A curious individual looking for fulfillment through technology, ​art, and people.

A curious individual looking for fulfillment through technology, ​art, and people.

I'm a recent master's graduate in Human-Computer Interaction from Utrecht University, where I focused on user behavior and best-practice design principles through courses in user research methodologies, project management, and psychological and behavioral theory. Throughout coursework and collaborative research, my focus always centered on understanding the why and how behind user behavior before considering design decisions.

Previously, I was a technical sales engineer at IBM, where I collaborated with clients on application and middleware modernization strategies by creating tailored software environments that covered IBM's Cloud Pak for Integration (API management, enterprise messaging, and WebSphere). During my tenure at IBM, I helped generate $4.2 million in revenue, exceeding business objectives and fostering strong client relationships. This role allowed me to translate complex technical challenges into client-focused solutions by providing meaningful and user-centered experiences.

My passion for technology and art led me to user research design, where I merge my interests in solving complex technical problems with creating digital and analog visual designs. Most importantly, this path allows me to empathize with people and create novel experiences that truly resonate with their needs.

And in my free time?
Selfhosting

I recently decided to stop paying for cloud storage, so I set up my own Network Attached Storage (NAS)! I have discovered how powerful and satisfying it is to self-host my own apps, from owning my own data to learning how to manage a server. My current stack includes Immich for photo syncing and Plex as my media server. As my family's dedicated document manager, I am also excited to self-host Paperless-ngx to index my family's files!

Drawing

I've always had a passion for drawing, both digitally and analog, with graphite pencils. I recently embarked on a classical drawing journey, using Bargue plates to advance my drawing skills, with a focus on realism and light theory. Eventually, I want to graduate from graphite and incorporate color through paint and canvas.

Check out my Galería, or gallery, to see some of my work!

Pokémon TCG

I have been collecting Pokémon cards since I was eight! A hobby influenced by my passion for the show when I was younger. Collecting has become more than just a hobby, but a way for me to connect with my siblings. Nowadays, you can find me reorganizing my cards, opening packs with my three younger brothers, and playing Pokémon TCG with Pokémon TCG Pocket.

So, what's next?

Configure my server's reverse proxy through nginx

Configure my server's nginx

Finish reading A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck

Read A Short Sktay in Hell

Film and edit my YouTube video, My Pokémon VSTAR Card Collection

Film and edit a YouTube video

Take more walks outside! Enjoy the fall

Take more walks outside!

Made from the ground up using Figma, Affinity Designer, and a cup of coffee.

alan castillo © 2025

Made from the ground up using Figma, Affinity Designer, and a cup of coffee.

alan castillo © 2025

Made from the ground up using Figma, Affinity Designer, and a cup of coffee.

alan castillo © 2025