Mary Ortiz

What makes you a Culturati?

Relocating from Maryland to California in 2004 truly opened a world of cultural exploration for me. I embraced my role as a Culturati when I married my Mexican American husband, and I began to enhance my life with fascinating insights into Mexican culture as well as other cultures. Now, these vibrant elements seamlessly weave into my daily existence. 

How did you discover your Culturati nature?

After immersing myself in the new culture, I seamlessly wove it into my daily life. My journey involved learning Spanish and understanding the nuances between my upbringing and my husband’s. I skillfully integrated these cultural threads into my communication, culinary choices, musical preferences, and even drew inspiration for my creative projects. 

What type of Culturati are you?

I am a family-oriented Culturati. As I connect myself in the abundance of Spanish and Mexican culture, I wholeheartedly embrace its essence. Not only do I engage deeply with its traditions, but I also pass on this cultural tapestry to my son. My goal is to nurture his appreciation for diverse cultures, including his own Mexican heritage. 

What makes you a good Culturati Graphic Designer?

My diverse work experience and background enable me to stay attuned to design and cultural trends. Before joining Culturati, I was a creative designer for a wide array of companies in the auto body repair and telecommunications industries, to name a few. I worked as a creative marketing assistant, where I built relationships with colleagues and franchisees from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I developed marketing materials for both printed and digital items to win contracts. Later, as a freelance graphic designer, I honed my design thinking process and creativity, working on projects such as logos, branding, and multimedia. I also dove into digital design for a wide range of clients, including those in the culinary, fence and fabrication, roofing and waterproofing, and music industries.