Georgetown graphic artist tells stories through images

Georgetown residents are probably more familiar with Nick Ramos' art than they realize. The artist, who also operates a graphic design business just off the Square, has designed logos for The Williamson Museum, the Georgetown Public Library, area businesses and the City of Georgetown.

"I really do feel blessed," Ramos said. "As a rule, I think my work is positive. Even though it may be corporate, it has a positive energy."

Growing up in So Paulo, Brazil, a city of more than 20 million people, Ramos never imagined living in Texas, let alone a community of less than 50,000 people.

"If you had asked me 10 years ago, I would have said, 'You're crazy! I'm going to move to Texas?'" he said, adding with a chuckle. "As I say, Georgetown is as rural as I can handle. I was born in a city that now has 22 [million] or 23 million people, so this is quite different."

His love for the city he now calls home came almost at first sight. While searching for homes in Austin, a real estate agent mentioned Georgetown, which led to a visit and eventually to Ramos purchasing a house in Old Town.

"We came to the Square, and it was a day that they had Market Days. We just fell in love," he said. "We moved into an old neighborhood, and we were very well-received. As a whole, I think the city has been very friendly and very welcoming."

He moved to Georgetown in 2006 from Chicago, but his journey to becoming an artist began long before. As a child, Ramos was encouraged by his father to draw and took art classes with neighborhood kids taught by his dad. His early inspiration came from comic books, including "The Adventures of Tintin," he said.

After graduating from the Massachusetts College of Art with a degree in graphic design, Ramos took several jobs before landing in Georgetown and focusing on his art and his business.

"I wasn't really thinking that I would be doing exactly what I am doing now when I first got here, but it's been great," he said.

Most recently, Ramos was commissioned to design a new insignia for the Georgetown Square. The logo will be featured on billboards and car decals promoting the Square as the "Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas."

Ramos said he thought it was ironic to be asked to design a logo to draw more people to the Square because that is what he said drew him to Georgetown.

Nick Ramos, Graphismo Graphic Design & Illustration, www.graphismo.com, 686-1495