From Side Quest to Spotlight: Andrea Campos on Play, Purpose, and Her Unconventional Art Journey

Margo is joined by color-obsessed illustrator and joyful creative spirit, Andrea Campos. Known to many as the talent behind Drea’s Doodles, Andrea shares her unconventional journey from a decade-long career in marketing to becoming a full-time visual artist and New York Times bestselling illustrator. What started as a personal art challenge during the pandemic turned into an extraordinary pivot—leading to illustrating a bilingual children’s book co-authored by none other than Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon.

Margo and Andrea talk about the magic of starting before you’re ready, the power of creative challenges, and how community can shift your entire trajectory. Andrea shares on embracing her playful voice, navigating imposter syndrome, and showing up authentically as a first-generation Mexican American artist.

Margo and Andrea discuss:

  • Andrea’s path from corporate marketing to full-time creative work
  • How an art challenge sparked a major publishing opportunity
  • Embracing a joyful, playful art style despite industry expectations
  • Building creative confidence and community on Instagram
  • Illustrating Con Pollo and being featured on The Tonight Show
  • The value of representation and storytelling through a bilingual lens
  • Using art to invite empathy and spark connection
  • Her upcoming solo book project and the character that inspired it
  • The importance of creative “side quests” and making art just for fun

Connect with Andrea:
https://instagram.com/dreasdoodles

dreasdoodles.com

Tips for Kids Books!https://dreasdoodles.substack.com/p/new-to-kidlit-here-are-my-favorite

Mentioned in this episode:

Ace & Jig – https://aceandjig.com

Damson Matter – https://damsonmadder.com/en-us

Big Bud Press – https://bigbudpress.com


People Inspiring Andrea:

Marissa Valdez, children’s book illustrator

Roda Hermansen , children’s book author

All the women around the world, who are standing up for their rights, and supporting other women/people who are doing so as well.

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