Featured Artist: Manifest 2025 Creative Director Frankie Buente
- Posted on
MEET THE ARTIST
Frankie Buente
they/them
Interdisciplinary Production Design and Environmental Studies, 2025
Each Manifest ShopColumbia works with the Manifest Creative Director to design a limited edition line of Manifest Merchandise. Learn more about Manifest 2025 Creative Director, Frankie Buente and their inspiration for the designs.
What was your inspiration for the designs?
All of my designs for Manifest 2025 - Imagine were created from physical media and collage. I am very inspired by DIY and reusing old materials, and all of my work reflects this. The lettering was created from hand torn paper, assembled physically, photographed and then processed digitally. Columbia College Chicago has an incredibly resourceful and crafty student body, as a student I have seen my peers constantly turn trash into treasure. I believe these designs embody this school's spirit of creativity.
Columbia T-shirt in Heather Burgundy, Design by Frankie Buente - $22
How have you benefited from being the Manifest Creative Director and designing this year's Columbia Merch for Manifest?
This job is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Being able to lead the visuals of an entire festival as a 21-year-old is unheard of, and Columbia has given me the trust and freedom to bring Manifest to life. My favorite part of this job is that it feels like a collaboration with the entire school as a whole. I've seen countless students walking down the streets in clothing I've designed, but they've cropped, bedazzled, and personalized them in many incredible ways. My assets have taken slightly different shapes and forms depending on which designers worked with them. Seeing my work adapted to so many personal styles is an aspect of this position I'll never forget. I'm so grateful to have this opportunity so early in my creative career.
Columbia Sweatshirt in Paragon, Design by Frankie Buente - $44
What are you most looking forward to during Manifest?
Being able to take a step back and actually enjoy four years of hard work. My day will be incredibly long, between my thesis films, my work for sale at Shop Columbia, and my independent projects on display, my family and I will be able to travel from building to building and celebrate how much work I have that is finished. I feel like it will be a moment of triumph, like, "I did it!" And once it's all over, I get to start on what's next. 
Columbia Hooded Sweatshirt in Forest Green, Design by Frankie Buente - $48
Give us an update on any recent projects/artistic life events; what's next for you?
I'm incredibly thrilled to say that the small photography business I began 7 years ago is now a fully-fledged job. Whereas I used to be booked just because I could use a camera, now, I have a wait list of people who want images with my style and creative vision. I can officially say I am booked out until July, and I'm so incredibly proud of myself. Furthermore, I look forward to continuing my work with puppets and film this summer, and I plan to help create a web series about Chicago's ecology for kids.
Columbia Bumper sticker design by Frankie Buente - $6
Frankie Buente is an Interdisciplinary artist originally from Louisville, Kentucky. Based in Chicago, they're passionate about design and photography with a focus on blending physical and digital mediums through collage. Their ultimate career goal is to work as a creative director for brands or musicians, shaping their visual identities and storytelling through innovative design.