Conversations with Annie Margarita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Margarita. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Annie Margarita grew up riding horses and driving stagecoaches in the deserts of Arizona. A short tour in the Marines garnished her with an addiction to travel, and she has worked internationally as a scenic artist in murals and 3D industrial construction, creating features for theme parks, zoos, and aquariums, plus showing her fine art paintings. Her interest in horses led her to work with leather, and she studied with several master saddle makers, although she had no interest in building them. She is an avid fly fisher and lives on the McKenzie River in Oregon. Recently, a victim of the Holiday Farm Fire, her entire inventory, tools, supplies, workshop, and home was lost. With a new perspective, she has slowed down to make the best art of her life. With her self-taught knowledge of making patterns and personal designs for her own style of leather goods, she creates fly fishing cases and other accessories with a bold painting style that is unique and exciting. Her fly fishing cases and fine art paintings have won awards and are in royal and private collections worldwide. Her recent graduation from the University of Oregon bolsters her knowledge of digital marketing; she now teaches others how to get their work seen and purchased.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being in the Marines taught me how hard it is to be a woman in a man’s world. I was thrust into the leadership role as an NCO, which later made me stand out in the 3D scenic construction world. Being able to be strong against doubters has been a continuing struggle that a lot of women feel in modern business.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Being a painter since childhood, I painted murals at 13 and sold fine art at 16. I traveled a lot doing mural work, but now concentrate on studio, painting, or leatherwork. Because of my painting, I stand out in the leather industry as a forward creative, inventing new styles and marketing techniques to get my work sold. Not going in the mainstream, I find new ways to promote free thought.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from growing up.
I love the ocean, rivers, and lakes, and I came into being a fisher early. I remember catching a giant catfish using just my patience and a cane pole with a worm to be memorable.

Contact Info:

• Website: AnnieMargarita.com
• Instagram: @anniemargaritaart
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Annie.margarita.art
• Youtube: Youtube.com/anniemargarita1816

Image Credits
Mikhil Wright is the videographer for the last selfie. All others are my own