ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Andrea Coloma is one of nine Hispanic students in the graphic arts program at USF St. Petersburg. A career that she wants more Hispanic students to pursue.

What You Need To Know

  • According to the U.S. bureau of labor only about 10 percent of Hispanics go into careers involving the arts

  • Andrea Coloma is Ecuadorian and Columbian and the first in her family to attend a university in the U.S.

  • Andrea recently published a book for NASA’s Communication and Navigation Program

Like many of us who grew watching cartoons on TV, Andrea said that’s how she found her love for her Graphic Design.

“I really love creating things that appeal to children because I think our next generation is really important to inspire," she said.

She’s not only hoping to inspire the young generation but also give her Hispanic community a voice through the pieces she creates.

Andrea has created pieces that also represent her home and the issues that people face in her country.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, only about 10% of Hispanics pursue careers in the Arts. It’s a degree she was scared to pursue.

Through her determination, she landed an internship with NASA. Something that she’s grateful for.

“To be a part of something that will impact future generations was something that seemed really cool to me.” she said.

Her love for creating art opened the door for Andrea to illustrate a children’s book for NASA’s space communication and navigation program.

The book is not published yet, but Andrea said it took about 14 weeks to complete.

Andrea also said the book was something she loved to illustrate. “This children’s book is about the Artemis 1 mission. It centers around this mom who is an astronaut going to the moon.”

Andrea said growing up, she never saw people who looked like her creating art.

She’s hopeful once her book is published, she’ll inspire others to pursue a career in the arts.

She also offers advice to others looking to pursue a career in Graphic Design. “My biggest piece of advice would be just to not be afraid to fail and you have to trust in the process.”

For now,  Andreais going to continue learning as much as she can and pursue more internships in graphic design.

There is no date when the book will be published yet. To learn more about the program, click here.