Ronkonkoma artist’s design featured on CVS Pharmacy journal

Ronkonkoma’s Diego Rios is one of four CVS Health colleagues whose artwork appears on the cover of a new store brand collection of journals now being sold in more than 6,700 CVS Pharmacy stores nationwide and on CVS.com. The artists’ designs — inspired by their personal mental health and wellness journeys — were selected following a company-wide call for art. It is the first time CVS Health colleague artwork has been featured on store brand products.

Through his retro-style design titled “Life Harmony,” Rios captures the symbiotic relationship between creativity and well-being. He believes that journaling and artistic expression can be the bridge that connects us to the world and helps us embrace mental and physical health while fostering a sense of unity with nature and community.

Rios, a creative lead at CVS Health for more than five years, has a rich background in art direction, jewelry design, graphics and marketing that spans 21 years. He previously worked as an agency art director and in higher education settings and continues to do graphic design for nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife conservation as well as the health and fashion industries.

Through the contest, Rios saw an opportunity to channel his creativity. After researching and reading about mental health, he was inspired by his sister, a psychologist who treats children with mental illness, to create a design that communicates comfort and serenity.

“I didn’t think I’d be a winner,” Rios said. “I just did it!”

Rios' notebook design

A panel of colleague judges selected his work from more than 75 submitted designs. The winning artists received a cash award for their participation.

The journals are part of the Caliber® Fashion Artist Series, a line within the Caliber store brand of school, work and stationery store brand products. The winning designs aim to raise awareness of the impact that art and journaling can have on one’s daily life.

“Journaling has long been used to help people process their thoughts and emotions,” said Deborah Fernandez-Turner, Deputy Chief Psychiatric Officer, CVS Health. “Studies have shown that journaling after a difficult life event or about emotional expression and processing can help to improve one’s mood, anxiety and overall well-being.”

The journals retail for $8.99 and are also available at CVS.com. To purchase Rios’ notebook or to view other winning artists’ work, visit the following product pages:

• Diego Rios (Ronkonkoma, NY): "Life Harmony" Journal
• Ashley Briggs (Richmond, VA): "My Peace" Journal
• Matthew Everett (Saunderstown, RI): "Late Blooming" Journal
• Makayla Huerta (Brea, CA): "Aesthetes" Journal