Alumni
Grad is Director of Design Services at AOO Events
Growing up in LA’s South Bay, Ruben Gomez was passionate about music, dance, art, and DIY projects. Although he was creative from a young age, Ruben was on a path to becoming a lawyer. “I had no passion for it,” he says of law school, “but one day I was told by a coworker about FIDM, and it seemed like the next day I was enrolled and knew I found where I belonged.” Since graduating with a degree in Visual Communications, Ruben has worked in the worlds of high-end event production and interior design. Today, as the Director of Design Services at AOO Events, Ruben and his team create award-winning custom event design and production for international corporate and social markets.
What do you love most about working in the events industry? The events industry is fast-paced and ever-changing. No two events are the same and being able to push myself as a designer is what I love most about the events industry. I can’t forget my amazing team who helps put it all together. I am grateful to have such talented people in my corner.
Can you tell us about a favorite event you designed? The Little Mermaid Live event. Working with an iconic brand such as Disney, whose in-house events team I adore, has been such a wonderful and amazing adventure. Creating and designing unique live elements for guests to feel immersed under the sea, was a great feeling. I love seeing the lighting, furniture, décor, music, and live entertainment all come together after weeks of planning. It's fulfilling and reminds me that I’m where I’m supposed to be.
How have things changed for you since the Covid pandemic? My world has been flipped upside down! Going from designing over-the-top events to doing virtual events has been a big shift on how we keep engagement with each other, while not losing that touch as an in-person event would give us.
How did FIDM help prepare you for your career? Every class I took at FIDM, has contributed to my daily tasks within my career. Whether I am doing floor plans, sketching up ideas, pulling fabric, creating graphics, and even lighting plotting.
Any favorite FIDM memories? There are so many it's hard to pinpoint. I think it's remembering the first time I met certain people I still work with today. You never know what relationships will develop and become future business ventures.
What advice would you share with FIDM students and graduates? Never lose sight of your passion. In this moment things seem difficult, but we will bounce back and be as successful and strong as before.
Categories: Visual Communication Alumni
