Hello, my name is Beatriz del Olmo

I was born and raised in Mexico City, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Universidad Anáhuac del Sur.

 

After college, I worked as a freelance designer in my family’s printing business. In 1998, I moved to the United States to study English at UCSD, and later completed an MFA at San Diego State University in 2004. My time at SDSU was a transformative experience—it’s where I discovered the world of artist books, the aesthetics and functionality of design, and my passion for teaching and working on multimedia projects.

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Over the years, I’ve taken additional workshops and courses in bookbinding, letterpress, and box-making at institutions like the San Francisco Center for the Book, the Center for Book Arts in New York, Columbia College Chicago, and the Oregon College of Art and Craft.

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My work is a fusion of cultures—shaped by the richness of my Mexican roots, my personal experiences, and the realities of living in the U.S. I’ve “custom made” my artistic voice to reflect my identity as someone who has embraced American society, proudly becoming a U.S. citizen.

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I once dreamed of a life where I could breathe freedom and civil rights, and I’ve found that here in the United States—a place where I’ve built a safe and healthy home for my family, and where I’ve begun to plant new roots.

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My art bridges both worlds: the vibrancy of my past and the depth of my present.

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For most of my life in the USA, every summer, I returned to Mexico with my family—not only to reconnect with my heritage, but also to immerse myself and my children in the colors, textures, flavors, and sounds of my childhood. Those experiences continuously inspire my work, allowing me to bring pieces of my home country into my new home.

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For the past five years, I’ve been teaching Spanish at a public high school in Maryland. It’s been a journey full of challenges, but also filled with joy and meaning. Watching my students graduate successfully—using my native language, engaging in Hispanic culture, and advocating in Spanish—brings me deep fulfillment.

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What I’ve discovered is this: Spanish is like art. Many students start by saying, “I can’t do this.” And I always tell them:

“It’s all about mindset. You can—if you believe you can.”

 

I continue to learn every day—Spanish, art, life—just like my students. You grow by taking chances, and I’ve taken many. I will keep taking them, because I’m still discovering who I am.