About Juan

Four Decades of Design, Two Countries, One Passion

I've been creating publications since 1980, when I started as a drawing designer in my family's print shop in El Salvador. Back then, we used Linotypes, Letraset pages, and rapidographes—tools that required precision and patience because there was no "undo" button.

That hands-on foundation taught me that good design serves the message, not the designer's ego. It's a lesson that's stuck with me through four decades of work.

The Journey

Early Years: Print & Business (1980s-2000s)

After working in the family print shop, I studied business and joined my father in real estate development. We developed small properties in El Salvador—20 to 70 lots at a time—and I pioneered property management services there. I leased homes, collected rent, and maintained properties. Sometimes that meant painting walls or cleaning houses. You do what needs doing.

Throughout those years, I kept designing. I taught myself computer design, starting with Aldus PageMaker and eventually moving to CorelDRAW when PageMaker disappeared. (I later learned it became InDesign, but by then I was committed to Corel.) I created several magazines in Spanish during this time.

Alberta: A New Chapter (2006-Present)

I moved to Red Deer almost 19 years ago. Like many immigrants, I took work where I could find it—eventually landing in the non-profit and community sector. I've worked with the Westerner Park, the Red Deer downtown shelter is a memorable experience, and now with the Town of Sylvan Lake and Beacon Hill Elementary. That community involvement gave me something valuable: genuine connection to the people and places I now write about.

In 2014, I launched The Community Voice, a monthly community newsletter. I published 9 consecutive issues with advertiser support before my ad sales partner relocated. Those nine months confirmed what I already knew: creating publications that connect communities is what I'm meant to do.

Now, at 67, I'm finally doing exactly that work full-time.

Why This Work

I'm at the stage of life where I'm done settling. I want to spend my working years doing something that actually matters to me—work that uses every skill I've accumulated across four decades and two countries.

I love creating magazines and newsletters. The research, the interviews, the satisfaction of seeing a blank page become something people want to read. I believe nothing is truly original—we all borrow and recreate. But taking what exists and making something new that connects with your particular community? That's the craft.

I'm not interested in social media trends or viral content. I create substantial publications—print or digital—that have weight and lasting value.

What I Bring

40+ years of design experience - From Linotype to CorelDRAW
Real publication track record - Created magazines in Spanish, published 9 monthly issues of The Community Voice (2014)
Bilingual capability - Spanish and English
Deep community connections - 19 years in Red Deer, involved in local organizations and events
Business experience - I've run businesses, managed budgets, understand what makes organizations work
Life perspective - At 67, I understand audiences from seniors to families
Genuine passion - This isn't a side project. It's what I do.

My Approach

I start by listening to what you need and who your audience is. Then I create authentic content—real interviews, real stories, real connection. No corporate jargon, no generic filler.

I show up, meet deadlines, and deliver quality work. That's the commitment.

Pricing is straightforward: fair value for both of us. Not agency rates, but not bargain basement either. Professional work at a reasonable price.

Why Central Alberta

After 19 years in Red Deer, I understand this region. I've been involved in community life through the Westerner Park, farm shows, and local organizations. When I write about Calgary's business culture or profile a retirement resident, I'm writing from real knowledge, not internet research.

Who I Work With

I work best with organizations that:

Value authentic storytelling over corporate-speak
Want publications people actually read, not just promotional materials
Appreciate experienced, reliable work

If you need trendy social media gimmicks or AI-generated content, I'm not your person. But if you want thoughtful, authentic publications created by someone who genuinely cares about the work—let's talk.

📞 403-506-8949
📧 contact@albertaactive.ca
📍 Red Deer, Alberta