Off The Grid / On The Grind
LAYOUT DESIGN | PHOTOGRAPHY | PRINT
Now See Here
Project: Off the Grid / On the Grind Zine
Creative Team: Marcela García Pulido & Jay Anthony Oropeza Berrones
Medium: Photography, Design, Collage Art, and Writing
The Backstory
Off the Grid / On the Grind is a deeply personal and collaborative project that reflects a pivotal chapter in my life and the creative partnership I shared with Jay Anthony Oropeza Berrones. At the time, we were in a relationship and decided to embark on an unconventional adventure—selling everything we owned, buying a (let’s be honest, pretty beat-up) van in Montana, and hitting the road for two months, exploring the Southwest.
With our belongings pared down to almost nothing, we knew we’d need some extra funds for the trip. But asking for donations wasn’t an option, so we decided to sell our story instead—literally. We began crafting a book to document our journey, a project we would later bring to life in the form of a zine. To fund the project, we launched a Kickstarter campaign, offering the book as a tangible piece of our adventure that we could share with friends, family, and ourselves for years to come.
Though the relationship eventually ended, the creative camaraderie and mutual respect between Jay and me have remained. We continue to collaborate and support each other as friends and artists to this day.
The Creative Process
The zine became a visual and emotional reflection of our shared journey through the Southwest—both a literal road trip and a metaphorical one. As the designer and photographer, I focused on capturing the essence of the trip through photography and design, while Jay contributed stunning collage artwork and thought-provoking words that provided depth to our story.
The zine blends our individual creative voices into a cohesive narrative, with my photography serving as the foundation and Jay’s collages and writing adding texture, emotion, and insight. Together, we created something that was both a personal memento and a piece of art we could share with others.
Key Features
- Photography & Design by Marcela Pulido: Capturing moments from our road trip, the imagery is a mix of candid shots and intentional compositions, designed to evoke the feeling of the journey.
- Collage Artwork & Writing by Jay Anthony Oropeza Berrones: Jay’s collages, combined with his poetic words, add layers of emotion and reflection, giving the zine a deeper narrative element.
- Kickstarter Campaign: The funding strategy behind the zine allowed us to bring this personal project to life and share it with the world.
- Limited Edition Format: The zine was printed in a limited run, giving it an exclusive, collectible feel for those who supported the project.
Outcome
Off the Grid / On the Grind is more than just a book—it’s a testament to an adventurous spirit, a creative collaboration, and the ability to find beauty in even the most challenging moments. The zine not only documents our time on the road but also serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and collaboration.
Despite the end of our romantic relationship, this project remains a powerful symbol of the creativity and bond we shared. And through this zine, we were able to create something tangible that continues to connect us with the road, the journey, and the art we made along the way.
