Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angie Lopez-White. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Angie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Ever since I was young I have always loved creating art! One of my earliest memories involve drawing my house during kindergarten and making my own illustration books at home. This would be a theme throughout my life, and I became the “art girl” to those who knew me. However, I never considered entering an artistic profession. In fact, I was very close to pursuing a degree in the neuroscience, as I have always wanted to go into the medical field. Once senior year came, I had to come to a daunting decision.

I don’t enjoy delving into this detail, but truthfully, I was very depressed that year in high school. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to enter the medical field. I struggled in math and science, despite getting good grades. Time was running out. Needless to say, I was disappointed in myself for even reconsidering and I felt completely derailed. I wasn’t sure what to do, and graduation was coming up. I wanted to be in a career I was happy with, but I wasn’t sure what that looked like for me at the time. I was filled with a sense of hopelessness and anxiety. During the times I was struggling the most, I would find comfort in art. That is when I had an epiphany. I loved art, I connected with the creative, and I did not want to let it go!

It was during one of the darkest and most uncertain periods in my life, where I knew deep in my heart, that I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a graphic designer and illustrator! I was born and raised in San Diego; and needless to say this city has has a positive influence on my art. I attended John Paul the Great Catholic University which is a small university located in Escondido. During my time there, I made many friends and established valuable connections. These relationships had a positive impact my creative growth. After graduating, I began freelancing with the help of my connections and I had the pleasure of interning at the City of Escondido in their graphics department. It was there that I discovered my love for graphic design! I then landed my first job at Montezuma Publishing at San Diego State University. While there, I designed books, flyers, calendars, and other fun projects! I now currently work for the San Diego Air and Space Museum, where I get to bring to life designs that help enhance visitors’ experiences!

I feel a lot of joy in helping create visual conversations with each project! I personally love incorporating illustrations into my designs within reason. I feel it adds a personal and unique touch. I like to make my works engaging and fun. The world can often feel gloomy and overwhelming, which is why I think it’s important to have designs that bring out joy in others.

It has certainly been a huge accomplishment getting a job in the industry, as it can feel very competitive. That is why whenever I have a project I am very proud of, it is extra special to me! I am currently most proud of include the City of Escondido 2022 Map, which is an illustrated map that promotes local businesses. Another project I am very proud of is my part in the display designs for SDSU’s 125th Anniversary. These designs helped showcase the university’s history through the years. These projects are especially rewarding, because they challenged me as an artist and I felt my art mature after!

What I hope more than anything I that my art brings joy to others. Everyone has a right to enjoy fun, sincere, engaging designs and that is what I try to do. Often, I feel that we take ourselves too seriously and we need art that is inviting and honest.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

There is a reason that I am stubborn and I wish to stay in the industry. I wish simply to bring joy to others and share my art with them to make them happy. And more than anything I wish to be happy as well!

Art makes me happy, that has been the constant in my life. And most people find joy in art. I know now, that I would not have been able to make it as a doctor. As a child, I desperately wanted to help heal other’s wounds and help those that needed it. And perhaps I can’t do that physically. But, who is to say that an artist can’t heal the soul? My mission is to spread joy, create authentic conversations, and inspire others.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is having finished a project that has been positively received. Not only does the client love the results, but most importantly their audience does as well! That means they have achieved that important connection, and it was with the help of your art. And this is especially rewarding when there is a beautiful mission behind the project! Having a project that just clicks with everyone is very relieving and rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://angie-lopez.webflow.io/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angie_illustration_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-lopez-illustrator-and-graphic-designer/