We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vivian Macero a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Vivian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I’ve always known I wanted to be part of the creative world, but I wasn’t sure which path to take. As a kid, I was always creating—writing songs, painting, choreographing, or doing crafts. I did well in school and even considered a medical career at one point, but deep down, I knew my heart was elsewhere.
Thankfully, my mom supported me in everything I wanted to do. She enrolled me in art, singing, and ballet classes, which shaped my skills and helped me find my direction.
As I grew up, I realized that visual art could be both beautiful and useful—that’s what graphic design is all about. I discovered I could create art that helps people and makes their everyday lives better. That’s when I knew graphic design was the career for me.
Vivian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi there! My name is Vivian Macero, and I’m a graphic designer and UX/UI specialist. I got into design because I’ve always had a passion for creativity, storytelling, and creating beautiful, functional designs that resonate with people. My love for art and technology naturally led me to explore graphic and digital design, where I could bring ideas to life through visuals and user experiences.
I specialize in creating visually striking designs for various needs, including editorial layouts, package designs, event posters, and social media content. My UX/UI expertise allows me to design user-friendly, detailed, and engaging interfaces for applications, ensuring a seamless experience for users. I’ve also developed design tutorials, case studies, and behind-the-scenes content to share my process and connect with my audience.
One of the key aspects that set me apart is my ability to combine aesthetics with functionality. I always aim to create designs that not only look stunning but also solve real-world problems. Whether it’s designing a brand manual, a cohesive packaging system, or an intuitive app, I focus on understanding my clients’ needs and delivering tailored solutions. For example, I recently worked on a soft-sided cooler backpack design with a summer-inspired color palette, blending practicality with trendiness.
What I’m most proud of is my versatility as a designer. From branding and package design to crafting engaging digital experiences, I’ve been able to adapt to various industries and client needs. One of my current projects includes developing an app inspired by Pride and Prejudice that combines functionality, such as outfit selection and weather tracking, with immersive storytelling.
For potential clients and followers, I’d love them to know that my work is fueled by a genuine passion for design and problem-solving. My goal is always to create designs that leave a lasting impression while meeting the objectives of the project. Whether it’s working on a small freelance project or collaborating on a larger design system, I bring enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to every opportunity.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
“The client isn’t always right.” This is a lesson I had to unlearn early in my design career. While it’s true that the final say on a project belongs to the client, I’ve realized that many clients come with too many ideas or requests that don’t align or even contradict each other. When I followed every single suggestion without offering my professional insight, the result was often an incoherent design—and an unsatisfied client.
I’ve had situations where I prioritized giving the client the last word, thinking it would guarantee their happiness with the outcome. Instead, they ended up disappointed because the design didn’t reflect the vision or clarity they were hoping for. On the other hand, I’ve also worked with clients where I took the time to explain my reasoning for each decision and even respectfully defended my point of view. By demonstrating how my choices aligned with their goals, they not only trusted me but also loved the final product.
This experience taught me that part of my role as a designer isn’t just creating—it’s educating and guiding. A successful project requires collaboration, but it also needs structure and expertise. Now, I make it a point to strike a balance: listening carefully to the client’s ideas while ensuring that the final design is cohesive, intentional, and effective.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As a Venezuelan, resilience is deeply ingrained in me—it’s a trait we’re known for. We have an incredible ability to adapt quickly to any situation, and this has shaped how I approach challenges in my personal and professional life.
When I moved to the United States, I faced the dual challenge of adapting to a new country and finishing my design career from a distance. It was a completely new reality for me, not just as an artist but also as an immigrant. I had to navigate cultural differences, learn new systems, and carve out my place in a highly competitive field.
What kept me going was my flexibility and determination to succeed. I didn’t let the distance or the unfamiliar environment hold me back—instead, I used it as an opportunity to grow. I honed my skills, learned to work in diverse settings, and embraced every obstacle as a chance to improve.
This journey taught me that resilience is not just about enduring; it’s about thriving in the face of change. It’s a mindset I carry into every project I work on, knowing that I can adapt and rise to any challenge.
Image Credits
Last two pictures and main picture were taken and edited by @directedbychris on Instagram or Christie Peñaloza