Overworked and Underpaid is a series that spotlights designers from around the community, examining their paths to creation, experiences, and perspectives on graphics. In this edition, we will discuss with VESTA about his art journey and how he became a designer.

Designed by Cassie
VESTA started his digital art journey in 6th grade after a teacher showed him GIMP, a free graphics editor. He began designing Xat backgrounds and profile graphics for people on the internet and loved seeing people using his hard work throughout the community. That early insight into community support and visibility pushed him forward. Since then, he has stuck with designing and has slowly grown as an artist over the years. Now, he primarily uses Photoshop and Illustrator to create anything from banners, thumbnails, and logos, though he admits logos are a bit less fun to share. Even though he never lost interest in design and art, his art and graphic design have contributed to the visual identity of our community.

A Lunar banner, designed by VESTA
A Quick Chat With VESTA
Club Penguin Armies reached out to VESTA to learn more about his experience as an artist.
What do you believe was your most complex/difficult design? How did you overcome it?
the rituals banner, it was tons of shading, gradients, layering, etc. it was also one of the first times i had to use illustrator because photoshop kept making the logo really pixelated and jagged when editing. it took a lot of experimentation but eventually came out just right
Are there any designs that you are exceptionally proud of? If so, which ones?
i like the rituals and merci banners, they were some of my first manipulation designs that actually came out nice
Looking back, how would you rate the improvement of your work?
its been great, im pretty confident in my abilities
A ROUND OF ADVICE
everything is easier than it looks
The work of VESTA has quietly constructed much of the visual identity across CPA, combining technical skill and an eye for creative design. Beginning as a graphic designer for Xat, to now creating highly complex manipulation designs, his storied journey is a testament to hard work, experimentation, and passion for the community, a clear journey from obscure to known legend within CPA, whether they appreciate it or not. Which one of VESTA’s designs has made the strongest moment or impression on you?
Zenishira
Associate Editor