Outstanding Graduate: Danielle Joy Lutero Aquino from the School of Art and Design

SDSU Art and Design Student Danielle Joy Lutero Aquino was not always the confident, entrepreneurial, graphic design student we see graduating this May. As a transfer student to the graphic design program two years ago, Lutero Aquino felt timid and shy when networking with others or sharing work in class. She credits her professors and peers for creating a supportive environment that helped her realize her potential, raise her confidence, and take pride in her work.

“In the creative sphere, these kinds of relationships are important to improve your own work, help others improve theirs, widen one’s perspective, and build upon your knowledge,” said Lutero Aquino. “I can confidently leave SDSU with my head held high and with a stronger support system.”

Lutero Aquino’s success is not limited to her classwork at SDSU. While a student, Aquino’s passion for branding, merchandising, and business inspired her, along with her seven close friends, to launch a new business, Beginning to End Collective, or BAE Collective, for short. According to Lutero Aquino, BAE Collective cultivates the community of women, primarily breaking down stereotypes that women are in competition with one another. Started as a content creation company, BAE Collective now includes merchandise like totes, stickers, journals, and pins.

“[My work at BAE Collective] was and still is a huge learning experience for me,” said Lutero Aquino. “From learning to work professionally with people I have personal relationships with, to growing my skills in design, business, and social networking. This personal business has become a huge reason I want to continue in my major and pursue graphic design professionally.”

A proud, first-generation, Filipino-American, Lutero Aquino hopes that her graduating class finds the same kind of joy, passion, and pride that she has found while at SDSU. And for incoming students, Lutero Aquino wants them to know that “everything is going to be okay.”

“You will learn about yourself in more ways than you think and by the time you look back on freshman year, you will realize that you’ve grown far more than you might have expected,” said Lutero Aquino.  “So do your best, work hard, take care of your health (mentally and physically), take time to rest and breathe and find what you are passionate about.”

Lutero Aquino would like to thank SDSU for providing a wonderful college experience. “These two years, albeit during a pandemic, have helped me become the person I am today, and for that I am grateful.”