Today we’d like to introduce you to Maite Escobar.
Maite, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The beginning of my creative journey didn’t involve the typical “I’ve been drawing since I was a kid” scenario. No, that wasn’t me. I was an average girl who enjoyed a little bit of everything. I finished high school with a specialization in mathematics, which made my mom very proud.
She wasn’t prepared for me to take a sudden left turn into a wild creative path—the Fast and Furious way. She freaked out and insisted that I find a way to finance my studies because she wasn’t keen on paying for a “creative career.” I don’t blame my mom; she was simply fearful for my future, but I wasn’t scared! so I worked hard to secure a full scholarship to study Graphic Design.
My professor, Christopher Scott, founder of the Ecuador Poster Biennial, opened my eyes to international designers. By the way, I’m from Ecuador—between Peru and Colombia—that’s what I usually say when people look clueless about where’s my country. In 2020, one of my posters was selected for the Ecuador Poster Biennial exhibition, which was showcased in several cities in Ecuador and had a special exhibition in China.
That same year, when COVID hit, I decided to cope by starting a YouTube channel. Since I love children’s books, I created Club Booktoon, a bilingual storytelling channel for kids. Initially, it was just a way to improve my storytelling skills and my English, which wasn’t great at the time. However, I soon realized that I was building a small community, with English teachers telling me they were using my videos in their classes. Those DMs will always hold a special place in my heart.
In the midst of the pandemic, I moved to the United States. I lived in New Jersey for a year, but I couldn’t handle its freezing winters, so I headed to warmer lands and ended up in Atlanta—a city that welcomed me with its vibrant colors: graffiti, hip-hop, art, and culture. That’s where I met Patricia Hernandez, who invited me to showcase my illustrations at “Nuestra Creación,” an annual art exhibition celebrating Latin Artists in Atlanta.
In 2023, I began my M.A. in Advertising at SCAD and was fortunate to win the Future Latin Leaders scholarship from ASEG (Association of Ecuadorians in Georgia). This opportunity allowed me to work with the association to assist Ecuadorian teenagers aspiring to study in the United States—a truly rewarding experience.
As I approach the completion of my M.A. in Advertising at SCAD this spring, I find myself at a loss for words to express my gratitude to my family, friends, classmates, and professors. Now, I’m the one with a clueless face about my future, but I see it as a sign that exciting new opportunities are about to unfold!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was full of rocks and grey days but all that effort was worth it, those rainy days were necessary for me to bloom today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an art lover, I have a deep appreciation for creativity in all its forms. Throughout my life, I’ve explored various artistic expressions such as theater, music, dance, painting, photography, and more. My time at SCAD has been enlightening, helping me realize that I am inherently an Art Director.
I enjoy orchestrating creative campaigns, ensuring every element harmonizes seamlessly to deliver impactful messages to the target audience. As a curious and creative soul, I’m constantly delving into new trends and technologies, seeking to innovate the ways how brands connect with their audience.
What does success mean to you?
Success is a blend of hard work, passion, and the support of those who believe in you. It’s a subjective concept; what defines success for one person may not be for another. Ultimately, it’s how you perceive yourself that matters most. To me, success is achieving the dreams that stem from your heart. Four years ago, when I packed my bags to move to the U.S., my goal was clear: to pursue my studies.
Now, as I near completion of my M.A. in Advertising at SCAD, I feel I’ve achieved that goal. However, I hesitate to label myself as successful, as I believe it invites ego. Instead, I feel blessed to have had the support of those who believed in me, especially my parents, and I credit my journey to the courage and passion that brought me to where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: maiteescobar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maite.escobar.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maite.escobar.771
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maite-escobar-bb2122238?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Itzel Fernandez
