Today we’d like to introduce you to Maximiliano “MERS” Gutierrez
Hi Maximiliano, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela December 12, 1984. At the age of 10 I came to the U.S. Miami, FL with my parents and sisters looking for a better future and hungry for success and until this day is where I reside. Since I was 3 years old my dream was to become a Professional Baseball Player, and during my Middle/High School years my focus and dedication was towards baseball hoping to be seen by a scout and get signed by an MLB Team. I went to Felix Varela Senior High School, I was part of the first graduating class of 2003. That’s were I met the Love of my life, my high school sweetheart, My Wife, My Crown, Marilyn. Without her I wouldn’t be here, She has been my anchor and my greatest support. She was the one that helped me get through one of my biggest obstacles in life when I dislocated my right shoulder and couldn’t play baseball anymore. That’s when God had other plans and placed Marilyn in my life to overcome that and become who I am today. We have 2 beautiful children named Izabella and Maximus. Together we started serving God in our local church JTP Kendall since 2004 devoting our lives to the youth, kids, members and the community. On November 11, 2017 God called me to the biggest leagues of all, as I was ordained as an Associated Pastor for JTP Kendall Church. My wife and I opened our own business in August 19, 2008 called Racctus Designz, Inc. A full service-graphic designs and printing company, A company that has evolved in providing clients with an unique and creative image. Racctus Designz has giving us the opportunity to expand our services, Specially with Murals. Because aside from being a son, a father, a husband, a pastor, a graphic designer, a business owner, I’m also an Artist/Muralist. Art runs through my genes, since little i have been surrounded by art, specially brushes and canvases, But when I arrived to Miami and saw a wall painted with a graffiti peace I was hooked and intrigued about the use of spray cans. That’s when I started searching for magazine, videos etc. to learn how to do graffiti and use the spray can properly. No body taught me I learned by myself and watching other artists do it. I do have a graffiti background that’s why I’m artistically know as MERS. After the pandemic the Murals opportunity for me has blossom and I have been blessed and honored to have done Murals at the walls of MDC Eduardo J. Padron Campus, MDC Kendall Campus, MDC North Campus, MDC Homestead Campus, FNU Florida National University, BioTech Senior High School , School for Advanced Studies, Somerset Academy Elementary South Campus, Riviera Preparatory School, Pinecrest Glades Academy, Doral Park High School and soon to be more. I give all God the praise because without His love and mercy non of this is possible. God is opening doors that only He can open, so I’m very grateful for that and my wife, my family, my friends and my spiritual parents.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Adapting to a new place and the language barrier was very difficult. Being Latin and not being able to communicate in English was very emotional. The first middle school I attended to, a group of African Americans followed me to my house and took out a gun and pretended they were going to shoot me. Because I used to walk home from school back then. Overcoming the fact that I couldn’t play baseball anymore was very hard for me, moving from place to place as far as house is concern was very exhausting and difficult because I had to change schools as well. Working and living on your own was very hard as well, But with the help of my wife and very close friends and my pastors I was able to overcome them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Artist and Muralist, I do artistic Murals for schools and business tailored to their liking and needs. I specialized in the use of spray cans on most of my works. At this point I do not have an specific style since all my Murals are commissioned and are targeted to what my client is looking for. But I do have this special love for painting eyes, the Bible says in Matthew 6:22-23 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[a] your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy,[b] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” I’m known for being very creative and abstract at the same time, with very vibrant colors on my work. I think what sets me apart from others is my mentality and passion. I think what I’m most proud of is giving my life to Jesus Christ and my Family.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t call it luck, I would call it Persistence. God cannot do it all for us. It’s not about being at the right place at the right time. It’s about putting yourself at places and your time will come. God also says seek and you will find knock and it shall be open. Our job is to SEEK AND KNOCK on the doors of opportunity and He will open them.
Pricing:
- Contact for Inquiry
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racctusdesignz
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/mers_coh
Image Credits
For the main picture of me by the stairs holding the spray can is: @_ArguelloPhotography_
