Education:
Associates in Fine Arts- Art, Gaston College (2018)
Bachelors in Fine Art - Concentration in Graphic Design and a Minor in Art History, UNC Charlotte (2021)
Hometown: Lincolnton, NC
Gerson Berrio's love for art began as a six-year-old boy who was constantly drawing and fell in love with it. He continued to practice for many years, and it became something he excelled at. "I began learning more fine art in Gaston College, learning the basics in all art forms," Gerson says.
After getting his associates degree at Gaston College, he continued his art education here at UNC Charlotte. "Charlotte did a great job at preparing me to become more mature. I used to be the student who showed great potential but always missed the details because I would always struggle with time management. As time went, thanks to my teachers, who both pushed me and critiqued me when I had short comings, I would learn to make graphic design my priority. Now as a professional, I take all the lessons learned to every job I have worked for to show professionalism and maturity."
While a student, Gerson was a student leader, active with many different organizations, including Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity and American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA), as president of the student chapter. He was also a SAFE mentor for two years and a founder of the very successful Latinx Student Union. "But I would say one of my favorite moments would be my graduating Art Show presentation, when the teacher who was the hardest on me (rightfully so) ended up telling me how proud of me he was and how my presentation was a show stopper."
Gerson is now a Marketing Lead for Swiss Diamond, where he has full charge of all social and email campaigns as well as a design focus work such as packaging. "I am really proud of a recent packaging design I have done for Swiss Diamond. We are an international company and with this project I designed a work for our Australian sellers, I have been sent an image of my design in stores. A real proud moment."
Gerson recently came back to campus to share advice with current graphic design students during a Niner Designers student organization meeting.
"If I would share any advice it would be to: 1. Network the most that you can, it is very important to make friendships in the field you work in. 2. Learn professional etiquette for when you start your actual career. 3. Internships are important for experience but never sell yourself short and accept an unpaid internship. 4. Be true to who you are as an artist. 5. Truly pay attention and listen to suggestions from your teachers, and don’t take things personally. Any critique is a way to improve."