Meet Liz Ortiz | Latina Artist & Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Liz Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liz, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The importance of adaptability. I’ve learned that things don’t always go as planned, especially in the world of markets and workshops. But being able to adjust, whether it’s adapting to participants’ skill levels in my workshops or handling health challenges in my personal life, is crucial to keeping the momentum of my business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply personal and rooted in my experiences and passions. I began my creative journey studying Photo Image Making (analog photography) at CSU, which laid the foundation for my visual storytelling. After a break from school, I returned in 2013 and expanded my focus to Printmaking. This blend of disciplines allowed me to explore how images and impressions can convey meaning in different ways, and Printmaking, in particular, became a medium where I felt I could express myself most authentically.

What sets my work apart is the amount of heart and soul I pour into each piece. I’ve always believed that to be an artist, you have to be a little mad, like the Hare in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which is where the name Mad Hare Press comes from. The Hare was naturally mad, and as artists, we go through so much to create our work and there’s a certain madness and dedication involved. I put so much time, effort, and emotion into everything I create, and for a long time, I struggled with the idea of sharing my work with others, fearing that no one could appreciate it as much as I did. It wasn’t until 2022 that I sold my first print at a market, and that moment was both terrifying and exhilarating. It was challenging to let go of each print because they represent a part of who I am, but sharing my art with others has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined.

The road to where I am today wasn’t easy. After contracting COVID in 2020, I dealt with long-term effects that made it impossible to continue in my management career. That experience forced me to rethink my future and gave me the push I needed to finally bring Mad Hare Press, an idea I had back in 2006, to life. I officially launched the business in 2021, and in 2022, I started selling my work at markets. Overcoming my fear of how my work would be received, and learning to embrace the vulnerability of sharing it with the world, has been one of my biggest challenges.

Along the way, I’ve learned that resilience and belief in your vision are key. It’s not just about creating art, but about building a brand and community that reflects who you are as an artist. Mad Hare Press is a reflection of my journey, and through it, I aim to create art that resonates with others and allows them to connect with my story.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that Mad Hare Press was built on passion, persistence, and a belief in the power of creativity. I’ve worked hard to make this dream come to life, and I’m proud of every step I’ve taken. It’s not always easy, but I believe that the challenges I’ve faced have made me a stronger artist and business owner. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their creativity and take risks in pursuing what they love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d kick off Monday with coffee and my favorite breakfast burritos at Mugs Old Town, followed by a stroll through Old Town’s shops and galleries. Dinner would be at Coppersmith’s, enjoying their delicious pork schnitzel.
Tuesday would be spent hiking at Horsetooth Reservoir, and in the evening, we’d head to The Taco Stop for Taco Tuesday and margaritas.
Wednesday would start with coffee at Wolverine Farm Publick House, hopefully I would get to introduce them to fellow local artists in the community. We’d visit the Center for Creativity and then The Museum of Art Fort Collins. To end the day, we’d stop by Petrichor Collective for their Wednesday “Art Night” potluck. This will give me an opportunity to show them where I often host workshops.
Thursday, we’d go hiking up the Poudre Canyon, with lunch at The Mishawaka, then return to town for dinner at Café de Bangkok to enjoy their Tom Kha Hot Pot.
On Friday, we’d have brunch at the Urban Egg and grab a beer at Gilded Goat, then explore The Art Mart at Mugs Old Town. If there’s a show, we’d catch live music at Washington’s or the Armory.
Saturday would begin with a visit to the Fort Collins Farmers’ Market, followed by a relaxed afternoon in Old Town. We’d have dinner at Moe’s BBQ, enjoying their fried chicken.
Sunday would wrap up the week with brunch at Lucile’s Creole Cafe and a laid-back afternoon at Odell Brewing Co, ending with dinner at Penrose Taphouse & Eatery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the encouragement and support of so many people and organizations along the way. A huge part of my personal and professional success is thanks to my partner, Ben. He has been essential to the development of Mad Hare Press and my growth as an artist. Ben has stood by me through every challenge, particularly my health struggles, always offering both emotional and practical support. Whether it’s helping with market setup, driving me to events, or brainstorming ideas, his contributions have been invaluable. Ben truly understands the highs and lows of running a creative business, and I couldn’t do it without him. He’s not only my strongest advocate but also a constant source of motivation and stability, ensuring I can continue pursuing my passion, even in tough times. Not to mention he is the best dad to our pup RBG, aka RB.

My success is also deeply rooted in the incredible support from the local Fort Collins artist community. I started hosting workshops with the help of the folks at The Lyric, Vanessa Jimenez from Frida Azul and Lorene and TJ at Petrichor Collective all who have been instrumental in helping me expand my workshops and grow Mad Hare Press. Wolverine Farm, along with Chelsea Gilmore, provided an amazing opportunity for me to connect with other creators during my time as a Maker in Residence. I’m grateful to Nick Heimann from the City of Fort Collins Cultural Services Department for his dedication to fostering artistic growth and creating opportunities for artists like me to flourish. A special thanks goes to Zora Beglarian, the founder of The Art Mart, who has given so many artists, including myself, the chance to showcase and sell their work at local markets, which has been invaluable to the artist community. These relationships have truly shaped my journey, and I believe the community around me is the foundation of Mad Hare Press’s success.

Website: https://www.madharepress.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madharepress/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadHarePress

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@madharepress?si=T8UddRcBYk3P3rji

Other: https://madharepress.eventbrite.com