We were lucky to catch up with Valeria Oropeza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Valeria, appreciate you joining us 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?

In the whirlwind of my graphic design journey, I initially found stability in a corporate job, only to be cast adrift when circumstances changed. But adversity became opportunity as I embraced freelancing, discovering my inner entrepreneur along the way.

With each project, I refined my skills and expanded my vision, realizing that my passion and empathy were my greatest assets. No longer just a designer, but a creator, I learned to turn abstract concepts into tangible realities, infusing each project with energy and excitement.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to understand that success isn’t just about talent or luck, but about resilience and commitment. I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities, setbacks as stepping stones. And I’ve discovered that by following my passion and embracing my unique strengths, I can not only survive, but thrive in the world of graphic design.

Returning to a corporate setting has been a transformative journey. Through the lens of experience gained from freelancing, I’ve discovered a new harmony between structure and creativity. This balance allows me to navigate the demands of the job while nurturing my creative spirit, enabling me to turn passion into profession and transform my work into a continuous, flourishing creative process.

Valeria, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a visual designer at Amplience, my goal is to create digital experiences that elevate the brand’s presence across several channels in a world where every brand breathes life and every logo tells a story. Design principles, creativity, and attention to detail play a vital role in shaping the visual identity of any brand. Because of this, it is a great experience to collaborate with cross-functional teams to conceptualize and execute visual campaigns.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes. the AI. Overall, the integration of AI technology into Illustrator and Photoshop streamlines workflows, enhances creative capabilities, and empowers designers to achieve their artistic visions with greater ease and precision.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Amidst personal challenges, my journey as a graphic designer became not just a profession, but a lifeline—a means of resilience and transformation. When life presented obstacles, my work provided solace, a creative sanctuary where I could channel emotions into artistry. In the depths of adversity, each design project became a beacon of hope, an opportunity to reclaim agency and purpose. Through the act of creation, I discovered strength I never knew I possessed—a resilience that propelled me forward, one design at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behance.net/valoropeza
• Instagram: @valoropeza
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriaoropeza/