Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercy Garcia.
Hi Mercy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey toward becoming a graphic designer began during my college years. I initially wanted to pursue a career in psychology but eventually decided that designing is what I loved to do and so I enrolled into my school’s graphic design program. During this time, I created an Instagram to share my graphic design art with close friends and family, just for fun! Shortly after graduating from college in art and graphic design, people took an interest in my digital illustrations and I began receiving commissions for these custom designs. Meanwhile, my personal life was moving fast, in a special way! My husband (boyfriend at the time) and I made a faith-filled decision to move to Texas and start our life together. We married last year in January and the next day, we packed our things into a truck and drove over 24 hours to eventually arrive in Houston. For over a year after settling down in our new home, I struggled to find a graphic design role that would help me grow and learn more as a designer. Given how saturated the career field was for designers, I took it upon myself to create my own business and get serious about designing. Integrating ourselves into our church community helped propel this dream of mine. I was able to gain experience and connections through internships. This helped me build friendships with people who would eventually become first-time clients. Once I had enough work to showcase, I began using my fun social media page as a business establishment to network with other designers and find clients! Although I am in the early stages of my career, I’m excited and eager to see it flourish in the coming months.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
If it weren’t for the struggles I endured, I would never have even attempted to create my own business! Before walking into my design career, I had trouble finding a job for about a year. After constant rejection, I began to doubt my design skills and career choice. Eventually, with the support and inspiration of those around me, I worked to bring my vision to life. This required going outside of my comfort zone and putting in the extra hours. Although creating a business has its own struggles, I find it encouraging knowing that this is what I’m meant to do. Now being a designer, I battle with imposter syndrome. In a field with so many wonderful creatives, it’s easy to feel intimidated or almost doubt your designs. I’ve learned to overcome this by learning from these creatives and inspiring myself to continue stepping out of my comfort zone! Along with this, finding my voice and sticking to who I am gives me the confidence to keep going!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a graphic designer based in Houston, TX. I specialize in brand strategy and illustrations. I am most known for creating minimalistic and intentional designs with clean and neutral colors. I do this by working closely with my clients to understand who they are and how their brand’s vision can be reflected through a design. I believe that this is what sets me apart as a designer. Having interactions with these clients not only creates connection, but it motivates me to create unique and purposeful designs.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
In design, having clients fall in love with the work I’ve created for them makes me so happy. I pour everything into every step of the process, so I appreciate my hard work being recognized and appreciated. I love that I get to do this on a daily basis, and I’m so grateful for that opportunity. In my personal life, creating community at my church makes me very happy. Since coming to Texas, my husband and I have found lasting friendships and amazing opportunities in our work and personal lives. I love that we get to do life with Jesus, and more importantly, we’re doing it together. Other things that bring me joy include: makeup, painting and baking. As a creative, It’s so important to find inspiration in other forms of art! These things truly bring me happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mercymgarcia.wixsite.com/graphicsbymm
- Instagram: graphics.by.mm
- Other: https://forms.gle/x5b14jmSwutLA2gu5
Image Credits
Lois Abueg
