Meet Milton Lara | Graphic Designer/Creator of Loteria Salvadoreña

We had the good fortune of connecting with Milton Lara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Milton, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since I can remember, I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset, but I was always so scared to take that leap. A few years back, I was working a 9-5 corporate job as a graphic designer, I loved it, don’t get me wrong, but I always had it in the back of my head that I can be doing this for myself, call my own shots. During this time I began to work on an ambitious project that took me almost a year to complete, La Loteria Salvadoreña. Which up to now, is my uttermost work of art. Like bingo, it’s a game of chance but instead of numbers, images are used. Each image is taken directly from my Salvadoran culture and was created with so much affection. This game gave me the confidence to leave the corporate world and begin my own journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I still have this humbling memory of when I was about 4 years old, I would steal my older sister’s school books and crayons so that I can draw and when I didn’t have any paper, I would draw on our walls and always got in trouble for it. I have always had a love for the arts, particularly the visual arts. Throughout my school years, art was always my favorite subject and it wasn’t until my Senior year of High School that I discovered Graphic Design. After graduation I knew I wanted to do something with my new discovery, but I just wasn’t sure what path to take.

Over the next few years I worked odd jobs and did a few free-lance gigs on the side, but nothing serious. Soon after I decided to go back to school and work on getting a degree in Graphic Design. It was a very tough time in my life, but I somehow managed to pull through and graduate with a Bachelors in Visual Communications.

A few years ago, I landed a good corporate job for a huge women’s clothing boutique, and after 4 years, I realized I needed to be doing my own thing, work on something that I’m passionate about. It was around this time I began to create my most impressive works and created La Loteria Salvadoreña.

This was not easy, it wasn’t something that sprouted from one day to another, at times I would stay up late working on my designs, and had to be up at work in a few hours. It’s something that made me want to push harder, and although I still have a lot of growing and learning to do, I am proud of where I am now, and I can’t wait to see where I will be in a few years.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a Texas boy, and I love the outdoors, I would definitely take him to Austin, my favorite Texas City. There is so much to do from countless swimming spots, hiking, night life food and so much beauty. Austin, to me is my dream city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friends and family, that have always been supportive from the beginning.

Website: miltonlaradesigns.com

Instagram: miltonlaradesigns

Facebook: Milton Lara

Youtube: Milton Lara Designs