Building Campus Pride Through Visual Storytelling - A Conversation with Luis Landeros

What does it look like when a creative director is also a former student?

Luis Landeros brings that full-circle perspective to his work at Arizona Western College, and it shows.

We talked about:

• Why stock photos kill authenticity and how real images connect better with community
• How one unplanned photo shoot turned into a national Paragon Award
• The power of being a real-world practitioner in the classroom (Luis also teaches design)
• Building creative confidence by failing fast and doing the work anyway
• How AWC’s team builds momentum by sharing feedback, wins, and work in progress

He also dropped this quote that stuck with me:

“Creativity is not taught. It’s provoked.”

Luis is the kind of creator who steps up, even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you work in higher ed marketing, especially at a small or scrappy institution, this conversation is worth your time.

▶️ Listen to the full episode.

Follow Luis on LinkedIn for more real-world design insights.

Follow and subscribe to The Education Marketing Leader for more conversations like this one.

#HigherEdMarketing #EducationMarketingLeader #NCMPR #CommunityColleges #AuthenticContent #CreativeLeadership #VisualStorytelling