Interview with Bealuz Villavicencio
Bealuz Villavicencio (bigC) is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Seoul, South Korea. She is a visual storyteller who creates narratives through imagery, exploring how stories can be…
Interview about Nella Pancia Della Balena Silent Book Design Interview
Designer Interview
26 June 2026
Growing up, I didn't even know design was a profession. What I knew was that I loved drawing and making things. My family wasn't connected to the arts, so there wasn't a clear path toward a creative career, but that curiosity never left me.
Over time, that interest led me into graphic design, branding, and eventually illustration. Today, I work as a Brand Design Lead while continuing to create picture books and personal projects. Looking back, I realize I wasn't chasing a specific career. I was simply following my curiosity, one project at a time.
Over time, that interest led me into graphic design, branding, and eventually illustration. Today, I work as a Brand Design Lead while continuing to create picture books and personal projects. Looking back, I realize I wasn't chasing a specific career. I was simply following my curiosity, one project at a time.
For me, design is about communication. Whether I'm designing a brand identity or illustrating a silent picture book, my goal is the same: to help people understand and feel something without unnecessary complexity.
Good design is not decoration. It creates clarity, builds emotional connections, and leaves a lasting impression. The best designs often feel effortless, but they are usually the result of careful thinking and refinement.
Good design is not decoration. It creates clarity, builds emotional connections, and leaves a lasting impression. The best designs often feel effortless, but they are usually the result of careful thinking and refinement.
I enjoy projects that combine strategy with creativity. Brand identity design is especially rewarding because it allows me to shape how people experience a company over time. I also love illustrating picture books because they give me the freedom to tell stories that connect with readers emotionally.
Although the projects are different, they both begin with the same question: "What do I want people to feel?" Everything else grows from that.
Although the projects are different, they both begin with the same question: "What do I want people to feel?" Everything else grows from that.
One project that is especially meaningful to me is Nella Pancia Della Balena. It began with a dream about entering a whale filled with trash and eventually became a silent picture book about empathy and caring for the environment.
What makes the project special is that it challenged me to tell an entire story without using a single word. Every illustration had to carry the narrative and the emotions. Receiving the A' Design Award for the book was a wonderful encouragement and reminded me that visual storytelling can connect people across different languages and cultures.
What makes the project special is that it challenged me to tell an entire story without using a single word. Every illustration had to carry the narrative and the emotions. Receiving the A' Design Award for the book was a wonderful encouragement and reminded me that visual storytelling can connect people across different languages and cultures.
The iPad has become one of my favorite creative tools because it allows me to work almost anywhere. Since I also have a full-time job, being able to sketch ideas on the go has been invaluable.
That said, I don't believe creativity depends on the tool. Whether I'm using an iPad, Illustrator, Photoshop, or pencil and paper, the idea always comes first.
That said, I don't believe creativity depends on the tool. Whether I'm using an iPad, Illustrator, Photoshop, or pencil and paper, the idea always comes first.
I usually begin with the story. Before thinking about colors or typography, I ask what the design is trying to communicate and how I want people to feel.
Once that becomes clear, every design decision becomes much easier because everything supports the same purpose.
Once that becomes clear, every design decision becomes much easier because everything supports the same purpose.
Curiosity is probably the strongest one.
Every project begins with questions rather than answers. As the work develops, curiosity turns into excitement as different ideas begin to connect. There's also satisfaction in seeing a concept become clearer through each revision.
Every project begins with questions rather than answers. As the work develops, curiosity turns into excitement as different ideas begin to connect. There's also satisfaction in seeing a concept become clearer through each revision.
AI is huge these days but I don't think AI will replace designers. I think it will raise the standard. Technical execution is becoming easier, which means ideas, taste, judgment, and storytelling will become even more valuable. Designers who remain curious and continue learning will have more opportunities than ever before.
Stay curious and keep learning. Trends, software, and technology will continue to change, but curiosity will always help you grow.
I also think it's important not to rush your development. Some of the most valuable lessons come from refining your work over time. Talent may give you a starting point, but consistency and the willingness to improve are what help you build a meaningful career.
I also think it's important not to rush your development. Some of the most valuable lessons come from refining your work over time. Talent may give you a starting point, but consistency and the willingness to improve are what help you build a meaningful career.
Alongside my work in branding, I hope to continue creating picture books and developing original stories that can be enjoyed across cultures. I'm also building Soulfolks, a world of characters inspired by everyday kindness, imagination, and human connection.
Ultimately, I want to create work that people can return to years later and still find meaningful. That's the kind of legacy I hope to build.
Ultimately, I want to create work that people can return to years later and still find meaningful. That's the kind of legacy I hope to build.
Interview about Nella Pancia Della Balena Silent Book Grand Interview