Freelance, Taylor Swift & Figuring It Out: Andrea’s Path to magier

Andrea Barrios is a 26-year-old graphic designer based in El Salvador. Her journey into design began early, without a degree but with passion, curiosity, and Taylor Swift lyrics. Today, she works remotely at magier, creating vibrant branding projects and contributing to a team culture rooted in empathy and communication.

How Did Your Design Journey Begin?

I started working when I was 18, even before going to college. I was in a high school program that included a specialization in graphic design, and that’s when I discovered my passion for design. I began creating Instagram posts and videos more as a hobby than a job, but a friend noticed my work and recommended me to her boss.

That first job was intimidating. I didn’t have a portfolio, and the interview was in English, which I had mostly learned through translating Taylor Swift songs with Google Translate! Still, I got the job. I only earned $75/month, but I was grateful because they let me work four hours a day so I could also focus on my studies. That flexibility and experience were priceless.

When COVID hit, I feared I’d lose my job, but instead, my boss offered me a full-time position. During that time, I also started freelancing. I said yes to projects I didn’t fully know how to do, like building a full website, and learned along the way. That attitude has shaped my career ever since.

What Made You Choose magier?

I actually had offers from two companies at the same time, but after my demo week at magier, the choice was clear. I worked with Anna and Sina, and I could feel that they truly cared, not just about the work but about me as a person.

They didn’t mind my different time zone and told me, “We’ll figure it out together.” That meant a lot. It made me feel valued and seen. At magier, I’m not just a design machine. I’m a human, and that makes all the difference.

What Kind of Design Work Do You Enjoy Most?

Branding, even though it's my “frenemy”! It's the area that challenges me the most but also excites me. At magier, I’ve had the chance to dive into branding projects and really grow.

One project I loved was for a brand called Beatcrate. It was fun, colorful, and pushed me out of my comfort zone. The brand is a toolbox for web developers, and I ended up creating a logo with a cat in a box, inspired by my own cats! I wasn’t sure if the client would go for it, but they loved it. It was one of those moments where I realized: okay, I can do this.

How Would You Describe magier’s Culture in One Word?

Communication.

Being in a different time zone, communication is everything for me. And at magier, it’s not just about tasks. It's also about how you're feeling.

There was one night I was working until 3 a.m. because I was stuck on a project, and Anna messaged me asking, “Why are you still working?” She reminded me it’s okay to say when you're overwhelmed or need help. That support system is rare and something I truly value.

What’s It Like Working With a Multicultural Team?

It’s been such a rewarding experience. The biggest challenge is definitely the time zone difference, but it’s made me a better communicator and more empathetic.

When you're not in an office, you don’t see what others are going through. You learn to give space, be patient, and understand that everyone has their own life and challenges. Plus, it’s inspiring to see how differently people work, whether from coffee shops, homes, or even the field.

What Do You Enjoy Doing Outside of Work?

I’m a pretty chill person! Unlike many of my adventure-loving colleagues, I’m more into slow, everyday pleasures. I love reading, journaling, and walking, especially alone.

When I lived in Argentina for a year, I used to unwind by taking long solo walks. It helped me reset after stressful days. I also enjoy drawing (just for fun!) and writing down random facts or things I’ve learned in my journal. Even though I work in tech, I’m super analog. I prefer notebooks and pens over my iPad any day.

About magier

Magier is a graphic design and Webflow subscription service for growing startups and scale-ups, founded in 2023 by Maximilian Fleitmann and Sina Sadegh.

Since then, we have supported 100+ marketers and founders with B2B and B2C brands with stunning design and Webflow projects.Our flexible and transparent model allows marketers and founders to quickly and easily get their design and Webflow tasks. Of course, this wouldn't be possible without our amazing team of senior art directors, designers, and Webflow developers.

If you want to learn more about our team, feel free to check out the rest of the Employee Stories.

Interested in joining our remote-first and innovative team? Browse our open positions!

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