We were lucky to catch up with Amira Humes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amira, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My Filipino mural project for Knorr was a profoundly meaningful experience, allowing me to celebrate my heritage while honoring my mother and the fond memories she created around Filipino food. Each detail and symbol was a tribute to her and the traditions that shaped my life. Growing up, I longed for more Filipino representation, so being part of this mural felt incredibly impactful–not only for me personally but for the community it brought together. Through my passion for food illustration, I had the chance to bring the vibrant ingredients and flavors of Filipino cuisine to life, capturing a sense of cultural appreciation, celebration, and connection. Partnering with Knorr to realize this vision was both rewarding and heartfelt, creating a piece that speaks to our shared stories, warmth, and resilience. This mural became more than art; it became a gathering point for community and cultural pride.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi there! I’m Amira, a passionate illustrator and author with a BFA in illustration from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. I wrote and illustrated a children’s book centered around Filipino food and heritage, sharing the flavors and traditions that hold a special place in my heart. My journey as an artist has taken me from freelance projects to my current role at Kohl’s, where I create patterns and graphic tee designs for the classic women’s brand Croft & Barrow. I love knowing that someone out there is wearing my artwork, and I hope it brings her a sense of joy, confidence, and pride in her outfit. Through everything I do, from children’s books to mural projects, my art reflects my love for Filipino culture, my deep appreciation for the memories and stories that shape our identity, and my aim to foster connection and joy through storytelling. With a bubbly, approachable style, I hope my work brings warmth and a sense of community to all who experience it!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people on an emotional level through my work. Whether it’s illustrating the joy and richness of Filipino food and culture or creating patterns and graphics that bring a touch of beauty to everyday life, I love that my art can tell stories and evoke a sense of belonging.

For instance, when I worked on my Filipino based mural project with Knorr, I felt an immense sense of pride knowing it celebrated the cultural representation I longed for growing up. Seeing how it resonated with others who shared similar experiences made me realize how impactful art can be in fostering connection and understanding. Ultimately, being an artist is rewarding because it allows me to share a piece of myself while creating something meaningful to others.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, there are many things we can do as a society to support artists and a thriving create ecosystem, but I believe one of the most impactful ways is fostering creativity in young people and providing clear, accessible pathways for pursuing artistic careers. Encouraging creativity early through well-funded arts education programs–both in schools and community spaces–helps children see the value of their imagination and unique perspectives.

Beyond teaching technical skills, it’s crucial to show young individuals how art connects to real-world opportunities. This could mean mentorship programs with working artists, internships, or workshops that introduce them to diverse creative fields from graphic design, to animation and product design. When students see relatable role models who have turned their passions into meaningful careers, it demystifies the journey and makes it feel more attainable.

It’s also important for parents, teachers, and society at large to validate art as a viable career path–not just a hobby. Recognizing the economic and cultural contributions of the creative sector helps shift the perception of art as essential, not optional.

Personally, I’ve seen how these efforts can inspire young creatives. When I wrote, A Very Asian Guide to Filipino Food, in celebration of Filipino food and heritage, I imagined it sparking pride and curiosity in young readers, perhaps planting a seed for their own creative dreams. Empowering young people to see themselves in the art they consume and create is how we ensure the next generation of artists feels supported and valued.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amirahumes.com/
• Instagram: creative.amira

Image Credits

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