Maria Camila Lugo
Profession
MA Graphic Communication Design Alum
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Alumni
Biography
Camila is a Colombian graphic designer who graduated from MA Graphic Communication Design at Central Saint Martins in 2024.
Interview
Why did you choose to study MA Graphic Communication Design (GCD) at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
After working in both freelance and in-house roles, I felt creatively stuck and unsure about my direction. I wanted space to explore, grow, and reconnect with my own practice. The MA Graphic Communication Design (GCD) course stood out to me because it wasn’t just about making work, it was about asking questions, experimenting, and thinking critically about what visual design can do.
I also wanted the experience of living abroad in a city like London, where I’d be creatively inspired. CSM felt like the right place to grow, with amazing resources like the library, workshops, and a community of tutors and peers.
What have you been working on since graduating?
Since finishing the course, I’ve been focusing on shifting my career toward user experience design, something I developed a strong interest in during my time on the MA GCD course. I’ve been refining my skills, working on personal projects, and exploring how my background in visual design and storytelling fits into UX.
At the same time, I’ve been working on projects in visual identity, branding, editorial design, and marketing. My interest in user experience has started to influence and strengthen how I approach these graphic design projects, bringing more intention to how people interact with what I create.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
It would have to be Unsteady Ground, a publication inspired by my personal journey with my father’s decade-long experience with Ataxia, a degenerative neurological condition. The project explores the complexity of non-verbal communication and turns it into an immersive visual narrative.
Using typography, materiality, and layout design, it reflects the slow fading of speech and how communication evolves beyond words. It was a way for me to explore how design can express emotion, build empathy, and give form to invisible human experiences.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
I wish someone had given me advice when I started. Coming from another country with a different learning background, it took me a couple of months to understand the course and engage with purpose. The open practice and self-led learning approach can be challenging at first, but it’s also where the growth happens.
Two things I’d share:
- Focus on experimenting, not perfect outcomes. Let go of the pressure to make everything look polished. This course is about learning through making, testing, failing, and discovering. That’s how you’ll find your voice and see your practice grow in unexpected (and positive) ways.
- Connect with your peers. You’ll realise you’re not alone in your struggles. If you ever feel like your project isn’t good enough, chances are others feel the same. Having that support around you makes all the difference.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
It’s hard to pick one highlight because I enjoyed the full two years. One of the best parts was the people, I met friends who I know I’ll collaborate with in the future. The tutors also made a big difference. Their support, feedback, and references helped me see things from new angles and pushed my work forward.
I also really enjoyed just being at campus spending time in the library, experimenting in the workshops, and learning from Helen, Isabelle, and Yi (technicians). Having that freedom to explore and create made the experience special.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
Failure is also progress. There’s a lot of value in failing because it opens up new ideas and opportunities. We often think failure is something negative, but it’s actually a chance to reflect, find new approaches, and grow. During the course, there were times I felt my work wasn’t good enough, but by iterating, receiving feedback, and embracing those moments, I learned to create work I’m truly proud of.
Links
View Camila's portfolio
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