We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Marquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
My emotions and feelings, good or bad, always inspire me to create. I’m also drawn to light. I love how it pours through the window making shapes and rainbows.  

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I started my career in Graphic Design I was uncertain about my skillset, but I knew for sure that I was in love with it. I wanted to learn everything! I tried to absorb all of the styles but in the process did little to cultivate and develop my own. Being curious and dedicated made me develop skills that were key in my process as designer. Back in 2012, some friends and I created a Design Studio in Venezuela that allowed me to understand how to manage the projects, the communication with clients and how to be a boss. Being in charge of my business really shifted my perspective about advertising and gave me a lot of valuable insight. Unfortunately, after 4 years we had to close and leave the country because of the crisis. It was a pretty dark time in my life. All the fears waged war against me simultaneously. So much uncertainty. Starting over is a real challenge, but I took my bags and said here we go again. In 2016, ZAG hired me as a freelancer while I was living in Chile with my husband. From the start, the chemistry was amazing and they offered me a work sponsored visa to come to Miami and work with them directly. Of course, I said YES, and now here we are! It’s been a difficult and strange year, but we’ve learned that we can face anything as a team. What I learned from all this was to believe. To believe in myself, and to believe that everything will work out as it should. Faith in yourself is so very important. Yes, it sounds cliche, but if you challenge yourself all the time, even with little things, once you prove to yourself that you can do, there are few more rewarding feelings. True confidence is a little burst of happiness and energy from your brain. A reward for conquering what you once were uncertain you could get done.

After 9 years of working in this industry, I feel there’s still so much to learn and explore. So many challenges yet to face and conquer, so many fresh starts and forays into unknown territory. But I know what I’m capable and I’m excited to keep doing what I love. I finally feel like I’ve found my personal style. I created a kind of design diary on Instagram, where I can express my feelings and thoughts through illustrations, animations, augmented reality, user interfaces. I wasn’t expecting anything. I was just exploring something new. But it’s been so rewarding to see my ideas take shape and share them with such a welcoming and creative community. I can’t wait to show the world what I’m feeling next!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I would certainly start by taking them to the beach. There’s a quiet stretch in Key Biscayne that is just so beautiful. Then, of course, tacos! Caja Caliente is my favorite in Miami. The Pan con Lechon is so delicious. Okay, now I’m hungry! We would definitely have to explore Wynwood. Wynwood is the arts district of Miami. The entire area is covered in murals and graffiti and galleries. So much to see, so many colors, so much inspiration! I adore it. The drinks and bar at Bakan are my favorite. Such a nice vibe outside. It’s tough to do and see everything because of the pandemic. But I’m doing my best to live my life and stay safe. If anyone comes down to Miami, I’m happy to be your tour guide!   

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?
My shoutout goes to Z Advertising Group (ZAG Creates) for all their support, encouraging me to grow in my career, in my craft, and personally. They always believe in me, and give me the opportunity to do what I love – creating beautiful things each and every day here in (sometimes) sunny Miami. Thank you guys!

Website: www.andsiosa.com
Instagram: @andsiosa
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-márquez-018a8752/
Twitter: @andmarquez
Facebook: Andrea Marquez Matos

Image Credits
The 2 photos of me where taken by Carlos Huerta @jinwesst

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.