Meet Maria Alejandra Faria | Graphic Designer and Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Alejandra Faria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria Alejandra, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
Glennon Doyle’s Untamed is a book that explores the liberating power of embracing our true desires and having the courage to pursue them. It inspired me to reflect on my own decision-making process and to prioritize authenticity over fear.

This book encouraged me to chase my dream of living a more creative life, which led me to discover my passion for watercolor and take my first steps as an illustrator. It’s a path I’ve wanted to follow since childhood, but had been too afraid to pursue due to concerns about its unconventional nature and limited job prospects.

For me, the greatest value lies in taking risks and pursuing a path that aligns with my true self, even if it means facing failure. This book, and the journey I’ve embarked on as an artist, are testaments to the power of embracing our authenticity and living a life that’s true to who we are.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born an artist, but along the way, I made a conscious effort to forget it. As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a love for words and drawing, and a deep sensitivity to beauty and the wild. However, I was afraid to take the path of art, and for a long time, I dedicated myself to a structured professional life, which allowed me to achieve many goals, but I knew I had ignored a calling.

I began drawing out of a need to externalize the world that inhabited me, and I was particularly interested in capturing emotions on other people’s faces, revealing a story through their gazes or smiles. Today, I consider myself a designer and illustrator. My work celebrates the beauty of imperfection, seeking to express spontaneity and emotion through texture and stroke. The feminine form is a recurring theme in my art.

Watercolor is my medium of choice, as it allows me to tap into the subtlety and unpredictability of water. My illustrations have also led me to create a textile design brand, Maria Faria Design, through which I aim to incorporate art into our daily lives by designing t-shirts, sweaters, and a textile line for home items, thus transforming ordinary objects into soulful pieces.

The journey to get here has been long, but the greatest challenge has been overcoming my fear and listening to the voice within me that has always guided me towards my true purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend of mine is visiting me in Miami for a week, I will definetly take them to the beach -during week days- invite them to take some drinks while watching the sunset at The Cleat Bar in Key Biscayne, then have a vietnamese dinner at Tam Tam in Miami Downtown, of course going by train so them can live the experience of walking Miami, on Thrusday we can go to Lagniappe to drink some wine and listen jazz alive, more beach, a night boat ride to see the city lights, and sunday living the calle 8 xperience up from 3 pm, you can go from bar to bar listening cuban music alive and ending at Cafe La Trova. Just hope my friend be prepared for Miami’s prices!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m deeply grateful to my parents and family for their unwavering support and presence throughout my journey. And to my husband, who inspires me to chase my dreams and demonstrates through his own example that living an authentic life is possible. Thank you to all of them for believing in me and my talent.

Instagram: @by_mariafaria

Image Credits
photos by: lalo hernandez