Meet Haydee Yanez

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Haydee Yanez again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Haydee, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I’m Haydee Yanez, a proud native Cora from Tepic, Nayarit, and I grew up in the colorful, dynamic border town of Tijuana, México. My creative journey began with a simple idea during my college years at Universidad Iberoamericana – MexiconsArt. What started as a small thesis project (a coloring book for kindergartners!) has blossomed into a lifelong mission to celebrate the rich tapestry of Mexican icons, stories, and traditions through design.

With over 20 years of experience in Art Direction, Illustration, Publishing, and Consumer Products, I’ve had the privilege of working across a wide spectrum of bilingual content, from designing hospitality materials to illustrating children’s books. Today, I call Southern California home, where I continue to develop MexiconsArt – a brand that merges nostalgia, creativity, and a deep love for México into paper goods, accessories, and apparel.

Growing up in Tijuana, I was constantly inspired by the intersection of cultures—where Mexican traditions meet global influences. This unique blend of old and new, traditional and contemporary, is what drives my work. Every product I create, whether it’s a tote bag or a piece of stationery, carries a piece of my Mexican heritage, combined with a modern twist. It’s my way of honoring the icons, colors, and stories that shaped my childhood and continue to inspire me today.

I’m thrilled to share this creative journey with you. Through MexiconsArt, I aim to bring the vibrant soul of México into your everyday life, with designs that evoke memories, celebrate our culture, and add a touch of Mexican flair to your world. Stay tuned for more of my story, and I can’t wait to see how these designs resonate with you.

¡Bienvenidos! Let’s celebrate Mexican design together!

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the significant challenges I faced was emigrating to a new place without family members nearby. The longing for community and the desire to find my tribe played a crucial role in pushing me to create MexiconsArt. Starting a new chapter in a different country brought its own set of hurdles, but it also fueled my passion to connect with others who share my love for Mexican culture. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and it’s been the support and connection with like-minded individuals that has made it all worthwhile.

What I’m most excited about these days is the opportunity to continue meeting new people—whether through collaborations, conventions, or simply connecting with others who appreciate the beauty of Mexican culture. The possibilities feel endless. As much as the road has been uncertain at times, I’m constantly inspired to keep creating and sharing art. The unpredictability of the times we’re living in only pushes me to embrace new opportunities, keep evolving, and stay true to my creative vision.

I’m especially looking forward to exploring more collaborative projects that allow me to bring MexiconsArt to new audiences. There’s a lot of potential in working with other artists, brands, and communities, and I can’t wait to see where those connections lead. It’s a time of reinvention, and I’m excited to continue growing through the process.

Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.

Favorite Movie: Macario, 1960

Favorite Book: Just Kids by Patty Smith

Favorite TV Show: RuPaul’s Drag Race

Favorite Band or Artist: Juan Gabriel

Sweet or Savory: Bitterly Sweet

Mountains or Beach: Mountains

Favorite Sport (to watch): a lip-synch battle

Favorite Sport (to play): I prefer dancing

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): none, I was indoor kid that read and painted way too much

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: an Adult, so I can take charge of my life

French Fries or Onion Rings: Espiro-papa!

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: None, prefer Suze Orman

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Tex Avery Show

Favorite Childhood movie: Never Ending Story

Favorite Breakfast Food: Eggs, any form

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
What I hope people remember about me and my brand is the way I bring people together through design—how my work creates a space where memories and traditions come to life. Graphic design has always been a dynamic, ever-changing field, but what sets me apart is the way I blend nostalgia with contemporary design. This approach allows me to connect deeply with people, especially through my cultural coloring books, which resonate with families across generations. It’s not just about creating something visually appealing, but about evoking feelings of home, warmth, and shared history.

With MexiconsArt, I’ve always strived to create more than just paper goods, accessories, and apparel. I want my work to carry the essence of Mexican culture—its icons, stories, and vibrant soul—in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Whether it’s a tote bag, a greeting card, or a children’s book, I take pride in knowing that my designs carry a sense of shared cultural heritage, bridging generations and sparking a sense of nostalgia that transcends time.

What’s most important to me is how my work makes people feel—whether it reminds them of a beloved tradition, a cherished memory, or a connection to their roots. My ultimate goal is for people to feel seen and heard in my designs, to know that they are part of a community that values their culture and their story. That’s what makes it all worth it for me.

Website: https://mexiconsart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mexiconsart/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydeeyanez

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mexiconsart/

Other: https://www.haydeeyanez.com

Image Credits
Jasmine by Let’s Frolic Together