The San Jacinto College art and design program encompasses an array of areas to suit the artistic needs of every student. Sometimes one class can lead to an exciting career and professional collaborations. Former San Jacinto College culinary instructor, April Didrikson, and art and design alumnus, Eric Bottos, took their collaboration all the way to Las Vegas last year and are making their way to national retail markets.

Former San Jacinto College culinary instructor, April Didrikson, and art and design alumnus Eric Bottos.

Previously a bakery owner for nine years in East Texas, Didrikson saw a need for a cake-decorating product that was low-cost, high quality, and easy to use. “I would hear about so many people getting overwhelmed when it came to purchasing cake decorating supplies; not to mention the cost of everything adds up, too,” said Didrikson. “That’s when I developed the Ice by Number product. It’s the world’s first edible cake and cookie decorating pattern. If you can color by number, then you can definitely Ice by Number,” she added.

Once Didrikson had her idea set, she started looking for graphic designers that could help her start working on initial pattern designs. After meeting Bottos, she knew she had the right creative professional. Bottos remembers drawing since the age of four, so a career in graphic design was a natural fit. He graduated from the art and design program in 2000, and started his own sign and graphics company, Signs of Excellence. Bottos been working with Didrikson on Ice by Number on everything from a website and product displays, to pattern designs, brochures and more.

“Graphic design students should take advantage of projects and opportunities that will diversify their portfolio to broaden their design range, as well as studying design styles outside of class.”
– Eric Bottos, San Jacinto College art and design alumnus

Bottos says that graphic design students should take advantage of projects and opportunities that will diversify their portfolio to broaden their design range, as well as studying design styles outside of class. “Some great places to start are art history and industrial design,” said Bottos. “Both pull from different eras. For example art deco, art nouveau, and designs from the 50s and 60s use elements from the past. Everything that’s old becomes new again. Having a wide range of art knowledge from primitive to ultra modern will serve you well.”

Ice by Number officially launched in 2014 and was presented at the Las Vegas Licensing Expo, where it was named a top finalist in the One to Watch category. Recently, Didrikson also received a purchase order from Hobby Lobby, and has confirmed that Ice by Number will be in 600 stores by August 2015.

Both Didrikson and Bottos are excited to see what’s next. From a design standpoint, Bottos credits the College for teaching him how to communicate with his clients to ensure their vision is accomplished. “You have to learn to understand what the client’s needs are because you’re there to make their vision a reality. It’s not about your art. It’s about your art augmenting their purpose and dream, and that’s the most important thing for a graphic designer.”

For more information on the San Jacinto College art and design program, visit sanjac.edu/career/art-design.

– Andrea Vasquez