Who you are and where you’re from?

Hey, my name is Carlos Giralt-Ortiz (He/Him), and I am a 23 year old Robotics Engineering Major here at WPI. Normally, when people ask me where I am from, I usually give them one of two answers. The first comes from a technicality, on official documents and in formal settings I say that I am a dual citizen, as I have both a United States and a Mexican passport thanks to my genetics. Despite this being objectively true, I don’t personally think this is an apt description of who I am culturally as I have traveled around the world since I was born, due life’s unique circumstances, and I have to adapt to many different environments. Take for example my high school years, which were spent in the sprawling cities of Guangzhou China, a place I not only gained my love for STEM based studies, but also my infatuation with digital art. Therefore, on most occasions, I simply just say that I am from everywhere, just so I don’t have to explain in further detail.

How does art fit into your current life and your life goals?

For the longest time, art has become a great and safe way for me to sort of detach myself from the stresses of life, while also providing a creative and productive outlet capable of handling my excess stress. It keeps me sane in the most basic of terms, especially when dealing with the pressures of my desired career, which can at times be extremely emotionally taxing. Detachment and escapism are words that come to mind, but unlike other more unsavory methods, artistic expression allows me to also work on the emotions and thoughts I am actively trying to avoid in the moment, thus allowing me to come back to and hopefully resolve them. Additionally, when it comes to being an RBE major, there is a certain level of “design intuition” that is required (it’s the term I use) when creating robotic systems, something which can be trained by expressing oneself creatively. Just like how a painter can be inspired to create impressive sunsets based on pictures and real life experiences, a robotics engineer can base their overall designs on mechanisms and algorithms already found in the natural world. You would be surprised at how much some of the skills transfer, and my goal with the continuation of my artistic journey is to further develop these skills as I move forward in life. 

Your experience with digital and traditional art making?

When it comes to my preference between digital art versus traditional art, I would definitely say that I prefer using my computer to express myself. I am a 3D modeler and graphic designer at heart, which is good because those two forms of art don’t require too much drawing, a skill I am still actively working on. Aside from those main two, I have done a lot of photography in the past, but it was mostly using drones, and video editing, as a fun side project. The only real form of “traditional” art that I have engrossed myself in is writing, as I occasionally run D&D campaigns for my friends, which if you are unfamiliar with, can require a lot of experience with storytelling if you want to be prepared for experienced players. 

Your experience with programming, electronics, or other tech (for art or other purposes)

I have the basic knowledge package that comes with the WPI RBE education, excluding RBE 3002, and with a focus on the mechanical (think kinetic mechanisms). I am semi comfortable with basic electronics, and programming is definitely my area of weakness, but I do have the resources now to look things up and succeed through any challenges that are ahead. Like I mentioned before, I am a 3D modeler, so I am very comfortable with programs like Solidworks and Zebrush, and I have a good understanding of 2D software like the adobe studio programs. 

Other creative arts you like to practice (writing, dance, crafts, music, theater, etc)?

I mentioned writing stories earlier, but I am also a martial artist by trade (I don’t really know if that counts in this context), and I am always trying to experiment in the kitchen. Aside from that I have always wanted to try a few things like metal work, jewelry, and leather work just to learn something new. 

Your creative inspirations?

The short answer is the media I consume, including but not limited to TV shows, movies, video games, my surrounding environment (think like scenes of nature or city escapes), and especially my current or previous emotions. 

Recent creative projects you are proud of?

I haven’t recently completed any creative projects, but one thing I am very proud of is my commitment to my mental health which started this past summer. It has honestly been a difficult journey of ups and downs, but at the start of this school year, it has finally begun to bear fruit. We will see if this continues to be a net positive in my life, but right now I am just super happy to have made it this far, especially after last year. 

Links to online portfolios or social media where you share your creative work?

I am so sorry but I don’t really share my art online, as I don’t make enough to think it would be worth it to. 

Anything else you’d like your classmates and professor to know about you?

Find out in character 🙂.

Art Portfolio: