Graphic Designer and Magic Maker: Geli Balcruz

Fun, colorful, and uplifting are three words to describe both Geli Balcruz’s art and personality. Her work is her means of self-expression but freely expressing her true self was a journey she embarked on. Find out how she came to terms with her artistic voice and courage.

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Q: Tell us about your current work roles.

I am a Freelance Graphic Designer, Design Thinker and Magic Maker. On most days, I design for friends, repeat clients and companies. Right now, I haven’t niched down to a specific field so I am a Jack n’ Jill of all trades! It’s been awesome because I get to choose what project I take on and juggle my time wisely. One day, I’m doing social media work for clients, on another, I am designing a mural or a book cover, and the next day I am working on packaging designs for beauty labels. So much fun! 

On top of that, I also manage myself as a brand and I sell my artworks at Common Room PH - a collaborative space that houses over 200+ local crafters and brands. I am currently on the stage of working on a new and improved product line and hopefully I can market it internationally as well.

Q: What is your educational background?

I am a student of life! But I also have a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I also recently finished certificate courses for Graphic Design for Print in Dela Salle, College of St. Benilde and Shillington Education, New York. I am grateful that I get to merge the two fields together in my body of work.

Q: what led you to your career/s?

I’ve always believed that art and human behavior are intertwined in one way or another. It’s like when you hear a song, you would relate to it depending on the situation you are in. Art has a power to heal and it is also a great way to get to know yourself better. Design has been a strong voice -  a power, to convey a message. I also believe in the fact that design is a critical business solution that most companies overlook.

Q: Did you have any life-changing experiences that led you to what you’re doing today?

Yes! A lot! I think this quote beautifully sums up those life experiences: "I've never seen any life transformation that didn't begin with the person in question finally getting tired of their own bullshit." – Elizabeth Gilbert

I feel as you grow older and get to know yourself better, you shake off different beliefs in your system that has been stopping you from working on yourself and taking action on the things you said you wanted to do or accomplish but end up shoving it at the back of the car. I believe that no one is lazy, they just chose not to act on things. Action helps you get out of that state of fear - and it will lead you to believing in yourself. You are capable of doing what you want in life and so much more. I also believe that failure, heart-aches and hitting rock bottom are the most pivotal moments in my life – and I’ve never been more thankful for those “negative” experiences that shaped me. Thank you, next!

As you grow older and get to know yourself better, you shake off different beliefs in your system that has been stopping you from working on yourself and taking action.

Q: How has your family and upbringing influenced your career choices?

My family has been very supportive of my endeavors. I think my love for knowing stories of different people came from both of my parents - my dad was active in several organizations and my mom has been in the the Human Resources industry for over 20 years. It also helped that early on, my father exposed me to arts, which honed my love for the craft. He would always have a beautiful pen that I'll play with and I would often help him make newsletters for the organizations he belonged to.

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

At this stage in my life, I think I’m most proud of knowing my values and aligning it with my priorities and goals. This has been a struggle for me because for the longest time because I am a people pleaser and it has been exhausting. I have learned that I don’t have to compromise my beliefs and my mental health just to make other people like me or accept me.

I learned that saying no is as important as saying yes.

Q: Who are your strongest influences in life?

My parents, my family, my significant other, my trusted friends and the lives of people who I really look up to – they are so many to mention but if you combine them all together, they can form the Avengers cast haha. But other than the people, my influences in life comes from seeing new perspectives, traveling, devouring books, listening to podcasts and overanalyzing movies.

Q: What would you say motivates you most to do what you do?

My main motivation is my never ending quest to know more about life and my commitment to be a life-long learner. My mom always teases me because I enrolled in so many classes – photography, baking, marketing, energy healing, etc. I always answer, there’s more to discover in life! So I keep on discovering a lot of things. It has its pros and cons, but I always believe that learning is the best investment you can give yourself. We are so lucky to live in a world where everything is accessible with just one click!

On Designing Your Own Life

Q: what have you learned from following your dreams and straying away from your educational path?

At this stage of my life, I think I managed to fuse Psychology and Art in what I do and in how I live. So I did not go completely off track. ;) However, several years ago, I always followed what or who others want me to be because I’ve been molded to a belief system where if I follow people and give them what they want, they will like me and in turn, I will be loved, and everything will be in peace. But at the end of the day, when I reflect and ask myself, “Was I genuinely happy?” I cannot seem to answer yes. And that was my wake up call – it took a long while to wake up and take action, but I’m glad I took small steps. 

So here’s what I learned. Since then, I acted out of love and truth. I started disrupting this belief system and it was really scary at first! Because I had so much anxieties and “What ifs”. “What will other people think of me?” was the constant question in my head. But thanks to amazing angels on earth, I realized that if the people who you love and loves you accepts you for who you are; as long as you are not stepping on other people, you’re good because that’s the only thing that matters in this world.

Nothing is more liberating in life than living your truth and owning your power.

Now, it’s okay for me to fail, it’s okay for me not to have a 9-5 office job, it’s okay if I forego several job opportunities, because if I commit to something, there’s no room for half-hearted behavior.

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Learn more about and connect with Geli at:

Website: www.gelibalcruz.com

Instagram: @gelibalcruz