We were lucky to catch up with Veronica Longoria recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Veronica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Ha ha! Where do I start? Unfortunately, our current political climate makes it nearly impossible to speak freely without the threat of losing major work opportunities or even life-long friends. So much has become polarized that you’re either on this team or that one, and frankly I’m sick of it. It’s our differences as people and the differences in our individual talents that make us reliant upon one another.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started as a 3d Animator, working closely with engineers and sales directors to make stale, old product animations look sexy. I’m not sure if I was really good, or if it was just easy to wow a bunch of oil and gas guys with 3d graphics. Nevertheless, I created a little niche for myself directing 3-minute product animations. I couldn’t handle them all myself so I was given a team and a budget to outsource my creative needs to get my projects done.

As the owner of V-ROC Studios, I apply my knowledge of running creative teams to take on interesting projects. I’m connected to hundreds of other creatives who specialize in a variety of mediums. I utilize my connections the best I can when I need to outsource work or build a creative team to complete a project. I’ve learned the key to success is to remain flexible to new opportunities.

V-ROC Studios offers graphic design, animation, photography, acting and voice talent, digital illustration, video editing, mural painting, and original or custom artwork. You can find my art work at The Silos of Sawyer Yards in Studio 122. My next open house event takes place during the Sawyer Yards Spring Showcase on April 30, 2022 from 2 pm – 7 pm.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

After graduating from The Art Institutes in 2010, I began working for a large corporation as a Marketing Specialist, then I gradually moved into a management role. My hands-on, creative tasks were suddenly being assigned to other members of my team, so I had to find other ways to express myself.

In 2012, I made painting a priority again. My artwork had taken a backseat to my marketing career, so I was excited to be able to express myself on my own terms and without limitations. I worked during the day, painted at night, and began participating in art shows on the weekends. I started selling and being commissioned for original artwork as well as prints and other merchandise. The money I made at my day job allowed me to make the required investments to do this in a way that was profitable for me and affordable for my clientele.

In 2018, I was laid off from my job, for the third time in two years, and I didn’t realize then it would be the best thing to ever happen to me. An ideal job opportunity actually presented itself right after being let go, and I was faced with a life-altering decision; to accept another somewhat stable employment opportunity with a reputable company, or to take a risk, and see where giving it all I got to my own company would take me.

Thus, V-ROC Studios was born. A one-stop shop for so many things creative.

I saw the shift companies were making from having fully-staffed marketing teams to downsizing and transitioning to a practice called “outsourcing”. I went to work right away, and reached out to everyone I knew to let them know I was starting my own creative services business.

I needed the chance to be able to show how my creativity and work ethic differentiates me, and the value I offer as a small business can many times outweigh the costs of having to deal with a large agency.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Networking. Taking on multiple jobs. Providing great customer service. Making my clients a priority. Working on the weekends.

It might also help that I’m a perfectionists with my artwork, and in everything I’m going to give it my best.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vrocstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v.roc_studios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vrocstudios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-longoria/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VROCStudios

Image Credits
Veronica Longoria