i was never much of a talker as a kid. instead, i’d listen, observe, and then let my chaotic mind visualize something in great detail (i’d be in that world for hours).

and for as long as i can remember, i have always loved to figure out where to put things or figure out what something needs to be better (these were always my kinda fun).

so, naturally and without exploring any other options, i went off to design school at 18 and soon became obsessed with any project where i could organize objects. it was then that i knew editorial work (books of any kind and magazines), grids, and typography were going to be a part of my life forever.

“…i finally started to find my voice as a creative—as a designer, artist, and writer. that voice is a curious and passionate fire to figure out how to create whatever a project needs.”

about 12 years and many multi-disciplinary design projects later, i started painting on a whim one day (i had no idea what i was doing as i had never taken a fine art class and, no, i wasn’t ‘good’) for my mental health.

making art was uncomfortable but it made me think differently from what i had always done and i loved that about it. so i kept doing it and eventually found myself identifying as a mixed media artist; and so acrylics, watercolours, pencil, oil pastels, collages, ink transfers, clay, and whatever else i found that intrigued me were added to my creative world.

it was then when i finally started to find my voice as a creative—as a designer, artist, and writer. that voice is a curious and passionate fire to figure out how to create whatever a given project needs most.

i call myself a multi-disciplinary designer and mixed media artist because i don’t like being confined to one medium in anything I make. i’m always thinking how can this be better? and what is the purpose or story? and having plenty of means of creating means a better chance i can find the best solution for any project.

—mal