Meet Maria Camila Girón

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Camila Girón. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Maria Camila, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

First, I just want to say thank you for inviting me again! it’s always great to have the opportunity to talk with you.

I think confidence and self-esteem develop over time, and for me, it’s been a combination of trial and error, along with a lot of self-reflection. It hasn’t always come naturally, I’ve had plenty of moments of doubt and insecurity, especially in the creative field, where sharing your art means exposing yourself to public opinion. But every time I push myself out of my comfort zone, I grow a little more confident in my abilities.

A big part of it has also been about embracing the fact that I don’t need to be perfect. There’s something really freeing in recognizing that mistakes are part of the process. I try not to let them define who I am or allow other’s perceptions of me to shape my self-worth. Instead, I approach them with compassion and see them as opportunities to grow.

I try to focus on what truly brings me joy, whether it’s the work I love, my hobbies, or the people I choose to keep close. Having a strong support system has made all the difference. It’s so much easier to believe in yourself when you’re surrounded by people who genuinely see and love you for who you are.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a Designer and Illustrator from Barranquilla, Colombia. Right now, I’m focusing on illustrating children’s books. There’s something really special about being able to spark a kid’s imagination and curiosity through storytelling, and illustration plays such a big role in that. I’ve had the chance to illustrate two children’s books for independent authors, and that’s been a really rewarding experience. I’m also working on a new project that’s especially meaningful to me, and I’m excited to share it once it’s finished.

What I’d love for people to know is that my background plays a big part in my work. The architecture, nature, and culture of Colombia are part of my experience and always influence how I communicate visually. Lately, I’ve been exploring surface design, creating prints using techniques like screen printing, linocut, and copper etching. It’s been a fun way to expand what I do and experiment with new creative approaches.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the first quality that has really shaped my journey is patience! This applies to everyone, whether you’re starting in the illustration world or anywhere else. It’s important to be kind to yourself and practice patience. Growth takes time, and it’s not a linear process. Every step, big or small, contributes to your journey. You might feel like you’re not where you should be compared to others, but the beautiful thing is that when you look back, you realize just how much you’ve grown from that moment.

The second quality is learning from others. Connecting with fellow artists and creatives has been invaluable for me. Their experiences and perspectives inspire and challenge me to improve. I encourage others to seek out mentors or join creative communities. Collaboration can lead to amazing opportunities.

Lastly, stay open to experiences. Try new things, take classes, go to workshops! You never know what might inspire you. Embracing curiosity will help you discover your unique voice and keep your creativity flowing.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, I’m working on turning the Colombian folk legend “El Hombre Caimán” into a children’s book for my MFA thesis at SCAD. It’s been both challenging and incredibly fulfilling. I want to stay true to the essence of the myth while making it fun and engaging for young readers. My goal is to showcase the richness of my culture and highlight the important life lessons in the story, while also aligning with modern values. Finding that balance has really pushed me to sharpen my storytelling and create a deeper connection with my audience. This project feels like a turning point for me, a chance to celebrate my heritage in a way that encourages inclusivity and cultural appreciation.

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