Check Out Andrea Mendoza’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Mendoza.

Hi Andrea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, I would always tell myself, “What’s next?” I’m always working hard, constantly learning, always challenging myself, and progressing. I am a daughter of hard-working immigrant parents. Their dedication for a better life has always motivated me to work hard for what I wanted.

I was always the artsy/creative child. I drew my heart out. Everything was a blank canvas waiting to be created into something phenomenal. Art was always a passion of mine and my escape from reality. I started off drawing with pens, pencils and paint. As I grew and continued my education I found myself falling in love with other mediums. Screen printing and graphic design fell into my lap. It was a different world for me. They both blended well with one another. These mediums were constantly progressing and always challenging my capabilities. I was hooked! I knew I wanted to have a career dedicated to either or both. I knew it was something that I would never get tired of. I was always learning something new. As my knowledge grew, so did I.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing comes easy in life. There were at least a few bumps on the road I had to deal with.

I never knew exactly what I wanted to do in life. I just knew I wanted my art to be part of it. Even though many would say, “You’re never going to find a job making art.” I wanted to prove them wrong.

When I finished high school, I’m not gonna lie…I was stuck for a while. I was constantly changing jobs. I was still freelancing on the side with graphic design or baking. But I wasn’t happy where I was at. I was getting depressed and I knew I couldn’t give up on myself. I couldn’t let those who doubted me win. I didn’t want to settle for just anything or anything less. I was determined to find a solution and keep going.

My parents taught me to work hard, learn from mistakes, and keep going. My dad was always pushing me to become the best I could. He basically gave me the harsh pep talk that I needed to hear. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have pursued a higher education. I got my ass in gear and went for an Associate’s degree, then pursued my Bachelor’s. At one point, I was going to school full time and working three jobs. I never gave up. It was hard juggling everything at once. I kept telling myself, “Keep going, it’ll be worth it!” As soon as I knew it, I was already walking out with a couple of degrees under my name. Along the way, I was building bridges and connecting with other individuals.

All the hard work, the connections that I made, the mental breakdowns, always telling myself, “Get your shit together” was paying off. I found myself at a career that I’ve always wanted. I am doing what I love. I get to design for an awesome company with an amazing team. I get to learn and grow with amazing individuals who have immense talent and knowledge.

I was able to prove to those who have doubted me wrong. I was working hard for what I wanted and becoming the successful person I aimed to be.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been told that I am a jack of all trades. I paint, I draw, I screenprint, I work with vinyl, the list goes on! My specialties would be Graphic Design and baking. It’s all art but just different mediums.

I’m always my toughest critic. When I create something, whether it’s a cake or a design, I’m always finding ways to improve. There are many pieces out there that I am proud of. For instance, I had the opportunity to design a few beer can labels for a local brewery in Ventura. It was a fun experience and I got to see my work displayed and sold at liquor stores.

I then participated in a local charity event for Ventura West Park Skate Park. There I had the chance to design and vinyl wrap on two skateboards. The skateboards were then auctioned off and the fundings went directly to the skate park.

From there, I started becoming more involved with other local businesses and communities.

I designed and installed vinyl on a utility box for the city of Oxnard, which you can find on the corner of 6th and A street. It was a tribute to the boxing culture in Oxnard. I then continued with that series and screen printed a large 60in×60in blanket for a local art event which involved other local artists and creators.

I also had the opportunity to design for the Oxnard Performing Arts Center’s (OPAC) vaccination outreach. I designed a flyer that was not only for resources but for my hometown. It was a project that I had to say yes to. It was an emotional experience for me and something that hit home. Having my artwork displayed all over the city was a great opportunity.

I really can’t find the exact words to describe what sets me apart from others. But I always say this to myself and those who ask, “I’m a constant work in progress.” I am always willing to learn something new everyday. I always challenge myself. I set these goals so I can accomplish them and then continue to build and seek more. As mentioned before, I was taught to work hard and learn from my mistakes. I am also trying to become a better version of myself each day with these new experiences. I will always continue to build bridges and make connections.

How do you think about happiness?
There are many things that makes me happy, most importantly the love and support from my friends and family. They’re my biggest supporters and if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today.

What makes me the happiest, is doing what I love and that is creating/designing. I always saw art as a form of healing or as a safe escape. People always tell me how I’m able to inspire them to become artists/creators themselves makes my heart happy! I always tell them that they can do this too. I love to see future artists and creators come about. I’m happy that I am capable of being involved with a community of multiple artists, collectives and creators. It makes me happy that people enjoy or appreciate my work especially when it’s something they can relate to or something meaningful.

I can also say that I feel happy when I have the interactions of meeting, collaborating and connecting with other artists. Especially the ones from different mediums. We’re all artists in some way or form. Hearing others tell me their stories, their drives, their motivations for their craft/art makes me happy.

Pricing:

• Patches $15 each
• Stickers $3 each

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: andreamendozadesigns.com
• Instagram: @little.drea

Image Credits:
Erik Santos (Ume Saladitos) Fernando Villa (Art Show) Jeanette V. Hamilton (Cake) Sylvia Rubio (Stickers & Patches)