Hi, I’m Maqui (like Jackie, but with an M).

Who am I
I’m a director, writer, and visual storyteller who loves crafting narratives that feel authentic, emotional, and a little magical—whether they’re destined for your phone screen or something bigger. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve come at storytelling from just about every angle: building sets, fabricating props, shooting as a cinematographer, and working across production. This mix of experiences means I bring both a creative vision and a hands-on craft to every project, always grounded in collaboration.
 
What I do now
I’m a Senior Creative at Vox Media’s Explainer Studio, where I turn big, complex ideas into clear, engaging videos—sometimes short and snappy, sometimes more in-depth. On any given day you’ll find me scripting, brainstorming with designers and animators, directing on set, or deep in research mode (usually down some very fun rabbit holes).
 
What I did before
Before Vox Media, I worked with Rally On Media directing and producing equity crowdfunding videos that helped raise over $180 million in investment funding.

And before that, I was at CNN's Great Big Story as their sole multi-media producer and lead stop-motion animator. During my time there I converted an old conference room into a blackbox studio and got to work on all of their in-house editorial series- one of which was selected to run on HBOMax. 

Before Great Big Story, I worked as a freelance art director and set designer for clients like Courageous (CNN's branded studio), Bloomberg, Macy's, Adobe, Benjamin Moore, Chrysler, and Panera. Here I learned how to build worlds with little and large resources, how to use every frame as an opportunity to propel the story, and manage teams of many scales and backgrounds.
 
Background and more
I am passionate about all things art and anything that requires problem solving. I also love to bake, run, illustrate, dance, watch animated everythings, and read.

I’m originally from Texas and am a graduate of NYU’s Tisch program, with additional studies at Gobelins Paris, the School of Visual Arts, and the Rhode Island School of Design.