I’m Mateo de los Cobos, a designer and photographer interested in how tension shapes meaning. Growing up between languages and cultures taught me to pay attention to what lives beneath the surface: the artifacts people keep, the phrases that carry comfort, the subtle details that make a place feel like it belongs to you. I see design as a way of holding those contrasts together. It can demand attention while inviting reflection; it can feel expressive while remaining grounded. I’m drawn to work that has a backbone.
Memory and curiosity drive my process. I often begin by looking backwards to uncover the “good bones” already present in a story. From there, I experiment, question, and refine, allowing ideas to evolve through repetition and risk. I approach each project as both an archivist and a builder: honoring what came before while shaping what could be next. Ultimately, I want my work to feel intentional, dynamic , and built to last — work that doesn’t just exist, but resonates with those who come across it.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself??
Don't be afraid of failure, it is all a part of the journey!
What's your favorite A+D memory?
My favorite memory in this program would have to be the impromptu conversations we had with our professors. They often led into deeper discussions that shaped the way I think about design and myself!
What was your favorite A+D class?
My favorite class is a toss-up between Branding and Advanced 2.
What moment, project, and/or critique in your Art + Design career at AU has been pivotal to who you are as an artist or creator?
A pivotal moment in my Art + Design career came during Pitch Week 2025, when I had a conversation with Professor Anspach. At the time, I felt lost as a designer and what my work truly stood for. But in that conversation, everything started to click. What had felt scattered suddenly all connected, and I began to see a clearer path forward; not just for that project, but for the kind of designer I wanted to become.
What's next for you?
I'm not exactly sure what is next for me, however I hope to be working in the food & beverage/hospitality design world in a new city!
How do you hope your work makes an impact?
I want what I create to feel intentional and lasting, not just visually compelling, but deeply meaningful. If my work can make someone pause, reflect, or see something familiar in a new way, then I know it’s made an impact.