There’s a question that keeps finding its way into my creative process: What does it mean to belong? For a long time, I thought the answer was tethered to a place, a language, or even a passport. But my time in Mexico City unraveled those assumptions. Here, surrounded by the chaos of vibrant mercados and the quiet reverence of colonial architecture, I found something unexpected: an opportunity to redefine identity on my own terms.
In an era where globalization blurs borders and design acts as a universal language, the creative world is wrestling with identity in new ways. For those of us living diasporic lives—physically, culturally, or spiritually—there’s an urgency to explore how this multiplicity shapes the work we create and the communities we form.
Identity as Process
Here’s what I’ve come to understand: identity isn’t a fixed destination. It’s a verb constantly evolving through experience, context, and reflection. This matters deeply in design because every choice—from the typeface you use to the story you tell—carries fragments of your lived experience. In a world saturated with content, authenticity is the new currency, and our most compelling work often emerges from the messiness of self-discovery.
Why is this important for the creative world? Because the stakes are higher now. Audiences don’t just want aesthetics; they crave meaning. They want to see themselves reflected in the work, not in a way that panders, but in a way that resonates. This is the opportunity and the challenge: to create work that is both deeply personal and universally connective.
Finding My Framework
When I moved to Mexico City, I came with nothing but a suitcase and a vision board filled with fragments: a mood board of murals and modular design ideas. My approach wasn’t to imitate but to observe and adapt. The city’s layers became my toolkit—its textures, rhythms, and juxtapositions.
I began by sketching in local cafés, using the conversations and street sounds as ambient inspiration. My tools were simple: pen, paper, Adobe Illustrator, and, most importantly, a willingness to be wrong. Each design became a dialogue between the city and me. I learned to let go of perfection and embrace the beauty of iteration.
Moments That Defined the Journey
One pivotal project was a mural I painted in Roma Norte, a district that’s equal parts historic charm and modern rebellion. The piece was called Fronteras Invisibles (Invisible Borders). It featured intersecting lines that formed a human-like figure, embodying an abstract layout. People would stop and ask what it meant, and my response was always the same: “What does it mean to you?”
Another defining moment came from a collaboration with local artisans. Together, we created a complete brand identity for an up-and-coming lifestyle brand that had plans to expand to international markets and blend traditional weaving techniques with minimalist graphic patterns. These weren’t just objects; they were conversations about sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation.
Lessons from the Process
- Context is King: Creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The more I engaged with Mexico City—its history, people, and struggles—the richer my work became.
- Multiplicity is Power: Living between cultures doesn’t dilute your identity; it enhances it. Each perspective adds a new layer to the story you’re telling.
- Embrace the Mess: Growth isn’t linear, and neither is creativity. Some of my best ideas came from failed experiments and happy accidents.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Living diaspora isn’t just about geography; it’s about navigating the spaces in between—between past and future, tradition and innovation, self and society. For creatives, this in-betweenness is where the magic happens. It’s where we challenge assumptions, break conventions, and build something that feels undeniably ours.
So I’ll leave you with this: How does your context shape your creativity? And what stories are waiting to be told through the lens of your unique experience?
If you’re curious to see more of my work or want to continue this conversation, check out my projects or drop me a message.
