Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtland Foster.
Hi Courtland, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to creativity. It’s the thread that’s run through my entire life. As a kid, I immersed myself in painting and fashion design, fascinated by the ways colors, textures, and forms could tell a story. That foundation gave me an eye for detail. Still, it also taught me something deeper: creativity isn’t just about making something beautiful, it’s about communicating who you are and what you believe in.
About twelve years ago, I shifted my focus to graphic design. Part of it was survival, honestly. I didn’t want to be stuck in the “starving artist” lane that so many of us fall into. But it wasn’t just about money, I wanted my art to have a place in the world, to do something tangible, to shape how people see businesses and communities. So I dove in headfirst. I worked in print shops, learning the gritty production side of things. I spent time in agencies, sharpening my strategy and creative collaboration skills. And I freelanced a ton, which was like my testing ground.
Then, in 2023, my life changed forever. I became a father. Having my daughter changed everything for me, not just personally, but professionally as well. Suddenly, the question wasn’t just “what kind of work do I want to create?” but “what kind of life do I want to build?” I knew I wanted the freedom to dictate my own schedule, to be present as my daughter grew, and to model for her what it looks like to pursue your passion while building something sustainable.
That’s when Marzo Creative was born. The name itself is deeply personal. My daughter was born two days after my birthday, both in March. “Marzo” means March in Italian and Spanish, and it felt like the perfect symbol: new beginnings, growth, a fresh season. What started as a way to carve out space for family has evolved into a design and digital marketing studio that helps brands flourish. It’s more than just a business to me; it’s a reflection of my journey, my values, and the life I’m building alongside my family.
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?
Haha, the road here has definitely been anything but smooth, and honestly, it still has its bumps. When I think back on my creative journey, some of the hardest struggles weren’t just about talent but about awareness. It’s that classic “you don’t know what you don’t know” feeling. Early on, I was constantly trying to bridge the gap between the skills I had and the skills I didn’t even realize I was missing yet. Then there were times when the lack of a creative community made it feel like I was building on an island. Not having people to lean on, share ideas with, or learn from made the road feel a lot steeper than it had to be.
But in hindsight, those challenges shaped me. They forced me to be resourceful, to push myself to learn, and to carve out the kind of creative ecosystem I was searching for. In many ways, they’re the same reasons why community and collaboration are now at the heart of how I run Marzo Creative.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Marzo Creative, we help brands come alive through design and storytelling. I specialize in brand identity, graphic design, and digital marketing, but at the heart of it, my work is really about helping businesses find their voice and show up authentically.
I’m pretty excited about some of the recent projects we’ve just wrapped up, like branding for a vegan restaurant that has been an LA staple for 20 years. However, I’m most proud of building a studio that balances both passion and purpose. It allows me to create bold, meaningful design work while also giving me the freedom to be present for my family. As of this year, my second child was born, so that mix of family and creativity is what fuels everything I do.
What sets me apart is the way I approach relationships. I don’t see clients as one-off projects; I see them as partners. I take the time to really understand their story, goals, and challenges so that the work we create together isn’t just beautiful, but lasting and impactful.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
In an age that feels divided, creativity has a way of reminding us we’re all connected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marzocreative.com/
- Instagram: @courtlandoestuff @marzocreative
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtlandfoster/
Image Credits
Keishawn Blackstone
