Cris Paaño
Strategic Foresighter / Interactive Designer
Phone:
647-855-4298
Email:
Location:
Markham, Ontario
Pronouns:
she / they
I AM
My education is in Interaction Design and Strategic Foresight & Innovation, however my high school education and first year of University were focused on becoming a nurse so I also have a healthcare background.
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I love to explore, learn and push limits in every aspect of my life, whether picking up new software or learning how to skydive.
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I strongly believe you are shaped by all the beings that are part of your journey. I was raised by a Gardener and a Pre-School Teacher as well as sisters that are 2 decades older than me so my hobbies and volunteer work revolve around caring for nature, teaching but mostly learning while basically having 3 moms.
"It takes a village," that same belief translates to the workplace where communication and comprehension of different points of view are vital for projects to succeed. However, just like plants, things can go wrong but it is never the end, there will always be a next time.
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My favorite video games are
Apex Legends, Stardew Valley, Valorant and Teamfight Tactics.
in that order
Art Influence and Motivation:
Graffiti Artists
ROA, SWOON and C215 are big influences on how I work and the meaning behind my motivation. ROA understands the history and population of the area where his work is seen and paints giant animals that have deep meaning to the population. SWOON uses her work to express her concerns for the environment. C215's art provides a voice to forgotten individuals, a strong social comment that can be understood worldwide.
Inspirations
Resilience and Power:
Nature
Growing up to immigrant parents and juggling time between UK and Canada, I have been surrounded by nature and learned about all the land and how to care for it by my father. I learned how much it takes to grow our abundance of food each year and how to add nutrition back into the soil. So this helps with my design practice to learn and continue to always grow while keeping the importance of balance and power that comes from a healthy mind and body.
Growth and Evolving:
Friends
The hard truths are always welcome in my friend circle and this is the main rule that guides us. "Live fearless but Live for a better tomorrow" Being able to take risks and engage in topics that might be difficult to extend our perspectives 24/7. This helps us to give and take constructive criticism that helps in our daily lives whether it be in work or our relationships.