Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marco Caridad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Marco, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
Bueno, it’s like surfing through a storm, you know? There’s this fire inside me, fueled by my dreams, my passions, the things that really make me tick. No matter how gnarly the waves get, I stay locked in on my path because I’m dead-set on what I want. Sure, the haters might get under my skin sometimes. It’s only natural when you’re out there doing something nobody else around you understands. But I’ve learned to handle it with style, you know? It’s not about shutting them out or getting caught up in their negativity. Nah, it’s about finding that common ground, showing them that big dreams are a team sport. Being real, being respectful, that’s the name of the game. And hey, creativity? It’s all about pushing boundaries, even if others don’t see it yet. Because when you finally drop that masterpiece, those doubters might just become your biggest fans. And if not, well, you’re still riding your own wave, right?
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
A year ago, I took the leap from my role as Art Director in an advertising agency, where I spearheaded international campaigns and developed brand projects for Hard Rock International, to focus more deeply on my passion for visual arts. While I still maintain a select clientele for creative consultancy, my heart beats strongest in the realm of creativity. I’m what you might call a 360° creative art director—I roll up my sleeves and dive into everything from small-scale projects to grand endeavors. With a diverse background spanning design, theater, visual arts, illustration, and photography, I thrive on versatility. What sets me apart is my unwavering passion and professionalism. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with renowned brands like Google, where I recently wrapped up a project in Las Vegas for their Google Next ’24 Convention. One particularly memorable collaboration involved working closely with Lenny Kravitz on a project dear to his heart.
What excites me most is the challenge of meeting my client’s diverse needs. With my multifaceted skill set, I adapt seamlessly to each project, and I thrive in collaborative environments, reveling in the energy of teamwork. Challenges fuel my professional journey, and I embrace each one with enthusiasm and creativity.
A year ago, I made a pivotal decision to transition from my role as Director in an advertising agency to dedicate myself more fully to my passion for visual arts. This journey led me to assume the role of Artistic Director for Miami International Fine Arts—an opportunity that has added real depth and “happily strange” dimensions to my life.
While I continue to offer creative consultancy to a select group of clients, my primary focus lies in the realm of artistic expression. As a self-proclaimed 360° creative art director, I immerse myself in projects of all scales, drawing from my diverse background in design, theater, visual arts, illustration, and photography.
My journey has been punctuated by collaborations with esteemed brands such as Google and Hard Rock International, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing my artistic vision to various projects. Notably, I’ve worked closely with Lenny Kravitz on a project close to his heart, from the intimacy of his house in Eleuthera.
What truly invigorates me is the challenge of meeting the artistic needs of each client. With a multifaceted skill set and an unwavering commitment to excellence, I adapt seamlessly to diverse projects, ensuring that every vision is not only realized but surpassed.
As the Artistic Director for Miami International Fine Arts, I am driven by the opportunity to shape and elevate the artistic landscape of our community. Collaboration and creativity are at the core of my approach, and I thrive in environments where I can harness the collective energy of a team.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, this question really takes me on a journey through my time in the theater, where I had the opportunity to explore various facets of artistic expression—lighting, music, woodwork, costume design, makeup, acting, sewing, writing, and beyond. Reflecting on those experiences, I’ve come to realize that the most impactful quality for me has been curiosity. Curiosity fuels my multifaceted approach to every project. It’s what enables me to see connections between different disciplines and find “innovative” solutions. From a young age, I made it a point to explore all avenues of the arts, even if I didn’t pursue some of them further. This broad foundation has equipped me with a diverse skill set that allows me to adapt and excel in various creative challenges.
Some may argue that specialization is key, but I believe there’s immense value in being a “jack of all trades” specializing in something. For instance, while I possess a broad knowledge base across different art forms, I’ve honed my expertise through specialized education, such as earning a master’s degree in arts and focusing on leadership.
In addition to curiosity, another crucial quality I’ve cultivated is fearlessness in the face of failure. I’ve learned that mistakes are not setbacks but rather opportunities for growth and learning. For those who are early in their creative journey, my advice is to embrace curiosity wholeheartedly. Explore different avenues, experiment fearlessly, and don’t be afraid to fail. Remember that every experience, whether successful or not, contributes to your growth as an artist. And above all, cultivate a collaborative spirit that celebrates diversity of thought and expression.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
There have been several books that have significantly influenced my journey, but two in particular stand out: “How to Be an Artist” by Jerry Saltz, and “Cirque Du Soleil, The Spark: Igniting the Creative Fire That Lives Within Us All.” Jerry Saltz’s “How to Be an Artist” struck a chord with me because it emphasized the importance of making time for your craft. This idea hit home, especially when I realized that my full-time job in advertising was eating into my creative time. It was a wake-up call that made me reevaluate my priorities and change my lifestyle.
“Cirque Du Soleil, The Spark” fascinated me with its exploration of how creative communities thrive. Drawing parallels to my experiences in theater, where collaboration and fearlessness are essential, this book reinforced the value of creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
And then there’s “Creativity, Inc.” by Ed Catmull, which gave me a behind-the-scenes look at Pixar’s creative process. Learning about the challenges they faced in bringing beloved films like Toy Story and Finding Nemo to life was eye-opening. It showed me that even the most successful creatives encounter obstacles, but it’s how they overcome them that matters.
I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to navigate the challenges of the artistic process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marcocaridad.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcocaridad
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcoCaridadArt/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcocaridad
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcocaridad
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarcoCaridad
Image Credits
Jorge Andres Castillo
