Community Sketch Hour

Maria Madrid Reed

artist

I am a self-taught Muralist, Illustrator and Graphic Designer from Sonora, Mexico. I've loved doing art since I can remember. It has influenced me in more ways that I can think of, and helped me navigate challenging times. As a kid I knew I wanted to be a muralist when I painted my bedroom with looney tunes cartoons while rocking out to Madonna's music. After graduating high school, I ended up getting a degree in Graphic Design, and working for companies in Phoenix, AZ, the last one being the Phoenix Suns. I was part of their creative team for 5 years, and worked on many design projects that expanded my creativity. The change came when my son arrived to the world and I decided I wanted to focus on my family. The transition wasn't as easy as I had thought it would be. I missed the fast paced environment and using my creativity. So, I challenged myself to go back to my roots. I started doing simple pencil drawings in the beginning, and slowly ramped up my art practice to include painting and illustration. In 2022 I painted my first public mural in downtown Phoenix, and more commissions followed after. Now I am a full time artist, and my dream to paint walls with my art has come true. I have worked for several companies including IRIS USA, City of Goodyear, City of Tolleson, Arizona State Fair, Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, Phoenix Suns, Coca-Cola and others. When I'm not painting I love hanging out at coffee shops and exploring our beautiful state of Arizona with my family.