FIYou: Ivan Santiago ’00


FIYou - Ivan Santiago

Name: Ivan Santiago ’00

Hometown: Miami, Fla.

Job Title/Department: Photographer, ETS-UTS

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I work in photography and graphics. I create the photographic images and meet the design needs of FIU. We have a fully equipped studio for any type of shoot. Photography ranges from portraiture to brochure work to team posters to high-profile events. We are always doing something new and are always on our toes trying to get the “shot.” Although this work is mainly labeled as commercial photography, our creative expertise gives our clients nice imagery they can turn around and use to sell a positive FIU brand. “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.”

Number of years at FIU: 5+ years.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

It pushes me to be both artistically creative and technically savvy with the cameras and apps I use. I especially love working for the “FIU Magazine.” The work we do for them keeps me thinking of new and fresh ideas.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department?

We are more than just event photographers. We are accomplished artists with quite impressive artistic and commercial résumés.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

The Red Parking Garage. I like to skateboard down it (I promise I won’t hit your car). Also, the little bridge with all the fish and turtles is pretty cool. I recommend feeding them bread when you want a quick escape. Oh, and the nature preserve is a nice spot, too. It keeps us connected to our campus past.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

FIU has a great art and art history program. Many of our graduates represent the thriving art scene of Miami. In addition, we now have very impressive museum, the Frost Art Museum, a new landmark for South Florida. It’s both beautiful inside and out. The Frost is a great place to look at Art. They have a friendly staff, too. Speaking of which, I wish everyone knew that FIU has tons of great employees working behind the scenes for the university. Cool people y “buena gente” make this place fun to work at. I have made some lasting friendships here.

Family snapshot:

I am a product of Miami’s diverse ethnicities. My Cuban father met my Costa Rican mother here in Miami. My older sister and I were born here in Miami. We all still live in Miami. And I am a proud uncle of two rug rats.

Word that best describes you: Stoked.

First paying job: Roofing after Hurricane Andrew, by far hardest job I’ve ever had – after my current job, of course.

Favorite TV show: “True Blood.” I got sucked into it (no pun intended). Will someone tell my boss not to spoil it for me when I miss a new episode?

Your proudest accomplishment:

Teaching photography to elementary students in Liberty City for four years.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

Taking pictures for no reason. Surfing, mountain-biking, playing tennis, running outside…. I like traveling to surf destinations and visiting my fiancée Caroline in Boston. (Caroline is a former employee at the Frost Art Museum. We met here at an art opening.) I like listening to music and going to music and art shows.