Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Matiz Tibavizco.
Hi Alejandra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Alejandra Matiz, although many people know me as Matiba. I am a Colombian illustrator and Graphic designer. My story began in childhood as someone who was deeply in love with color and imagination. I have been drawing for as long as I can remember—art has always been present in my life. I began developing my skills in a self-taught way, starting by drawing characters from my favorite movies, then exploring analog techniques, inspired by illustrated books, literature, and visual art.
Over time, I understood clearly what I wanted to do professionally: illustration.
In Colombia, where I was born, becoming an illustrator seemed like a difficult dream to pursue. That is why I decided to study Graphic Design as a way to approach illustration from a more structured perspective, using the tools of design to build a strong foundation in visual theory. That education allowed me to develop skills that opened doors in different areas. I collaborated with companies and clients such as Facebook, Oyster, and Cabify on projects that involved both design and illustration. I also began teaching classes and workshops on illustration techniques and the creative process. At the same time, I worked as a freelance illustrator on children’s projects for clients in places like the United Arab Emirates, Puerto Rico, and Peru.
I have always dreamed of making a living through drawing, of creating illustrated books and visually building worlds for films or video games—especially for young audiences. That dream led me to pursue a more specialized education, which is how the idea of formally studying illustration began. That path eventually brought me to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), where I am currently completing a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration.
Arriving in Savannah was not easy. Studying abroad felt like a distant goal, especially because of financial limitations. However, little by little, the path started to become clearer. At that time, I met my partner, a talented motion graphics artist, who not only encouraged me to follow this dream, but supported me every step of the way. Through him, I learned about COLFUTURO, a scholarship-loan program in Colombia. I was selected, which gave me the opportunity to make this dream a reality. I applied to SCAD hoping to strengthen my career, received an additional scholarship, and with effort, patience, and dedication, I was able to begin this new chapter.
We came to Savannah together with the conviction that we could build something greater and grow our careers in the creative industries we love. Packing your life and your dreams into a suitcase is a major decision. Constant changes bring daily challenges, but the feeling of making a dream come true is even more powerful and rewarding.
Today, the impact SCAD has had on my life has been truly transformative—not only on a professional and artistic level, but also on a personal one. I feel that I have reconnected with my inner voice, created meaningful connections, and expanded my perspective on art, illustration, and life itself.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—it’s been a journey full of challenges, growth, and learning.
First, pursuing the dream of studying abroad came with significant financial and emotional obstacles. Coming from a country where access to international education is a privilege, it felt like a distant goal. On top of that, adapting to life in a new country meant facing cultural differences, language barriers, and a new academic system—all while being far from my family, with whom I’ve always been very close. Navigating all those changes at once has been one of the biggest personal challenges I’ve faced.
Second, choosing to leave behind a stable job in order to go back to school was a leap of faith. It meant stepping out of my professional comfort zone, but also out of my artistic one. I had to reexamine everything—my creative voice, my visual identity, and the kind of work I truly wanted to do. It was exciting, but also uncomfortable, and it pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected.
And of course, like many creatives, I’ve often dealt with imposter syndrome. There are moments when you feel lost, unsure if you’re good enough, or if there’s really a space for you in the industry. Balancing the desire to live off your passion with the weight of an uncertain world can feel overwhelming at times. But in the end, those struggles have made the journey more meaningful—and have reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an illustrator who finds joy in vibrant colors, layered textures, and the power of visual storytelling. I specialize in illustration for children’s and young adult literature, but I’m also exploring the world of animated film, doing visual development, an area that has recently become a strong focus for me.
My background in graphic design has been a key part of my journey. It gave me a strong foundation in visual communication and opened doors to work across different fields—editorial illustration, animation, advertising, and product design. Over the years, I’ve illustrated children’s books published in Peru, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, and I’ve collaborated on creative projects for clients like Facebook, Johnson & Johnson, Xiaomi, and Oyster. Each project has pushed me to grow in different ways and helped shape my voice as an artist.
One of the things that has most influenced my style is where I come from. Growing up in Colombia, I was constantly surrounded by color—by the richness of our landscapes, our flora and fauna, and our cultural diversity. That environment deeply impacted the way I see and use color in my work. I’ve developed a personal style that blends analog textures with digital techniques, creating images that feel both playful and emotional. That mix, along with my perspective as a Latin American artist, is something I carry with pride—and something I believe sets my work apart.
What makes you happy?
I find happiness in the small, everyday moments—the kind that often go unnoticed but make life feel meaningful. A warm cup of coffee in the morning, spending time with my family and my partner, saying hi to dogs on the street, or stepping on crunchy autumn leaves just for the fun of it. Those little things bring me a quiet joy.
Drawing makes me incredibly happy too. It’s not only my profession—it’s also my daily therapy. It helps me express myself, process my emotions, and better understand who I am. One of my favorite things in life is going to a café with my sketchbook, whether I’m alone or with someone I love. I also find a lot of joy in reading and collecting illustrated books. I often revisit them just to flip through the pages, get inspired, and reconnect with that sense of wonder that first drew me to illustration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://matiba.co/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matiba.ilu/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-matiz-tibavizco
