He Left the Corporate World to Follow His Dream of Becoming a Full-Time Illustrator
Meet Rico
Also known as @ricoglyphics on Instagram, character designer and digital illustrator, Rico, decided that after 20+ years of the corporate slog, he was finally ready to follow his passion.
After years of feeling like he didn’t “fit in”, he finally found “home” in Portugal.
Keep reading to hear more about what influenced his decision to move to Portugal.
“I decided to leave my country and find a place that I could finally call ‘home to work full-time on my business.”
Tell us about you and your family
I am a character designer and digital Illustrator that decided to leave my country and find a place that I could finally call “home”. I decided to work full-time on my business, so my wife and I looked for a greater sense of adventure that was a happy compromise of things that we wanted in our lifestyle.
Where are you currently living?
Currently, I am living in Setubal. I have moved around Portugal quite a bit, as I found a lot of expats do, and I am pleasantly surprised at how beautiful this side of the bridge is from Lisbon. It’s very cosmopolitan and the beaches like Costa da Caparica and the area of Seixal are so epic that we decided to settle here.
Seixal, Setúbal Peninsula, Portugal
What inspired you to pursue expat life?
When I was in my early 20s, I aspired to be a full-time illustrator. But then life got in the way, and I got stuck in the corporate world. For the next 20 years, I noticed a pattern of just going home and working. Then I started to feel frustrated because I wanted more out of life.
I knew that I had a greater purpose and I realized that I didn’t really fit in. Don’t get me wrong, London is great. However, since I was young, I never felt at home or settled, which is why I found myself traveling to different countries to find a sense of belonging.
“London is great. However, since I was young, I never felt at home or settled, which is why I found myself traveling to different countries to find a sense of belonging.”
How has expat life changed you for the better?
I always had an adventurous spirit. Since living here in Portugal, I have wished I had done this years ago. I have come to realize how liberating it is to follow your passion. It makes me more defined as a person to find out what else I can do.
What’s the hardest part about being an expat?
It’s not easy to just pick up your life and say, “I need to leave,” but then again, I didn't have a social circle that I would have missed. The only thing that I would like to find in Portugal is good Caribbean food and produce.
How did you choose Portugal as your current location?
I always heard of people going on holiday to Europe, but I never had a desire to visit. I always found myself going to the United States, Brazil, and the Caribbean. Then I decided to visit Portugal, as I had many Portuguese friends. I took the plunge and decided to visit and after living here for more than 3 years, I haven’t looked back.
What are some interesting things you’ve learned during your time in Portugal?
Portugal has an interesting history. When you consider the great Earthquake and Tsunami of 1755, the Moorish influence, and the construction of the 1998 world exposition of Parque das Naçōes, it makes you think that Portugal is a country of great innovation and renovation. Just look at the cobbled streets and appreciate the detail.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while living in Portugal?
Simply dealing with everyday life is a big one. Imagine going through life in a country that is not your country of origin, the language is not your first language, and the thought process is different. There are certainly moments of despair, but you have to learn to adjust.
Setúbal Peninsula, Portugal
What has been the most rewarding thing about living in Portugal?
Mixing the moments of despair with unmitigated gratitude. Portugal has given me a broader sense of looking at life by having patience and the ability to keep being innovative.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known before moving to Portugal?
I truly didn't know or appreciate the rest of Europe before coming here. I wish I knew before about the problems I faced in getting things done with documents, sharing apartments, rent, and finding a job that pays a decent salary. There is a balance, you just have to find it.
Is there anything else people should know who are thinking of moving to Portugal?
Due diligence. Do your research on whatever you want to gain from living here. It's not for everyone. It begs you to adapt and find your slice of prosperity. The 300 days of sunshine is a motivator but when the winter comes, and come it will, it will be unforgiving. This should be a metaphor for your entire experience moving here. There is a cost to living in paradise, so spend your time deciding if you can find what you are looking for.
What is the coolest or craziest thing you’ve seen or that has happened to you since moving to Portugal?
The coolest thing about living here is that every city in Portugal is so different, and yet, is very much Portuguese. You can have a slice of other European experiences from city to city. For example, there is the Venice of Portugal in a city called Aveiro, or you can experience some of the best beaches in the world like the beach in Troia. The craziest thing is the relaxed experience you get when things go wrong. I have been faced with the attitude of ’Oh well’ when trying to resolve issues regarding documents or getting something fixed in my home. It can be harsh sometimes but again; it is what it is.
Moliceiro Boats on the Canals of Aveiro, Portugal
Tell us some of your favorite things in Portugal
Beach
Troia
20 minutes from Lisbon by ferry in Setúbal and it's like you are in the Maldives.
Dish
Bacalhau à Brás
A traditional recipe including egg, potato sticks, olives, and salt cod scrambled together.
Must-See
Seixal
A picturesque town across the Tagus River from Lisbon, accessible by bus or ferry.
Wine
Tawny Port
Typically lighter in color than vintage or ruby ports with nutty/caramel flavors.
Interested in Moving to Portugal?
Renovating Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Links like this allow us to continue providing top-quality content at no cost to you.
