Leslie Ramirez
Where Cameras Aren’t Allowed
Where Cameras Aren’t Allowed
There is a little world hidden in every place we encounter. Our workplaces, our classrooms, our homes, these are some of the worlds we know best. But there are an infinite number of worlds we will never get to know. We may visit them, but our stay is brief. The informal history, logistics, inside jokes, superstitions, quirks, and personality are reserved for those who live and work within that world.
Before the pandemic, I was an avid explorer of these secret worlds. By befriending workers, making frequent visits, and volunteering my time, I was granted passage into many worlds, including the Cicero Public Library and Brookfield Zoo. I knew the workers by name, listened to the stories of workplace shenanigans, entered employee-only areas, ate the candy/ snacks they snuck me, and more. I learned to see past the surface.
This project hopes to explore the mundane and bring attention to the small worlds that we tend to ignore. To do so, I have gathered a collection of sketches and observations of local areas where I was granted permission to visit. Some of these sketches also serve to document the reality of the pandemic and its restrictions on exploration. My sketches are compiled into a 7 in. by 7 in. soft cover book. Additionally, the book provides an introduction to the project, both rough and refined sketches, and digital illustrations.
Leslie Ramirez
Leslie Ramirez is currently a third-year at DePaul University and a graphic designer in Cicero, IL. Her areas of focus are web design, motion graphics, animation, hand lettering, publication design, and typography. She is famously known for her habit of befriending strangers and inability to stop crafting. One can often find her scribbling ideas down in sketchbooks, journals, planners, and a seemingly, never-ending supply of sticky notes. She is a self-proclaimed “Jack-of-all-trades”, constantly striving to learn new skills and work on a variety of projects.
︎︎︎ Portfolio
︎︎︎ Instagram
︎︎︎ Email
︎︎︎ LinkedIn
Leslie Ramirez is currently a third-year at DePaul University and a graphic designer in Cicero, IL. Her areas of focus are web design, motion graphics, animation, hand lettering, publication design, and typography. She is famously known for her habit of befriending strangers and inability to stop crafting. One can often find her scribbling ideas down in sketchbooks, journals, planners, and a seemingly, never-ending supply of sticky notes. She is a self-proclaimed “Jack-of-all-trades”, constantly striving to learn new skills and work on a variety of projects.
︎︎︎ Portfolio
︎︎︎ Instagram
︎︎︎ Email
︎︎︎ LinkedIn
