We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Miguel Almeida a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Miguel, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project to date is a mural I just completed in my hometown in Caldwell, Idaho. This one felt special not only because it’s where I grew up but I was also able to represent my community through it. Caldwell, Idaho has one of the largest Latine/Hispanic populations in Idaho. It is about 40% of the population but you do not see that reflected in the public art. I wanted to represent my Mexican community through this large 28′ x 17′ mural. In this work I depicted two street vendors, one woman selling elotes, a man selling pallets, and a farm worker. I tried to put small nods to my family’s story in the mural. One cart has my mom’s maiden name and the other the state where my parents are from. My other favorite part of this mural was interacting with the construction workers and seeing them get excited to see themselves represented in a mural. It was fun hanging with them and just seeing them get excited about imagery they are familiar with. I’m very thankful that the company I worked with let me be me and trusted I could deliver something that would resonate with my people.

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

My name is Miguel Angel Almeida, I am a Mexican American visual artist & muralist. I am also the owner of a skateboard company “Raíces Skateboards”. I got into making art from a young age and kind of never stopped. I went to college for animation but only felt fulfilled when I was making my own illustrations. It wasn’t till post college that I decided to not go into animation but instead pursue art as a career. I had a lot of support from the skateboarding community in Boise, ID. This allowed me to get my work into spaces and start doing commercial illustration for brands. It’s really just snowballed from there.

I work with a lot of businesses of all sizes on collaborations with my art and their brands. It could be anywhere from graphics for a skateboard company, merch design for musicians, or poster design for events. Aside from that work I am also a muralist. In both of these different types of work I am always solving for what the client wants but making sure it is still true to me. It’s definitely a balancing act.

I am most proud of how far my art work has come in the last decade. I went from wanting to work in animation, cartoons, and video games to creating artwork that is a reflection of me. The work I create now resonates a lot with other folks who grew up similar to me with Mexican parents, for me that is gold. I love being able to create something that can make my community and our stories feel seen.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The Most rewarding thing for me about being an artist is how art can build community. Art is a great tool for making folks feel seen. Whenever I have an art show I get to see how impactful my art can be to my Mexican community. Folks will come up to me and let me know how special it is to them to see familiar imagery or to see familiar faces painted. I think to me that is the most rewarding because I did not grow up seeing art that represented me.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I went to college to get a job in the animation world. I thought I could work a creative 9-5 and then continue to make the art I wanted to on the side. I never thought I could just pursue being an artist. Once I graduated I realized this route would not be fulfilling for me. A year after graduating college I completely pivoted my goals and direction. I started making the art that I wanted to and trying to figure out how I can make a living as a freelance artist. It took many years of working towards this goal and numerous part-time jobs. There were times when I had thought maybe this isn’t for me but I am very glad I kept chasing the dream because it led me to where I am now.

Contact Info:

• Website: Miguelalmeida.art
• Instagram: @miguelalmeida.art

Image Credits
portrait photo Photo Credit: Visionkit Studio skateboard photo Photo Credit: Ashley Erlebach