Patrick Cambria (’13 BFA Digital Media) on Creating The Getty’s PST ART Logo and Design System

“I remember reading about Pacific Standard Time (PST ART) in college and it was a surreal moment in my career working professionally on it.”

Patrick Cambria (’13 BFA Digital Media) is testament to the well-rounded education he received at Otis College. Originally a Digital Media major, Cambria worked briefly in visual effects for TV and film, but felt the pull of visual communications. He pivoted to graphic design and has since carved out a fulfilling career, currently working as senior graphic designer at the advertising agency BBDLO LA, where he recently created the design system and new logo for The Getty’s PST ART initiative. This year’s program, PST ART: Art & Science Collide, is a sprawling program of more than 70 thematically linked exhibitions throughout Southern California (many of which feature Otis alumni). Cambria, a first-generation student, recently answered some of our questions about his work and career trajectory. 

What were some of the factors that led you to choose Otis College? 

I first toured traditional colleges, but their art departments felt like an afterthought. When I decided to focus on art-specific colleges I was impressed by how small but mighty Otis was. Each floor was more impressive than the next.

The smaller class size for me was a plus because I was that kid in the back of the room drawing in high school, so I felt like I would've gotten lost at a large university."

When you started at Otis College, did you know specifically what you wanted to do professionally when you graduated? 

I thought I did. I graduated from the Digital Media program, and while that was a viable career path my heart was always in graphic design. 

How do you describe to people what you do for a living? 

Luckily graphic design is a well-known industry and most of my older family members know what that is. When I first started in visual effects they definitely didn’t understand. I once told them I make the “pew pews” for television shows.

What was your role in the PST ART project? 

I helped win the pitch for The Getty and led the design team under my creative director from start to finish. In addition to the design system, I created the new PST ART logo, used by Getty and all participating institutions.  

What was your favorite part of the project and/or your favorite real-world application of the design? 

Early iterations of the PST logo were blue sky, so that was fun freestyling with my coworkers thinking about all the insane ways we could crack the idea. I remember reading about Pacific Standard Time (PST ART) in college and it was a surreal moment in my career working professionally on it. Seeing my designs on massive murals around L.A. once the project launched was also not too bad!  

In what ways did Otis prepare you for your professional life? 

The workload! I was able to get a taste of real life from my time at Otis, which I definitely appreciate. Also presenting and critiquing work at Otis definitely translated to the real world.  

What lessons about working professionally as a designer do you wish you had learned sooner than you did? 

Ask questions, solidify timelines, push back, be succinct.

What is the biggest misconception people have about working at a design firm? 

That we don’t mind making the logo bigger. Yes we can, but should we? 

What are your favorite creative tools or methods? 

Figma, Illustrator, and Glyphs. Also, integrating AI into my workflow has cut down my concepting phase drastically and helps me sell through work with a higher level of craft. 

Who are your professional heroes or inspirations? 

I've had the privilege of working with many talented people, but one who stands out is my friend Felipe Avila. An immigrant who worked as a dishwasher while attending Parsons, he’s now an award-winning designer and leads the design team at Mother in New York. He’s an incredible person and mentor. 

What is your dream project? 

One with a big budget and a bigger timeline. Cause-based work that intersects with technology is also a dream client of mine.    

What advice do you have for current Otis students? 

Take the time to really invest in yourself and build a strong portfolio. The hard work now will help you in the future."

What advice do you have for anyone looking to enter your industry? 

Your major doesn’t limit your career. What I learned in Digital Media translated to design. Though I wish I’d studied visual communications, I still pivoted early and built a great career. Make cool shit to make more cool shit. 

All images courtesy BBDO LA and Henry Hsu.

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