Meet Melissa Higareda | Designer & Illustrator

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

Hi Melissa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career because my earliest memories are filled with a deep connection to art. My dad’s doodles on bills and our shared love for cartoons like Tom & Jerry and X-Men influenced me greatly. Growing up, I saw art as something for everyone, and my parents encouraged my creativity.

Surprisingly, I didn’t take an art class until my senior year of high school, but my art teacher’s gift of Photoshop changed everything. I fell in love with creating, either through graphic design or editing photos.

In college, I initially studied psychology, hoping to merge my interests. But a design class made me realize my passion for design and its ubiquitous presence in our daily lives.

Being the first in my family to attend college came with pressure to secure a stable income. Convincing my parents of the potential in art was a constant challenge. I wanted to succeed not only for myself but also to give back for the opportunity they provided.

Fast forward over nine years, and I’m still passionately pursuing a career in design while continuing my art. I started LaHu3vona.Studio 2 years ago and have been helping smaller businesses expand their presence in the digital space by designing websites, branding, and social media marketing strategies. Additionally, I’m excited to announce that I have plans to launch LaHU3vona art shop website before the end of the year, featuring new designs I’ve been working on this summer. I enjoy creating across various mediums and hope to expand my creative endeavors into product design and animation in the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m delighted to offer you a glimpse into my world of art and my unconventional journey. I proudly identify as a Latina, hailing from the vibrant and diverse community of Southbay Los Angeles. What sets me apart is not just my art but the rich blend of cultures that have nurtured my creativity. My parents, who hail from the beautiful region of Michoacán, Mexico, instilled in me a deep appreciation for heritage and traditions, which often find their way into my artistic expressions.

At 31 years old, I find myself wearing many hats. By day, I’m the lead designer at divorce.com, where I get to exercise my creative muscles, particularly in the realm of product design. It’s a corporate journey I embarked on as a first-generation professional in my family, breaking new ground and forging my own path.

But my artistic journey doesn’t stop there. I’m also the proud proprietor of my Etsy art shop, where I channel my passion into crafting unique pieces that reflect the colorful tapestry of my background. On the side, I dive into the world of freelance illustration and website design, expanding my horizons and exploring a diverse array of creative projects.

As the first in my family to step into the corporate workforce, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges. However, I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with exceptional coworkers and mentors who have guided me in recognizing and amplifying my strengths. Their unwavering support has been invaluable in helping me maintain my authentic identity while thriving in the corporate world.

What I cherish most is not just my individual achievements but the collective narrative of resilience, diversity, and cultural pride that I bring to my art. It’s my heartfelt hope that my story resonates with other first-generation individuals from various backgrounds, inspiring them to embrace their uniqueness and cultural roots as sources of power and inspiration.

In my art, I endeavor to capture the essence of my multifaceted experiences and the tapestry of cultures that have sculpted me. Each stroke of the brush and pixel on the canvas is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the strength of identity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1:

-For breakfast, we’ll kickstart the day with a delicious meal at The Coffee Company. It’s a favorite spot known for its cozy ambiance and great coffee.
-After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive down the Pacific Coast Highway up to White Point. There, we’ll embark on an amazing coastal hike and soak in breathtaking ocean views.
-To end the day on a high note, we’ll savor dinner at Al Noor, indulging in their famous chicken tiki masala. And for a bit of nightlife, we’ll head to the local gem, The Corner Bar, for drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2:

-Our morning adventure takes us to La Luz de Jesus Gallery, a must-visit spot for its eclectic and unique art exhibitions.
-Right across the street, we’ll grab breakfast at one of the charming cafes to fuel up for the day.
-Post-breakfast, let’s explore the nearby thrift shops, where we can hunt for hidden treasures and unique finds.

Day 3 (Beach Day):

-We’ll make our way to Manhattan Beach for a fantastic beach day. Whether it’s swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, or biking along the scenic beachfront bike path, we’re in for a treat.
-For lunch, we’ll keep it relaxed and head to Hermosa Pier, where we can enjoy a slice of delicious pizza from one of the local pizzerias near the pier.
-In the evening, we can choose to stroll along the pier, soak in the ocean breeze, or simply unwind at our accommodation.

Day 4:

-Keep this day flexible for more adventures or relaxation, depending on my friends preferences.

Day 5:
– Spend day vinyl hunting
-As the evening approaches, let’s start with some drinks at Eskalatown w live dj music and bomb chicharon

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my high school art teacher, Michael Gower. He unwaveringly believed in my artistic abilities, and I owe much of my current success to his support. When I expressed an interest in graphic design, he generously provided me with my first copy of Photoshop, which set me on my creative journey.

Additionally, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my cultural heritage and my family. As a first-generation Mexican American, I carry the collective struggles and sacrifices of my parents, grandparents, and generations before me. Marielena and Alejandro, my parents, I love you deeply. You’ve not only shaped me but have also always believed in me, even during my toughest moments. My sisters, Yasmeen and Stephanie, serve as incredible sources of inspiration as both fearless and creative minds.

Website: Lahu3vona.Studio

Instagram: @lahu3vona.studio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahigareda/