects?

Well, for now, I’m focused on homework and organising myself to start with the Master’s degree in La Basad in the next few days. I also did an internship at a very popular magazine in Latin America called Gatopardo. I was in charge of editing photographs and banners for social networks, such as Twitter and Instagram.

As a student, how do you learn about design, and where do you find inspiration?

As a student, I try to learn by observing. I explore the portfolios of the big agencies that I admire, like Pentagram or Pearlfisher, and I am always with my eyes open around me and with the camera in my pocket, so I have generated a file of ideas where I look when I need to awaken my creativity.

What advice would you give to fellow design students?

That we should not be afraid to try anything, no matter how difficult it may seem. Life can surprise us. In addition to creating a dream, the first step is to start.

What do you want to do in the next 3 years/after your studies?

My dream is to work for an international brand, starting from scratch. All I need is an opportunity.

‘Each stage with Pentawards had different expectations for me. First I dreamt of being on the shortlist, and when that happened I was very excited. Then I thought about the possibility of winning, and when that happened, I was even more excited. In the end, it was amazing to receive the trophy from Helle's hands, a moment I've dreamed of for a long time.’

For my husband Alberto who was very proud of me.

Ileana Aguilar-Gomez alongside Helle Søegaard Rasmussen, Senior Creative Manager at LEGO Group, and Clem Halpin, President of the Pentawards Jury and Creative Lead at Taxi Studio.

Find out more about Ileana Aguilar-Gomez here.