Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Rodriguez

Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My journey as an artist has been an incredible adventure filled with passion, discovery, and growth. I’ve always had a deep love for art, especially for bold and colourful expressions. Growing up in Colombia, I was fascinated by the vibrancy of nature, mainly the rich and diverse rainforest landscapes. This fascination inspired much of my early work, primarily exploring the intersection of natural beauty and bold, expressive design.

I started experimenting with different art forms, from small sketches to large-scale murals. My love for lettering and typography soon found its way into my work, blending with my passion for the lush, organic forms found in nature. As I honed my skills, I realized I could merge these two passions into a unique style resonating with others.

Over time, I began sharing my work on social media, where I received an outpouring of support and encouragement from a growing community. This motivated me to push my boundaries and explore new mediums, from murals to digital art. Today, my work is a vibrant blend of nature-inspired themes, bold colours, and intricate lettering.

Looking back, my journey has been one of continuous learning and exploration. Every piece I create is a step further in defining my voice as an artist. I’m excited to see where this path will take me next, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The road has had its twists and turns—like any creative journey, it’s been full of challenges and triumphs. Early on, one of the biggest struggles was finding my unique voice as an artist. There are so many influences out there, and it took time and experimentation to hone in on the style that truly felt like “me.”

Another challenge was building confidence. Putting my work out into the world, especially on social media, was initially intimidating. I had to overcome self-doubt and the fear of not being “good enough.” However, with each piece I shared, I received feedback and encouragement that helped me grow and become more confident in my abilities.

As a Latin American artist, I have had additional hurdles to overcome. Unfortunately, discrimination and hardships are still very real in the art world. Representing my culture and identity through my work has sometimes meant facing stereotypes or being overlooked in spaces where diversity isn’t always fully embraced. It can be challenging to navigate these barriers, but they have fueled my determination to amplify my voice and share my unique perspective.

Balancing the business side of being an artist with the creative side has also been a learning curve. As much as I love creating, I’ve had to learn how to manage commissions, market my work, and navigate the ups and downs of freelance life. There have been times when the work felt overwhelming, but those moments taught me the importance of setting boundaries and finding a sustainable rhythm.

Despite these challenges, every struggle has brought valuable lessons and growth. The problematic moments have made the successes all the more rewarding and helped shape me into the artist I am today. I’m proud to represent my culture and to bring a Latin American voice to the art world, and I’m committed to pushing forward despite the obstacles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

My work is a vibrant blend of mural art, lettering, and nature-inspired themes, with a particular focus on bold colours and intricate designs. I specialize in creating murals that bring spaces to life with energy and movement, often drawing inspiration from the lush, organic forms of the rainforest. I also have a deep passion for lettering, combining traditional typography with dynamic, flowing forms to create visually striking and meaningful pieces.

I’m known for my use of bold, vivid colours and the way I incorporate elements of nature into my work. My pieces often feature intricate patterns and layers that invite viewers to look closer and discover details that tell a story. This connection between nature, colour, and storytelling is central to my art and is something I’m incredibly passionate about.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the way my work resonates with people from diverse backgrounds. Seeing how my art can evoke emotion, inspire thought, or bring joy to someone’s day is incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the privilege of working on projects beautifying spaces and celebrating cultural identity and community, which I hold close to my heart.

My unique combination of influences and commitment to authenticity sets me apart from others. As a Latin American artist, I draw deeply from my cultural heritage, infusing my work with elements that reflect my roots. This, combined with my love for nature and bold design, creates a distinct style that is both personal and universal. Art can connect us, and I strive to create pieces that speak to the shared human experience while celebrating individuality.

Ultimately, what drives me is the desire to create work that stands out visually and has a lasting impact. Whether transforming a public space with a mural or creating a piece that someone can connect with personally, I’m always looking to push boundaries and explore new creative horizons.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Risk-taking is an essential part of my journey as an artist. Stepping out of your comfort zone is where real growth happens, creatively and personally. For me, taking risks has often meant embracing uncertainty, whether experimenting with a new style, tackling a community engagement project, or publicly putting my work out there.
One of the significant risks I took early on was pursuing art as a full-time career. It’s difficult, especially in a field without guaranteed success and fierce competition. I had to overcome the fear of instability and the possibility of failure. But I knew that I would always wonder what could have been if I hadn’t taken that leap. Looking back, I’m grateful I took that risk because it allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my passion and grow as an artist.

Another significant risk was when I began integrating more personal and cultural elements into my work. As a Latin American artist, I wanted to create art that reflected my heritage and identity. Still, I was initially concerned about how it would be received, especially in spaces where diversity isn’t always fully represented. However, I realized that staying true to myself and my roots was more important than trying to fit into a mould. This risk paid off, leading to more authentic connections with my audience and meaningful opportunities to share my perspective.

I don’t necessarily see myself as a natural risk-taker, but I believe calculated risks are crucial for growth. For me, it’s about weighing the potential rewards against the fear of the unknown and deciding whether the leap is worth it. Often, the answer is yes because even if the risk doesn’t lead to immediate success, it always leads to learning and new opportunities.

Ultimately, risk is an integral part of the creative process. It’s about pushing boundaries, challenging yourself, and embracing the possibility of failure as a stepping stone to success. I’ve learned that the most rewarding experiences often come from the risks that scare you, and I try to approach each new challenge with that mindset.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andreacataro.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreacataro/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreacataroArt
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreacataro