Meet Suzette Lopez | Creative Director & Designer

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

Hi Suzette, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was living the dream—Senior Graphic Designer at Disney Consumer Products – and then the rug got pulled out from under me when Disney closed the Miami office. It shook me and led me to rethink priorities. Do I stay with another division of Disney and relocate? Do I create my own thing? Something that was out of my control led me to this moment.

So I vowed to take control of my future. I wanted to have kids and be present for them so I set out on a path to start a family and business. It’s been a tough road, but I have no regrets. I’ve had some incredible moments and success, but I have not reached the level I dreamed of – yet. This work has carried my family through tough times, allowed me to do meaningful work, help others, and be the mom I wanted to be—and that’s priceless.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When you start your career designing some of the most iconic characters in the world for Disney, you quickly learn that storytelling through art isn’t just a skill, it’s a language. You learn how to give voice, personality, and heart to ideas, and that instinct never leaves. At Parrot Fish Studio, that’s exactly what we do: we tell stories that matter, through art that connects.

We’re not a traditional agency chasing billable hours. We’re a boutique design firm driven by purpose and fueled by impact. For over two decades, we’ve brought endangered species to life for more than 14 zoos and aquariums. We’ve helped nonprofits rally support, raised money for cancer research, and inspired healthier living through strategic design. We give a voice to causes, organizations, and missions that deserve to be heard.

I know risk intimately—not just the kind you plan for, but the kind that turns your world upside down. I lost my job at Disney when they did a massive restructure. My child was diagnosed with a developmental disability. My husband with cancer. And eventually, I was diagnosed too. I ran this business through treatments, setbacks, and uncertainty—because I had to. Because showing up for my clients and my family gave me strength. Because the work still mattered.

Success for me isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s about impact. About grit. About connection. That’s why we don’t just take on projects—we become creative partners. We listen deeply, build trust, and deliver work that elevates and endures.

One of my proudest projects was a character-based program we created for Zoo Miami. We designed animal mascots as storytelling tools to connect families and children with wildlife conservation. The program grew beyond just the development of a mascot. As artists, the greatest joy is to see a piece of art breathe life and impact others in a positive way. That’s the work I would like to keep doing. I’d love to see zoos nationwide adopt character-led programs. I’d love to help sports teams elevate their mascots with thoughtful design and story. Because people don’t just love characters—they connect with the stories behind them.

And when it comes to giving up? We pivot. We adapt. But we never stop. In 2025, we launched Cherp Studio—an umbrella for new ventures like wildincolor.com, which brings our wildlife art directly to consumers and creates new paths in retail, wholesale, and licensing.

The mission continues. The passion endures. And we’re just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, I’m probably the worst person to ask! I spend most of my time in the studio or with my family. But if you’re visiting, I’d definitely take you to Zoo Miami—it’s perfect for all ages, and people often forget that. Feeding giraffes and lorikeets (my favorite), watching the otters play, being in awe of the majestic animals, seeing the Zoo Squad characters, I find joy in all of that.
Miami also has beautiful natural areas. So visiting one of Miami’s parks like Deering Estate or the Everglades, is always a must do.

We are also blessed to literally be 1 hour away from the most unique stretch of land in the US, the Florida Keys. I’d take guests down the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys, a sliver of paradise we love. Rather than going out, we’d sit by the water watching the sunset, eat outside on my porch overlooking the water while my favorite chef—my husband—serves up something delicious. We would take a boat ride and watching dolphins play in their natural environment. I sit on my dock and can watch hog fish, snappers, nurse sharks, sergeant majors and yes, EVEN parrotfish swim around. It’s my natural aquarium!

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?
Ron Magill, a man that moves people through his voice, words, passion and leadership. He is not just an inspiration, he’s a charachter in my story.

Parrot Fish Studio was built on the idea that design can amplify purpose. We’re a platform that helps organizations tell their story through bold, heartfelt visuals—and we work harder than most to do it right. When I was designing for Zoo Miami’s new exhibit, Florida: Mission Everglades, I needed a real image of an alligator for a lenticular piece. I didn’t want stock photography. Ron offered to get the shot. What I didn’t realize was that he meant he was going to the Everglades to go find THAT shot —in the wild. That image helped us tell a powerful story and inspired donors to support Zoo Miami Foundation’s mission.

Ron has always been there for me—both professionally and personally. As a small business, it’s not always easy to stand out against larger, flashier agencies, but Ron never looked for flash—he looked for heart. He saw the passion I poured into every design. He knew it mattered. And that belief meant everything. So when it came time to create the logo for his endowment, he asked me to design it. I was incredibly honored by that trust. Of course, I gave back the only way I knew how—by donating my work. Friends helping friends.

Ron is more than a conservationist. He’s a true champion of good, a creative partner, and an extraordinary friend.

Website: https://www.parrotfishstudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildincolor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzette-lopez-pfs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parrotfishstudio/

Other: https://www.facebook.com/wildincolorshop/

Image Credits
Pictured (Ellie the Croc photo): Cindy Castelblanco, Director of Marketing and Integrated Communication, Zoo Miami Foundation, Ellie the Croc, Suzette Lopez at the launch of the Ellie Hatch Day event