Andrea C. Oropeza

As I step into my twentieth year in the creative industry, fifteen of which I’ve spent in the U.S., it still feels surreal to see my work come to life and reflect how far I’ve come. My career has evolved considerably since those early days of sketching in studio classes, exploring illustration, and discovering the type of work that would challenge and energize me—spanning illustration, advertising, and beyond.

Today, as a Creative Lead at PopSockets, I manage an incredible team of designers and oversee initiatives across digital campaigns, retail marketing, and e-commerce. This past year, I guided a full global brand refresh, introducing new guidelines, visual systems, and a renewed sense of cohesion across every touchpoint. The process was both challenging and rewarding, reminding me why I thrive in collaborative, iterative work. Some of my favorite projects came from ideas that felt impossible at first—failure, trial and error, and revision have always been integral to my creative process, and I’ve learned to embrace them fully.

Beyond my day-to-day role, I stay connected to the broader creative community. Organizations like the NAA have been invaluable, and I actively volunteer with CSU for portfolio reviews whenever possible. Supporting emerging designers in shaping their voices feels like giving back to the mentors who guided me early in my career. And every so often, life delivers unexpected surprises—like the time one of my art pieces appeared in Times Square—moments that keep me inspired, grounded, and grateful.

The best career advice I’ve received often comes not from a single statement, but from the people who guided me along the way. I frequently reflect on professors like Julie Lieberman, who encouraged me to explore illustration and design at a time when I wasn’t entirely sure where I fit. Those early influences shaped my path and carried me into agency life—starting at Moxie Soso in Boulder—where I gained hands-on experience with real campaigns, learned to make decisions quickly, and even earned a few awards along the way.

If I could offer one piece of advice to creatives at any stage, it’s this: stay curious and don’t be afraid to fail. The best work rarely comes on the first attempt—it emerges through revisions, feedback, and the willingness to push beyond what feels comfortable. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, mentors who recognize your potential, and communities that support your growth.

Whenever possible, give back—whether through portfolio reviews, sharing your process, or simply offering encouragement. These small gestures can make a big difference for someone just starting out. Creativity is a lifelong practice; it’s something you nurture, not something you master once and for all. Looking back at my own work, I often appreciate the projects that were the most challenging—they taught me that it’s okay to “fail” as long as you continue learning and growing from the experience.

The values that guide my work and personal life have carried me through every stage of my career. Family, respect, and treating everyone as an equal are central to how I approach both colleagues and collaborators. I strive to show up with curiosity, remain open to experimentation, and embrace failure as part of the creative process—some of my strongest ideas have emerged from moments that didn’t go as planned.

Mentorship and community are just as important to me as the craft itself, which is why I stay engaged with emerging designers and organizations that support creative growth. Above all, I care about creating work that feels honest, purposeful, and human—whether I’m leading a global brand refresh or helping a student refine their portfolio.