From UTS to Founding Ree Creative: Maria Esquivel
Photo credit: Maria Esquivel (Ree Creative)
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Maria’s journey in the world of visual communication is deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for creativity, being at the heart of everything she did. Growing up, she found herself drawn to all things artistic, spending countless hours painting, sketching, and experimenting with design projects. Art, design, and photography were her absolute favourite subjects in school, and she would often lose herself in the joy of creating something visually compelling. Photography became a major passion as she captured moments with friends, family, and anything that caught her eye, always aiming to craft something meaningful.
Choosing Visual Communication at UTS
As Maria approached the end of high school, her desire for a career that allowed her to express creativity and make an impact grew. Her father, a designer and UTS alumni, inspired her by sharing his own experiences. This sparked her curiosity about where her own creative path could lead, which encouraged Maria to explore the UTS programs herself, knowing that she wanted a solid foundation to develop her skills and refine her artistic voice.
She initially enrolled in the Bachelor of Design in Photography and Situated Media, diving deep into photography. However, as her journey continued, she realised her interests extended beyond a single medium. Fascinated by the intersections of design, photography, and digital media, she shifted to the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication to explore a broader field.
“It’s been an exciting journey and I’m so glad I followed this path.” she says.
This degree gave me the chance to experiment and evolve as a designer while learning to combine my love for photography with new disciplines like graphic design, digital media and interactive design.
Building Ree Creative
In 2019, Maria founded Ree Creative, a luxury design and social media agency based in Sydney with a mission to create an agency that transcended traditional social media marketing and design. The agency specialises in graphic design, photography, print, and social media management, offering tailored content strategies that reflect each brand’s unique identity. With a focus on emerging trends, Ree Creative’s goal was to set a high bar for visual quality, storytelling and client experience.
Photo credit: Maria Esquivel (Ree Creative)
The Vision
The inspiration behind Ree Creative came from Maria's passion for authentic, visually compelling content that resonates with audiences. When she founded the agency, she envisioned a space for luxury brands that desired a partner to elevate their aesthetic in ways that feel contemporary and timeless. Ree Creative’s commitment to excellence, personalised service, and a high standard of quality in every project has established it as a premium choice in the industry.
Academic Experience at UTS
Maria’s time in the Visual Communication program at UTS played an instrumental role in shaping her skills and preparing her for the creative industry. The program emphasised critical thinking and concept development, encouraging her to think strategically and align design choices with a brand’s message. She believes that the program was invaluable in helping her build Ree Creative into the agency it is today.
“The collaborative environment at UTS was also a huge asset. Working alongside other talented, creative students and receiving feedback from experienced mentors challenged me to constantly improve and refine my work” she says.
Photo credit: Maria Esquivel (Ree Creative)
By the time I graduated, I felt prepared not only as a designer but as a creative thinker ready to tackle complex projects and bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table.
Influential Courses and Projects
One of the most significant influences on Maria’s career path was the branding subject she took in her final year. Through real-world projects, she gained a deep understanding of how branding shapes perceptions and communicates values. This hands-on experience in branding inspired Maria to focus on storytelling as a central aspect of Ree Creative’s mission, helping her establish the agency as a trusted partner for luxury brands.
Advice for Aspiring Visual Communication Students
Reflecting on her time at UTS, Maria believes the program was pivotal in shaping her career, providing her with both the technical skills and creative thinking needed to succeed in the design and social media industry. She advises aspiring visual communication students to “push creative boundaries” and “balance creativity with strategic thinking” to create impactful design.
I gained hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, worked on real-world projects and collaborated with talented peers, which prepared me for the fast-paced, ever-evolving creative landscape. The mentorship and exposure to industry professionals further solidified my passion for design.
She encourages aspiring visual communication students to consider UTS, where they will find a comprehensive education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and industry connections, offering the foundation needed for a successful career in the creative field.
"I would absolutely recommend UTS to aspiring visual communication students." she says.
The program offers a comprehensive, well-rounded education, encouraging both creativity and critical thinking. The faculty is highly knowledgeable and supportive and the opportunity to build a strong network of like-minded individuals and industry connections is invaluable - they can open doors and shape your career.
UTS provides a solid foundation for those looking to pursue a career in the creative field, offering the skills, confidence and inspiration to succeed.