We were lucky to catch up with Marco Caridad recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marco , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

A year ago, I made the bold decision to leave my full-time role as an art director at Hard Rock International to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time artist. While I still maintain a few art direction freelance clients, transitioning to a career focused on my art has been the best decision I’ve ever made.

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?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story with those who may not be familiar with me. My journey began at a very young age, when at just 14 years old, I decided to pursue theater. My local cultural center “Centro de Bellas Artes de Maracaibo” became my haven, where I immersed myself in various aspects of the arts. Beyond acting, I found my true passion behind the scenes, delving into costume design, set construction, backdrop painting, and lighting. It was here that I discovered my love for the creative process beyond the spotlight. Despite familial expectations pushing me towards graphic design as a more “practical” career choice, I followed my heart into fine arts. This decision allowed me to merge my artistic talents with the graphic design skills necessary to navigate today’s digital landscape. While maintaining a foothold in graphic design, I made the bold choice nearly two years ago to transition from a full-time position in advertising to pursue my calling as a professional artist.
Today, I devote 75% of my time to creating art that speaks to my soul. While I still take on freelance art direction projects, my focus lies primarily on painting, art installation and mixed media artwork. I take pride in exploring diverse mediums, challenging traditional expectations of what art should be. For me, art is about authenticity and self-expression rather than simply catering to market demands.
What I’m most proud of is staying true to my vision. I refuse to compromise my artistic integrity for the sake of commercial success. Instead, I create work that resonates with my values and beliefs. One example of this is my recent exploration of upcycling banned books donated by Stonewall museum and archives. In response to the censorship issues faced in Florida, I’ve channeled my frustration into innovative artwork that not only challenges societal norms but also aligns with my core principles.
Ultimately, I want my audience to see me as an artist who fearlessly embraces creativity in all its forms. My work is a testament to the power of self-expression and the importance of staying true to one’s convictions, even in the face of adversity.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Of course! Cultivating a supportive environment for local artists is crucial to nurturing a vibrant cultural landscape within our communities. Embracing initiatives such as artists open studios (Google it… I am sure there is one close to you) provides a valuable avenue for individuals to engage directly with artists and their work. By avoiding mass-produced “paintings” in favor of locally crafted artwork, we not only make our personal spaces beautiful and unique but also contribute to the sustenance of our local artistic community. Engaging with artists on a personal level affords us a deeper appreciation for their creative processes and preoccupations. This connection can generate collaborations and opportunities for patronage, whether through acquiring artwork or commissioning pieces. Through such engagements, we affirm the intrinsic value of artistic expression and bolster the economic viability of local creatives, thereby perpetuating a cycle of cultural heritage.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Certainly! It seems that there might be a misunderstanding among those who don’t identify themselves as “non-creative.” Creativity isn’t a trait exclusive to a select few; it’s a skill that anyone can cultivate. What non-creatives might struggle to grasp is that creativity isn’t just about producing art or innovation—it’s a way of life. For me, creativity isn’t confined to a specific moment or project; it permeates every aspect of my existence. Three years ago, I co-wrote a book about “Maximizing Your Creativity Through Theatrical Practice,” drawing from my experiences in theater. In it, I aimed to share the invaluable tools I’ve gathered along my journey. One of the fundamental lessons I learned was to embrace the notion that mistakes are part of the creative process. And, I realized the importance of banishing the word “no” or “I cannot” from my vocabulary—those words that often stifled my artistic growth.
Recently, I embarked on a new artistic endeavor, culminating in an solo exhibition that has garnered positive feedback from art critics like Katherine Chacón. Her acknowledgment of my work’s depth and integration of emotion into contemporary expressionist currents underscores the evolution of my practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marcocaridad.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcocaridad
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcoCaridadArt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcocaridad
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcocaridad
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarcoCaridad

Image Credits
Photography: Jorge Andres Castillo