Meet CLAUDIA MARQUEZ

We recently connected with CLAUDIA MARQUEZ and have shared our conversation below.

Hi CLAUDIA, thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.

Being laid off is one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. It shakes your self-esteem, your ego, and your confidence all at once. In my case, it was a long, bittersweet process. I had to watch people I had worked with for over 13 years be let go one by one. I felt grateful to still have a job, but at the same time, I was losing my team, people who had become like family. Every day felt uncertain, and we never knew when it would be our turn.
And then, two years later, it happened. Even though I saw it coming, you’re never fully prepared for that moment.
At first, I just needed to breathe. I took a couple of days to process it all, to sit with the weight of what had happened. But for the first time in 15 years, I had a moment to stop and really ask myself: What do I want?
That question led me to a women’s entrepreneurship class, and it changed everything. Being surrounded by inspiring women, hearing their journeys, and realizing that I, too, could build something of my own, reignited something in me. It gave me hope, direction, and the courage to create my own path.
Even though I’m still in the process of building that path and insecurities often push me to look for another job, I’m learning to trust myself. I’m learning to fight my imposter syndrome and believe that I am capable of building my own brand. Some days are harder than others, but I keep pushing forward, reminding myself that I am more than my fears.Looking back, it was one of the hardest transitions of my life, but also one of the most defining. Sometimes, the hardest endings push us toward beginnings we never saw coming. Life often gives us signs that we need to pause, but we’re always on the go, never taking the time to reflect on what we truly want; our passions, our purpose. These moments give you the chance to pause and reflect. Take it, and make the most of it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an art director, designer, and artist with a deep passion for storytelling through visuals. I spent 15 years at HBO, where I developed my skills in design, branding, and creative direction. While I’ve worked in the entertainment industry for years, my heart has always been drawn to the power of art in a more personal way. Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was raised surrounded by creativity. My mother is a sculptor, and my father was a passionate art collector. Growing up in that environment shaped the way I see the world. It taught me to appreciate the beauty in details, to express emotions through colors and textures, and to understand that art is not just something you create but something you feel.
That’s what led me to create Joyful, a brand that brings color, creativity, and emotion to life through art. It all began when I restored an old, colorless chair, transforming it into something vibrant and full of life with bold colors and beautiful patterns. It took me a while, but I was determined to use a particular design. Later, I watched an online conference where a painter was using a robot to create art, and that sparked an idea: How could I merge my own art with modern techniques?
My work blends hand-painted textures with AI, combining traditional and modern methods to create something unique, vibrant, and full of energy. Like many artists, I initially struggled with the role of AI in art, questioning its place in the creative process. But then I realized that I’ve been manipulating images in Photoshop for years, using digital tools to bring my vision to life. AI is just another tool, and as artists, designers, and creatives, we need to embrace technology in ways that enhance, rather than replace, our creativity. The key is to use it intentionally, with originality, and in a way that reflects your unique artistic voice.
Joyful was also a way for me to honor my best friend, my dog Pancho, my beloved chihuahua, who tragically passed away. He brought so much joy to my life, and I wanted to remember him in a way that reflects the happiness he brought me. What excites me most about Joyful is the ability to share that same sense of happiness and wonder with others, encouraging them to live more colorfully. My goal is to create pieces that spark joy, evoke emotion, and remind people of the beauty that surrounds us.
Beyond my own work, I love using my art to give back. One project that is especially close to my heart was collaborating with Cats of San Bernardino, a nonprofit I have admired and followed for years. I donated a custom design for a cat named Theodore, and the response was overwhelming. They sold over 180 shirts, with all the profits going directly to support their rescue efforts. It was an incredible reminder of how art can make a real impact, and I hope to continue using my creativity to support causes I believe in.
Right now, I’m in the process of expanding Joyful by launching a Shopify store, which will make my artwork more accessible to those who love and connect with it. It’s both exciting and nerve-wracking, but I believe in this dream and the power of art to inspire. I’m always exploring new ways to bring Joyful to life, whether through custom pieces, collaborations, or meaningful projects that help make the world a little brighter.
More than just a brand, Joyful is a reflection of who I am, someone who believes in resilience, creativity, and the idea that even after life’s hardest moments, we can still find beauty and inspiration. I hope my art reminds people to embrace color, embrace joy, and never stop chasing the things that make their hearts beat a little faster.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Resilience
The creative industry is filled with ups and downs, from layoffs to rejections and creative blocks. Resilience has helped me push forward, even in uncertain times. When I was laid off after 15 years at HBO, it was an emotional and challenging experience. Instead of letting it define me, I took it as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and redefine my path.
Advice: See setbacks as redirections. Take time to process them, but keep moving forward. Surround yourself with supportive people, and believe in your talent and worth, even in uncertain moments.

2. Adaptability
Technology, design trends, and industries evolve constantly. My work blends traditional techniques with digital tools, but when AI entered the creative space, I initially struggled with accepting it. Over time, I realized that, like Photoshop or any other design software, AI is just a tool. What matters is how you use it.
Advice: Stay curious and open to learning. Experiment with new tools, but let your creativity and originality lead the way. Don’t fear change—embrace it in a way that aligns with your artistic voice.

3. Storytelling Through Design
Whether creating visuals for HBO, launching Joyful, or designing for causes I care about, storytelling has always been at the core of my work. Art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about evoking emotions and making connections. One of my proudest moments was donating a custom design for Cats of San Bernardino, which helped raise funds for the organization. Seeing art make an impact reaffirmed why I do what I do.
Advice: Focus on the meaning behind your work. Ask yourself: What story am I telling? How does my work make people feel? Whether designing for a brand, creating personal art, or launching a business, storytelling is what makes your work stand out.
For those early in their journey, trust yourself and your unique perspective. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and have doubts, but your journey is yours alone. Keep learning, experimenting, and creating and most importantly, believe in yourself. As creatives, we often feel unappreciated, but we must recognize our own talent and worth. We are capable, we are creative, and we have the power to bring our visions to life

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

One challenge I’m facing right now is aligning the advice I give to others with my own actions, particularly when it comes to believing in my abilities. Insecurities often creep in, and living in the U.S. adds its own pressures. Bills, expectations, and the constant feeling that there’s never enough time make it difficult to fully invest in my dreams. I work full-time while managing a household, four pets, a husband, and everything that comes with daily life; cleaning, laundry, and the endless to-do list that many women juggle. At times, it can feel overwhelming. I struggle with the feeling that I’m not making enough progress toward my goals, like launching my Shopify store for my brand. But despite these challenges and doubts, there’s always a little spark that pushes me forward. For me, it’s the idea of being able to help a rescue, just like I did with the nonprofit organization in California. Knowing that I can make a positive impact gives me the strength to keep going, even on the toughest days. Progress doesn’t always look linear, but every step, no matter how small, brings me closer to turning my dreams into reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://claudiamarquez.myportfolio.com/work
• Instagram: @joyful-cm
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-marquez-artdirector