Meet Mars Bravo

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mars Bravo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mars below.

Hi Mars, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I love this question! Being the only one in the room who looks like me is an incredibly powerful position, it makes it easier to stand out. My success stems from recognizing my value as a whole person. I embrace my unique combination of skills, expertise, and experiences and use them to inspire others to feel safe and confident in being their authentic selves.
I stay effective by focusing on my strengths and reminding myself to enjoy the journey.

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

I am a visionary sign designer and the proud owner of Signs from Mars, located in the vibrant city of Culver City, CA. With a unique and creative approach to signage, I’ve carved out a niche in the world of visual communication, blending artistry with functionality to create impactful, visually stunning designs.

From an early age, I was drawn to design, and that passion evolved into a thriving career. Today, I’m honored to be a prominent figure in the signage industry, using my work to inspire, connect, and elevate communities. To me, signage is more than just sharing information—it’s a powerful tool to educate, build identity, and foster community pride.

I launched Signs from Mars with two clear goals: to channel my dedication and passion for sign making into meaningful work and to maintain my creative freedom. Every custom sign I design allows my clients to express messages that go beyond words, staying true to my motto: “Don’t just tell people you’re here, show them.”

For me, sign making is a reminder that we all deserve to be heard, seen, and understood. Transforming a vision into a tangible, impactful sign takes expertise and care, and I’m here to help bring your ideas to life. Let’s create something remarkable together!

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

Technical Proficiency and Craftsmanship:
Learning the tools, materials, and production techniques is crucial. From understanding various substrates and finishes to mastering the equipment and software used in sign design and sign fabrication, technical expertise ensures high-quality, durable, and functional sign results.

Reading:
Learning not only sharpen your skills but also broaden your perspective. Whether it’s diving into books on design principles, exploring articles about the latest fabrication techniques, or studying the psychology of visual communication, every bit of knowledge adds depth to your craft.

Operating out of your authentic voice:
This is one of the most powerful ways to create meaningful work and establish genuine connections. When you stay true to who you are—your beliefs, values, and unique perspective—you naturally produce work that resonates on a deeper level with others. Authenticity fosters trust, and people are drawn to honesty and sincerity in a world full of noise.

My advice to anyone starting their journey is to be bold and resist the urge to overanalyze every step. Leave room for things to unfold naturally, and you’ll grow and evolve in ways beyond what you could have ever imagined.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Tragically, our beloved city of Los Angeles has endured one of the worst wildfires in its history. Right now, I’m grappling with the uncertainty that comes in its aftermath. We don’t know how long the rebuilding process will take or how it will affect our economy, culture, and way of life—and that sense of unpredictability is deeply unsettling. The challenge I’m currently facing is staying positive.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Mars Bravo

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