Meet Morgan Valdez | Small business owner

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

Hi Morgan, is there something you believe many others might not?
A piece of conventional advice I disagree with is to not quit and to see things through. I have found on my journey that there are classes or program I have joined thinking they were going to be my path. While going down the path I’ll realize it wasn’t what I wanted or expected and that’s ok! I feel like we are afraid to admit that something isn’t working because we’ll be labeled as a quitter! I think there is strength in listening to our intuitions and knowing when to pivot on our paths. Because of my pivots and “quitting” certain positions, I have ended up where I’m at and couldn’t be happier!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ever since I was a kid I knew I always wanted to be an artist. Growing up though, I was told it couldn’t be a career. I was told I would be a starving artist and it was just a hobby. Although those voices were strong in my head, my desire and passion for art was stronger!

I was in art classes all throughout school and finally made the decision to go to an art college. I attended The Art Institute of Dallas, it was unfortunately during Covid so I was mainly online. My degree at the time was Media Arts and Animation. I had wanted to be a Disney Animator at the time. 2 years through my degree I found I didn’t love animation or the industry, it just wasn’t for me! I then switched my degree to Graphic Design where I then got my Associates degree.

Finding work in graphic design proved to be a challenge and got a part time job as a sign artist for my local grocery store. It was there that I re-found my love and passion for drawing. I began drawing characters and becoming the illustrator I am today.

The art style I have created ties in my roots of oil painting with atmospheric art while incorporating characters most of us know and love! Finding my art style has been a journey in itself and it’s still evolving. To any other artist out there struggling with their art style I want to say I see you! But keep going! You’ll find it and remember it changes along with you! No one stays stagnant.

Although none of what happened was according to my 5 year plan, I couldn’t be any happier with where I’m at today. The overall lesson I have learned is to yes, have a plan and try to stick to it, but also make sure it’s still what you want. I have never wanted to own my own business and now I couldn’t image it differently!

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.
I am the true definition of a homebody and do not get out much! Any friend who visits me knows this question would not be my strong suit! But when I do go out I always start with an iced oat milk latte and chocolate croissant from Coffee for Sasquash! I love to bring my iPad some days and sit outside when the weather is nice and draw what I see. My main food place I always love to hit is the Fish Grill where I get the Cajun fish tacos!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to first give a shoutout to myself. I am the one who made my business what it is and have put in the work everyday even when I didn’t want to.

Now on those days I felt like I couldn’t keep going I leaned on my partner Matthew. He is everything to me and I owe a lot of my success to him other than myself. He picked me up when I fell and kept pushing me when I couldn’t anymore. He has always been my rock and my muse.

I want to also give a shoutout to Ishita who also pushed me and guided me to even start my business. She was one of the first people to believe in my dream and encouraged me to start this journey!

Another person who supported me immensely is Nina. She is a clairvoyant Psychic-Medium and a very close friend of mine. She also has her own business and has inspired me to prevail through trials and tribulations. To see her get knocked down  and pick herself back up, inspires me to try everyday and to show up for myself and business! If you want deep healing and overall a good vibe, check out her instagram @intuitivelyled.

Website: https://illustratedbymostore.etsy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illustratedbymorgan?igsh=MTF2cDJ1anJ6ZG1seA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr