MATTHEW LAZAGA

📍 Based in Orange County.

Matthew is a graduate from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) where he attained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a joint emphasis in Marketing and Information Systems & Decision Science. He entered CSUF as a computer engineering major while working part time in the costume department as a seamstress and tailor. With hopes and dreams of working in the fashion industry, his boss at the costume department suggested that he pick up photography and learn how to photograph his own designs. But the second he picked up a camera in 2017, he fell in love with the new art medium and has been taking photos since then.

After graduating during the pandemic in 2021, he was recruited to work at Amazon within the logistics department as an Operations Manager. With no job prospects in marketing or data analytics, he took on the role for a little less than 2 years quickly promoting just after hitting his one-year anniversary. At Amazon, he gained skills in project management, leadership, and budgeting and was even able to apply his marketing analysis skills although he was working in quite a different business segment.

In August of 2023, Matthew took a leap of faith, left Amazon, and is now attending Fullerton College earning a certification in Digital Publication/ Graphic Design subject to be completed in August of 2024. With his experience in management, photography, fashion design, and now graphic design, he aims to pursue a career as a project manager or art director in the beauty or fashion industry.

As a queer Filipino-American, I hope to share my unique experiences to continue the diversification of art in all styles. Growing up in a spiritual culture, I aspire to discover my purpose in our fast-changing world while helping others do the same. If I were to specify what my goal is to do in any or every opportunity that comes my way, it’s to leave a positive and lasting impression on the people that I meet.

To be bold and courageous in a way that’s graceful and regal; because, a joyful and fierce memory has the power to take us to places we can only dream of being.

He currently resides in Corona, California with his family and his 20-year-old cockatiel. In his free time, you can find him trying new coffee shops, sewing, deadlifting, and making playlists. He hopes to move back to Orange County or closer to Los Angeles in the near future.