We had the great pleasure of working with the talented Michelle Muñoz on our Latina Approved Loteria game and are so excited we had the chance to do a Q&A interview with her. She is an inspiring, hardworking, and exceptional Latina artist. Her work ranges from social media posts, prints, stickers, greeting cards, and so much more! Michelle’s designs showcase the beauty within the Latin culture and we can’t wait to see all of her future projects!

Q: Tell us about yourself and upbringing 

A: I’m a freelance illustrator/designer based in Southern California. I grew up in a very traditional Mexican household. Both my parents were born and raised in Mexico so growing up, I always embraced my culture.

Q: What is a tradition within your culture that is special to you?

A: Christmas is a big deal for my family, especially when it comes to food. My family and I spend the night before Christmas Eve making tamales. We play music, share our favorite memories, and just have fun. Ever since I was young, all I remember was seeing the Christmas lights lit up around the house and my family gathered in the kitchen making tamales and pozole. This tradition is centered around the importance of family and I will forever cherish these memories.

Q: How did you get started working as a designer? 

A: I’ve always loved creating art since I was young. I would say the pivotal point was when I decided to major in Studio Art in college. While in college, I was hired as a UI designer. This led me to discover new skills and I began to create my own, personal artwork. The rest is history!

Q: What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?

A: I’ve had the opportunity to work on so many amazing projects and to collaborate with incredible creatives! I’ve loved collaborating with: She Se Puede, GRL Collective, The Mexican Beauty, Always, Joe Paleta, This is About Humanity, and of course, Latina Approved! There are so much more but this list would get really long really quick! I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to work with such wonderful people! 

Q: What are some challenges that you’ve faced as a designer and how have you overcome them?

A: Like many other artists, I struggle with Imposter Syndrome. The feeling that your work isn’t good enough and people will eventually disengage can be scary. However, I’m constantly reminding myself that I’ve come so far and that I shouldn’t be the one to tear myself down.

Q: What advice do you have for women wanting to take a leap of faith on themselves, but might be afraid to start? 

A: Go for it! I was terrified when I first started but I knew that if I wanted it, I had to take a leap of faith! Focus on your goals and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You got this! 

Q: Who is a woman you look up to and why? 

A: Definitely my mom. I’m incredibly blessed to have such a supportive mother who is always cheering me on. I admire her optimism and ambition to live life to the fullest. I strive to be more like her every day. 

Q: How have you stayed centered throughout this pandemic? (ex: working out, reading, etc.)

A: I’m a major homebody so staying home hasn’t been that difficult for me. I spend my days working out, listening to music, creating art, and watching Friends all day (I’ve re-watched all ten seasons multiple times during this pandemic). 

Q: What is your life motto?

A: I truly believe in the saying, “Dios aprieta pero no ahorca” (God only gives you what you can handle).

Q: What can we expect from you in the coming year? Any major goals/ plans?

A:  More art! I have a list of projects I want to create for the following year and can’t wait to share with you all!  

Keep up with Michelle on Instagram at @ittsmichellemunoz

Visit her shop on Etsy at IttsMichelleMunoz.