SCAD Graduate Eduardo Holguin creates conversation and community

Written by Kaitlynne Rainne, Photography courtesy of Eduardo Holguin

Eduardo Holguin started taking photographs when he was growing up in the Dominican Republic. “You know, they were pretty basic pictures and then I decided to get a professional camera,” Holguin said. “I would take pictures of my friends but it was still very basic. Nothing fancy.” He said. But even in the simplicity of capturing those first pictures, there was a bigger vision being built.  

At the beginning of his SCAD journey, he was a graphic design student but he quickly learned that his passions and vision could be applied to a different field. He recounted that his realization began his first year while taking his foundation courses. With every design project he worked on, he tried to convey a message. His professor even pointed out to him during critique that every project of his had a strong message attached to it.

The effort wasn’t unintentional. Eduardo wanted a message with everything he did, a unified purpose surrounding the piece if you will. With that, he did some digging and realized that with advertising, he could better use the design principles he’d learned to curate those messages. So, he made the switch and hasn’t looked back since. Featured on his website are the many advertising projects he has worked on, companies he’s worked with as well as other design work and photography.  

One thing that has stood out to me with his work and I wanted to know more about was a unique little twist featured on some of his photography. If you follow him on Instagram, you’ve probably seen it as well. It’s a text bubble.

“I think of it as a twist to my brand and photography. I always say my brand is a space for everyone and communication is a way to bring people together,” he said. “With technology, you can do that even more like texting people. It’s really the simplest way to communicate today.”

Which is true. Sending a text is the easiest way to let someone know you’re there for them. Combing photography and communication, Eduardo took it back to the idea of “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

“Everyone’s interpretation of images is different, so the text bubble and message attached in the caption gives them a place to start and from there, a conversation is started,” Holguin said.

It may be simple in hindsight but today, a conversation is really at the crux of understanding not only individuals but communities of people. Giving them a chance to share their stories, concerns and to provide them with a space to have their voices heard. Holguin begins his messages with “To whom it may concern,” which leaves it open for everyone.

“It’s about fostering community and keeping the community engaged regardless of who they are,” Holguin said.

Moving forward, Eduardo still has plans to keep his personal brand going and to keep growing it. He’s even expanded into a print shop which he described as a way to keep these conversations tangible in an ever-growing digital world. But regardless of where he goes and how he expands, Eduardo will always keep it rooted in the importance of conversations. Especially as it relates to fostering community.