Today we’d like to introduce you to Karolayn Corzo.
Karolayn, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Everything started back in my home country Venezuela. I became passionate about the graffiti culture, photography and design world at the age of 14.
In 2013 I moved to the United States and found myself in a difficult situation, where I had to learn a new way of living. However, looking back, it was the best thing that happened to me! It shaped my character and gave me the boldness I needed to be where I am today.
I spent an entire year learning a new language and knowing how to express myself through different mediums. To be more specific, I self-taught myself graphic design, photography, video, and web development. I spent countless hours facing a computer and teaching my to train my perspective – The major key in my life to be honest.
After that year of loneliness – I started putting myself in places that would make me grow in knowledge. Then, I got my first job at a marketing agency without a degree, and my portfolio was my website. I couldn’t believe it… I was only 18 years old. I went from writing articles to being the lead designer within eight months. But I left when I felt like I wasn’t growing anymore and realized that I needed to take a leap of faith in order to see different results in my life. I’ve always been into fashion and wanted to have a retail experience that would add me value (When it comes to job opportunities, I tend to think strategically). Without hesitation, I left my job as a graphic designer and went straight to Urban Outfitters as sales associate – honestly, this job happened to broaden my perspective in different areas. I knew it was risky! but also thought it could be beneficial if I used my time wisely over there and being always at the cash register allowed me to learn about the fashion industry, meet people and get opportunities that would eventually lead to bigger things.
After that year, I started to travel with a major wholesale company from Los Angeles. I focused on sales and did some visual merchandising work for them. Then, I came back to Miami to freelance and interned with some friends. At the end of that year, I got hired by the creative agency but only lasted five months there. It was hard at the beginning, but after all those experiences, I came to the realization I could do my own “thing” and decided to freelance even more. I’m sure God had a plan for me because I don’t know how I ended up in the music/entertainment industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not! Life is not easy but it worth living if you know-how. There’s no doubt that we grow from these seasons of difficulties. Some of my struggles were: my lack of confidence and the sacrifices I had to make at the beginning. It was tough but made me stronger for sure.
Also, I must say I didn’t have anybody at the beginning and now that I sort of know a thing or two (still have a lot to learn), I’m always willing and eager to help the new generation of peers.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
At this very moment, I play a lot of roles. I work as a visual artist/photographer that develops brand identity and does styling for a Latin music artist. Everything is sort of tie together! I think I’ve always envisioned myself as a 360 artist and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing for a year now. I started as a photographer for music videos starting artist like: Nelly, Ken Brown, J Balvin, Jhay Cortez, Llane, Manuel Turizo, Anuel AA, Nick Murphy and worked with companies like HBO, Redbull, Remezcla, Lululemon and from there, I got the opportunity to expand in different areas. Now I’m working on my own thing, which is very exciting! I can’t say much right now, but I’ll be switching roles this year for sure.
And to be honest, what sets me apart from the others is that everyone is unique. We all are different, and that‘s about it. I try to focus and remember that I have my own essence! Over the years, I’ve developed my own style in everything I do, and I think people love that. My background is in graphic arts, but I’ve put so much passion into everything that I do that I got to explore other areas that ended up equipping me to offer so much more.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Yes, Miami right now is the epicenter of what I do, but I don’t think you have to move here to start. I think you have to bruin wherever you are planted to build a strong foundation. The journey and the needs that come up along the way will show you if you really have to make the transition.
I love Miami and its progressive growth. Maybe something that I would love to see is more support for local business and freelancers that I’m sure it will only add even more value to this beautiful place I call home.
Contact Info:
- Email: karolaynrc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Karolayncorzo
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