Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariel Garibay.
Hi Mariel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started designing and editing when I was around 14 years old. At the time, I ran fan accounts for artists I loved like Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, and a few YouTubers I was obsessed with. I spent hours teaching myself how to edit photos, design graphics, and make video edits just because I genuinely enjoyed it. Looking back, I had no idea those late nights making edits for fun would eventually become my career!
I continued creating throughout my teenage years, and when I was 20, I enrolled in college to study Digital Media. That’s when I was reintroduced to graphic design in a much more professional and intentional way. I started understanding the strategy, storytelling, and creative thinking behind design, and it completely changed the way I saw it. What had always been a hobby suddenly felt like something I could build a future around.
Around that time, I also started sharing my work on TikTok. I honestly wasn’t expecting much, I just wanted to document what I was making and connect with other creatives. To my surprise, people really resonated with my work. The support was overwhelming in the best way, and it encouraged me to keep posting consistently, experimenting, and finding my own style.
Eventually, I made the decision to leave my full-time job and pursue graphic design and content creation full-time. It was definitely a scary leap, but it also felt like the most natural decision I could make. Seeing people I had never met appreciate something that had always brought me so much joy gave me the confidence to believe I could actually do this for a living.
I think what motivates me the most is remembering why I started in the first place. I wasn’t creating for clients, numbers, or recognition,I was just a kid making things because it made me happy. Even now, I try to hold onto that feeling. Every project is an opportunity to experiment, tell a story, and create something that feels genuine. In many ways, I’m still creating for the same reason I did at 14, just with a little more experience and a lot more gratitude.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For a long time, it honestly felt like a pretty smooth road. I was so inspired and excited to create that I poured absolutely everything into my work. Looking back, I realize I became so focused on building my career that I forgot to give my mind, body, and soul the same level of care. I wasn’t making space to rest, spend time with loved ones, or simply enjoy hobbies outside of design.
Recently, that caught up with me. I’ve been dealing with burnout and anxiety, which forced me to slow down both professionally and personally. I’ve had to stop taking on new clients so I can focus on finishing existing projects and, more importantly, give myself the time to recover. It’s been frustrating because I love what I do, but I’ve learned that even doing what you love can become unsustainable if you never step away from it.
As difficult as this season has been, I think it was the wake-up call I needed. It’s taught me that my creativity depends on my well-being. If I’m constantly running on empty, I can’t show up for my clients or create work that truly reflects what I’m capable of.
I’m still learning how to find that balance, but I now know that taking care of myself isn’t separate from my work, it’s a necessary part of it. My health will always be my greatest investment, because without it, I can’t continue building the creative life I’ve always dreamed of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a graphic designer and content creator, but above all, I consider myself an artist. I specialize in creating visual identities, editorial inspired graphics, and creative visuals that blend nostalgia and kindness with contemporary design. My work often explores pixel art, distressed textures, handmade elements, and alternative, grunge-inspired aesthetics to create pieces that feel both expressive and emotionally driven.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific project, it’s the fact that I’ve developed an artistic identity that feels unmistakably my own. For a long time, I struggled with figuring out what I wanted my work to say, who I wanted to be as a creative, and how I wanted people to experience my art. Finding that voice took years of experimenting, creating, and allowing myself to make work that felt honest instead of simply following trends.
Today, one of the greatest compliments I receive is when someone tells me they recognized a piece as mine before seeing my name attached to it. Knowing that my work has become recognizable because it’s rooted in my own interests and perspective means more to me than I can put into words.
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on making something look beautiful, I want every piece to feel personal and tell a story. Whether I’m designing for a client or creating something for myself, my goal is always to create work that feels genuine, expressive, and true to who I am as an artist. My work has become an extension of myself, and I’m incredibly grateful that people connect with it in such an authentic way.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I grew up in Los Cabos, Mexico, which will always feel like paradise to me. When I think about my childhood, the first memories that come to mind are the simple ones like spending long days at the beach with my parents, my sister, and our dogs. We didn’t need much beyond the ocean, the sun, and each other’s company.
Those moments are probably my favorite childhood memories because they gave me such a deep appreciation for nature from a very young age. Even now, I feel most like myself when I’m near the water. There’s something incredibly grounding about the ocean that has stayed with me throughout my life.
Looking back, I truly believe those experiences shaped the person I am today. They taught me to slow down, observe the beauty in ordinary moments, and find inspiration in the world around me. As someone who works in a creative field, I think that connection to nature continues to influence the way I see, feel, and create. Whenever life feels overwhelming, I find myself thinking back to those days by the beach, and they always bring a sense of peace and a smile to my face.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maluarchivo/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maluarch1vo
