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
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.

Currently, I am learning how to securely expose my network ports through Pangolin tunnels and reverse proxies for remote access. As my family's dedicated document manager, I am also excited to self-host Paperless-ngx to index my family's files!

Digital & Graphite Illustrations

Drawing
Drawing

My dad's and uncle's graffiti pieces and my grandpa's clay bulls became the foundation of my inspiration and interest in art. My interest in Pokemon in middle school led me to hand-draw all 150 original Pokemon on lined paper, a feat I was proud of. Pencil-on-paper drawing evolved into digital media when I joined the Spraycan App in high school, sharing my anime-themed drawings with my 10k followers. Some of my Spraycan pieces now live in my DevianArt account. I recently embarked on a classical drawing journey by leveraging Bargue plates to advance my drawing skills, mainly focused on realism and light theory. My passion for drawing, whether digitally or with HB pencils, will always continue.

Favorite Tools

Favorite Tools

Drawing

My dad's and uncle's graffiti pieces and my grandpa's clay bulls became the foundation of my inspiration and interest in art. My interest in Pokemon in middle school led me to hand-draw all 150 original Pokemon on lined paper, a feat I was proud of. Pencil-on-paper drawing evolved into digital media when I joined the Spraycan App in high school, sharing my anime-themed drawings with my 10k followers. Some of my Spraycan pieces now live in my DevianArt account. I recently embarked on a classical drawing journey by leveraging Bargue plates to advance my drawing skills, mainly focused on realism and light theory. My passion for drawing, whether digitally or with HB pencils, will always continue.

Favorite Tools

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

alan castillo © 2025

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

alan castillo © 2025

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

alan castillo © 2025