Interview with Julio Pineda – Creator of www.reflexzion.com

Perusing the usual design spots I found this talented Graphic Artist/Web designer on the internet – I quickly emailed him and asked if he’d like to do a interview and got a fast response.  This man really has a heart for the Kingdom on God and is using the talents the Father gave him to advance it – Ladies and gents, let me introduce Julio Pineda. Designer of www.reflexzion.com and other awesome designs.

Personal:

What is your full Name?

Julio Cesar Pineda Aldana

How old are you?

24

Hometown?

El Lobo, Guatemala

Background? Where you grew up, what you did as a kid – any interesting things.

I was born in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala but grew up in a town named “El Lobo” till I was about 9 years old. As a kid I loved nature and hunting. Never did I think I would end up in the U.S., let alone be interested in Graphics/Web. At the age of 13 I was diagnosed with Leukemia and 98.2% of my body was covered with the cancer and the doctors gave me a 33% chance of surviving – but God is Great! Here I am and it’s a joy to serve Him.

Did anything that happened to you while you were young influence you into your career choice?

Not really…I used to call my friends “Geeks” because they would use computers. I just…fell into it! Tried it once and loved it!

Where and what did you study?

I did attend The Art Institute of California – Orange County but only lasted there a year due to financial circumstances. But the determination to learn and do something as well as the calling God placed in my life goes beyond school and money.

At the moment are you working in a company or are you freelancing?

Both…

I am currently the webmaster for a church in Vista, CA called Vista Assembly of God (www.vistaassembly.com) and I also freelance. I am also in the process of releasing my own clothing line and other projects.

What are the benefits of working like this?

The flexibility and resources…but I also learned that at any job place you work at you are basically getting paid to learn, not just do. So it’s a win-win situation.

What do you do for fun?

Other than hang out with friends, I love to design and learn as much as I can so that I can do what I do better. I love paintball though!

What is the most relevant topic on your heart at the moment?

Trust and Clarity…To Trust in God completely and The Clarity I get from understanding my Identity in Christ.

Creativity:

How old were you when you found your creative streak?

Since a young age I’ve always liked to experiment but as far as design goes…I was about 16.

Do you think that people are born with creativity or that it’s inside us all?

We were made in the image of God…and boy is He creative! It’s inside us all!

Where do you get inspiration from?

Other than God…Life…

What has design/your creativity taught you about yourself?

Creativity has taught me to appreciate what I do and who I am even more because when I create something it goes beyond just simple designs. It speaks about what I feel, what I think, and how I view something or just life itself.

What has design/your creativity taught you about God?

Wow! Uhmmm…

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3

Creativity has taught me that God is Great, Loving, Joyful, Etc. His characteristics are reflected in all of Creation.

What fields do you work in?

Web, Graphics, Video, Photography

What are some of the best things you have had the opportunity to work on?

Aside from working at and with various churches to reach the lost and those in need, I have done various mission trips where I’ve been able to do what I love and bless others as well as be blessed.

What influence does God have in your work?

Everything…His provided the creativity, talents and strength to do what I do.

I see you do a lot of work with a Christian outlook; do you believe that even your time and profession should be tithed?

I strongly believe this…God deserves all we are and have, because ultimately it belongs to Him anyways.

Reflexzion:

Please tell us more about what this is all about.

More than a concept or company…ReflexZion is a lifestyle.

We are about portraying and confirming to the heart, mind and soul that there is More. That hope is not an emotion but the basis of Faith. That Happiness is not merely a pursuit but a genuine transformation or shift of the mind, actions and heart.

The protection of the heart is vital to living life. For joy does not come merely when circumstances change but rather… joy has the potential to and does change the circumstances or gives us strength to endure such. So it is our mission to Reflect and impose such truths. Because what is wrong with the world should not belittle, dim or take our focus off what is right and what is right with the world. So whatever the means may be…design, pictures, video, clothing, missionaries or a simple yet profound testimony. It is our desire to make it known that the best way to live and or enjoy life is to REFLECT THE GREATNESS OF AND IN IT.

Our foundations are well rooted on Godly principles, our belief made certain through faith and our passion redeemed and given wings through the Revelation of Truth.

What is your aim and purpose for the website?

The human Soul was not created to become complacent, adapt to routine or live with out Purpose. It is our desire to be an encouragement, an inspiration or a simple reminder that Life is Beautiful, but that beauty has to be sought-after and once found…protected. Our purpose is to help others see the need to break habits, routines and lifestyles that rob us of joy, peace, purpose and a relationship with God.

I see you have 3 sections; Photography, Missionary Websites and Graphics, tell us a bit about them?

They say a picture says a thousand words and to us… it is another way of declaring the beauty of God and life to those who see them.

Through our Graphics (Resources) we want to share our creativity and be of help to churches, businesses, organizations, etc. that can’t afford to pay a designer or simply like our graphics.

With our Missionary section we want to help be a “voice” to those in need and to those who change lives day in and day out.

Do you think what you do as a job is linked with your calling for God?

Definitely, and because I understand the calling it is a privilege more than it is a job.

Do you know of any other design/creative websites with a Biblical Christian worldview?  Why do you think there are so few?

http://www.creativemyk.com/

http://www.ichurchdesign.com/

http://www.lifechurch.tv/

I think that there are so few because many “Christians” understand the call but few chose answer it or continue in it.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25

God:

Where do you feel God is taking you?

Other than a deeper, more intimate and real relationship with Him, I think that He wants me to fulfill the dreams and desires He has given me. He is taking me to His Greatness.

Do you think you can make a Kingdom impact through your design?

As long as God is in the midst I believe they will make an impact because it is Him speaking through what I do.

Any message to the designers out there?

Stay connected to God and He will use you and your talents to reach the lost and those in need. But stay connected…

Any closing words?

“I submit to you that if a man hasn’t discovered something he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.”

Martin Luther King Jr., Speech in Detroit, June 23, 1963

If you want to see more of Julio’s work, check out his website www.reflexzion.com or his profile on www.christianmyk.com

Thanks Julio – It was really good finding out a bit more about you.