About
I make things that feel personal, intentional, and alive.
I’m Leah Cortez, a communication design student and visual artist based in Corpus Christi, Texas. I work across visual identity, typography, editorial design, packaging, and print.
- Studying
- BFA Communication Design, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
- Based in
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Focus
- Identity, typography, editorial, packaging, and print
- Open to
- Design internships and select opportunities
My story
When I was little, I didn't just play pretend. I made the props, designed the costumes, and gave every game its own identity.
I didn't know it then, but I was already a designer.
I grew up in South Texas, and my Mexican heritage, Catholic upbringing, and surroundings in Corpus Christi have influenced how I see the world and approach my work. I'm interested in identity, memory, culture, and the ways visual communication can tell a story.
As a designer, I enjoy taking an idea and figuring out how to communicate it visually. I start with research and references, then experiment with typography, imagery, color, and composition until the pieces work together. I like exploring different directions and finding solutions that are both visually interesting and purposeful.
I'm drawn to expressive design, strong typography, unusual imagery, and the balance between structure and experimentation. Whether I'm designing a publication, developing an identity, or creating a poster, I want the final work to have a clear concept and a point of view.
How I work
From a feeling to a system.
- 01
Research
I collect imagery, references, textures and words until something feels connected to the idea.
- 02
Experiment
Sketches, collage and marker comps, by hand and on screen.
- 03
Build a language
Type, image-making, composition and colour turn the idea into a visual system.
- 04
Refine
Critique and refinement, round after round, then mockups and print tests.
What my professors say
Leah's work throughout the semester was consistently excellent—thoughtful, well-executed, and beautifully presented. I especially admired how she incorporated her Hispanic roots and Catholic symbolism into her color choices and visual storytelling. Her projects demonstrate both strong technical skill and a compelling artistic voice.
Leah's sketching and digital iteration process stood out as both rare and valuable. She develops strong visual concepts through thoughtful critique and refinement, resulting in work that is not only well-executed but intellectually grounded and emotionally resonant.
Leah demonstrates a rare balance of artistic talent and creative foresight. She applies foundational design principles across mediums with confidence, crafting work that shows a strong sense of form, space, and audience. Her projects reflect a designer capable of building thoughtful and engaging visual experiences.
Outside the brief
I also draw, print and build things.
My personal work explores the questions I can't stop thinking about: identity, religion, mental illness and the uncanny.
