Meet Ashley Munson | Designer & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Munson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk requires passion. I think it’s important to take risks to grow and push yourself into uncomfortable territory. Those moves can bring new opportunities, make you grow as a person and sometimes make you discover something new about yourself and the abilities you have. For me, taking on a freelance career has been a risk, but I have always been passionate about doing my own thing. I was the one to have the lemonade stand out front of our house, sell my handmade jewelry at the 5th grade craft market, and paint custom shoes for my classmates in middle school. I knew whatever self made career I was going to pursue, was going to be fueled by my passion even if it meant taking a risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In middle school, I discovered pop art, The Yellow Submarine, the Beatles, Peter Max, psychedelic art – and since then, those subjects have influenced the art I create. My background is in fine art, but when I went to college, I thought Graphic Design would broaden my abilities and provide more career options. I didn’t want to let go of my fine art practice, so I took illustration classes along with my Graphic Design courses so that I had a balance of both technical and traditional.

Now as a freelancer, I offer both Graphic Design and Illustration services, which I know sets me a part from other Graphic Designers. I absolutely love being able to blend the two practices on projects, and allows my clients to enhance their visual presence with the balance of both. Today, I offer Branding, Packaging and Illustration services. Those are projects that I get the most excited about, and they are also the most impactful for my clients. So it’s a win win!

It’s taken me 6 years to build my business, and I’ve learned so much. Contracts, book keeping, client relationships, taxes, marketing through social media – it has been so much fun evolving as a creative, and looking for new ways to enhance my business. Whenever I am presented with challenges, I know it’s something new that I have to learn, so I will research and choose the best route to take intuitively. If I ever question something, I never rush it – I make sure to google, read and reach out to others if needed for the best advice. Working by myself can have its challenges, so using the creative community and resources is a must.

By birth, I am a Libra. So when I launched my design studio Libra Collective, it was only natural that I chose a name that aligned with who I am as a person and how I work. Balance plays a huge role in my life. Having the balance of Graphic Design and Illustration is something that I feel very aligned with. I’m also very intuitive with my projects, which allows me more freedom with the subject matter, and how I tell a story through line, shape and color. My relationships with clients often turn into friendships, and a support system. I’ve become close with a lot of clients and love that I get to cheer them on as their business evolves!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love where I live! I grew up in Laguna Niguel, and later moved in with my fiance in Carlsbad. We now live in Vista, just up the road from the coast. Food would be the #1 priority for us to explore. So, I’d have to take them to a few of my fave spots, starting with cofee. There’s quite a few amazing coffee spots from Oceanside to Encinitas, but if I had to choose one it would be Revolution Roasters in Oceanside. It’s super cute, has amazing coffee and pastries. We would definitely get the Monkey Bread, and one of their seasonal fall drinks.

For lunch throughout the week, we would hit Moto Deli in Leucadia (delish sandwiches), Don’s in Oceanside (yummy brunch and mimosas), and also Craft Coast in Oceanside (insane tacos – have to get the Burria). Dinner is tough, because there are so many great restaurants. My top three would be Birdseye Kitchen in Leucadia (the best Thai), Vigiluccis in Carlsbad (fancy and delicious italian), and Din Tai Fung in La Jolla (soup dumplings from heaven).

Additionally, for obvious reasons we would hit the beach! La Jolla cove is gorgeous, and I would also take them up to Salt Creek in Dana Point, which is a core memory for me as a child. It’s beautiful. Shopping around town in Oceanside is really fun as well. There’s a few spots that have opened up these past few years that are awesome (Rising Co., Sea Hive, Captain’s Helm, Ransack Vintage), and it’s always great to support small businesses!

Exploring the area gives you sunny california vibes, and it’s the best. No need to do something extreme – you get the whole experience while eating, going to to the beach and shopping.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
From birth, my family has been the support and love that has contributed to my success. My mom and dad taught me a lot, but I think the one thing that has always inspired me the most, is that they always said “You can do whatever you want in life.” I know that sounds cliche – but I have experienced talking to creatives that think they aren’t good enough, or don’t have the experience to pursue their artistic career, so they stop. When in reality, it takes time and if you really want it, you can make it happen no matter what. When you are presented with an obstacle, you have to figure out how to work around or through it. It’s taken me 6 years to build my business. I started small, and was always hungry for more – so now here I am and I still have that passion to expand. Passion will drive your success through whatever comes your way and will keep you going – and my parents really instilled that in me.

Beyond my family, my fiance has been so supportive of my career. Sometimes work life balance can be difficult – so having a partner that understands that is so important. It’s a full time job – so clocking out for me can be hard at times. He has been my sounding board, advice giver, and cheerleader through these past few years.

Website: libracollective.com

Instagram: @ashleymunson / @libra.design.co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-munson-3b3423158/