Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrés Lopez.
Hi Andrés, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in the Valley but raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Andrés “Arelgi” Lopez is a first-generation Mexican-American Visual Designer and Content Creator from San Antonio, Texas. Andrés moved to the States at the young age of 16; this was the most challenging time of his life due to the cultural shock. Isolation was inevitable because of his limited use of the language, but Art soon became a creative outlet to liberate himself from this dark transition in a new country; he managed to transmute this experience into fuel to prove people wrong.
He managed to empower himself through Art and Design. In 2018, Lopez graduated from Texas State University with a B.F.A. in Communication Design. While attending college, he started his humble work journey as a busboy at popular taco chain El Taco Tote; because of his perseverance, he got promoted two times as a Cashier and Line Preparation due to hard work and a positive attitude. Andrés later joined local restaurant and city staple Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery at the Historic Market Square. He started as a Bakery Clerk but got promoted twice again. He became a Host and finally one of the most requested Servers in the restaurant because of his efficiency, charisma, and attentiveness.
After graduation, Lopez decided to part ways with the Food Industry and began his career in Commercial Real Estate as a now professional Graphic Designer. DH Realty Partners trusted his vision and offered him a chance as a Marketing Intern. After two years, Andrés got offered the Marketing Director position due to his fresher look at visuals, strategies, and innovative approach overall. He became a trendsetter within the industry and resulted in a new partnership with Northmarq Investment Sales, where he currently works as a full-time Graphic Designer & Videographer.
As a young professional, Andrés understands the importance of Digital Marketing; In his spare time, he likes to keep himself productive on Social Media under the pseudonym “Arelgi” (RLG). A space that allows him to showcase his abilities as a Creative Designer, Videographer, and Content Creator to fully expand his digital portfolio. His creative content revolves around food mainly because of his roots in an industry that taught him to be humble and always strive for success.
Lopez currently has a network of over 30k on social media and likes to see his digital platforms as a bridge to help others. He uses them to support mainly Latino-owned businesses and continues to empower others like him. Andrés is also a proud member of the LGBT+ community; his main objective is to break stereotypes and become a public figure that both communities can relate to, an inspirational figure he always needed to look up to when he moved to the U.S.
Lastly, Andrés uses his Art and Creativity to inspire others to become the best version of themselves regardless of background, sexuality, race, profession, or what society says it’s right. Pero sobre todas las cosas, para el es un honor tener la oportunidad de ayudar, comunicar, y empoderar a otras personas que como el, hablán Español.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life isn’t easy, changes are necessary, and you have to continue to evolve to succeed. My main struggle in life was definitely leaving everything behind in Mexico to begin a new one here in the US.
Going into High School after moving to the States was the most horrifying time of my life, Language was one of the most difficult things to adapt to, I use to sit in the bathroom for hours mostly because I felt left out, I couldn’t communicate, I didn’t understand my homework, It was truly the worst time of my life. It got really bad that my parents were called by the principal and they almost took me to court. Until I explained that it wasn’t an act of rebellion, but an act of fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear can stop you from achieving anything in life.
Communicating at the same time is one of the most crucial aspects to break free from fear. After communicating with our principal at Highlands H.S. they helped me as much as they could, they helped me tremendously and there’s where I developed my creative side. People started approaching me because of how artistic I was and I started communicating as I could.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work as a professional Graphic Designer and Videographer at a Commercial Real Estate firm – Northmarq. This is a predominately white/male industry and to be quite frank, I never expected an individual like me to be a part of it. Looking back It’s so rewarding to see now that all the struggle was worth it. I’m proud to represent two minorities and be able to break stereotypes being an openly gay, Mexican-American.
I’m also a Bilingual Content Creator in San Antonio, TX. It’s so rewarding to see that more brands are opening up to new forms of representation and they’re now embracing equality and diversity. I’m extremely happy to now be able to put myself out there being my true self while helping others. I’ve worked with brands that I would never imagine would see something special in me such as Wells Fargo, Adidas, IHeartMedia, Disney Pixar, Beach Whiskey, Kona Brewing, Tragos, and many more local businesses because of what I represent and my visual approach.
What matters most to you? Why?
Family is what matters the most to me. It is the backbone, the pillar y las raices of what you bring to the world. Family is also the perfect representation of love, perseverance, and hard work. Without my family, I wouldn’t be where I am and I’m forever grateful for that.
Mi Familia is the only reason why I push myself to be a better person and I work very hard every day so that I can provide for them even though they don’t ask anything from me, but is funny how the roles reverse as we grow older; My parents are now 68 & 70, so now I have an urge to protect them.
Pricing:
- TikTok Video Marketing ($300)
- Instagram Post ($100)
- TikTok + Instagram Post ($350)
Contact Info:
- Email: Andres.L@Live.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arelgi/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@arelgi
Image Credits
Andrés Lopez
