Can you tell us more about you and what you do?

I’m a graphic designer and illustrator who takes joy in channeling artistic creativity into themes of mental health and self-love. Committed to uplifting and supporting others, I use my design skills to foster personal growth and well-being.

Every artwork tells a story. What inspired your cover design, what narrative or message are you conveying through your cover design, and can you share the creative process that led to its final form?

Driven by a desire to nurture others, my designs embody the intimacy and affection I strive to share with the world. Through hands and floral motifs, I express a tender, nurturing love that resonates from the very beginning. My work serves as a warm hug made tangible, offering freedom and comfort despite life’s failures and growing pains. I believe that beauty and love are accessible to everyone, no matter their flaws or struggles.

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

I'm passionate about using creativity not only for self-expression but also to drive societal improvement. My work involves critical thinking, as I constantly ask, "How can I help others feel understood through my mediums?" I find it liberating that my creativity is also a problem-solving tool, and I love seeing the impact it makes.

How do you define your individuality as an artist, and in what ways does this uniqueness manifest in your creations?

I aim to explore sensitive areas in my designs, encouraging people to face their failures, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses with kindness and compassion. This is reflected in elements like hands with scars or bandages, fragmented glass, and wilting flowers. I believe that by acknowledging our struggles, we can foster honesty and unity, bringing us together as a whole.

In your perspective, what role does creativity play in empowering individuals and communities, and how have you witnessed this power in action?

I think creativity serves as an empowerment for both individuals and communities. I've seen witnessed the power in action through the creation of impactful products that raise awareness and built a bridge over the gaps to address mental health stigma and environmental conservation.

Have you faced any challenges in maintaining your individuality in your work, especially in the face of trends or external expectations? How did you overcome them?

Of course, I think it's a lot harder being an independent designer on social media, as you can tell which kinds of trend are doing well and how great of the engagement it is. I believe it all comes down to what kind of purpose do you want to have and what's the point of doing it all. That way, designers are able to build a strong foundation expressing what is necessary without losing themselves in the process. Things are bound to fail in this lifetime, including us, and that's normal. It's important that we treat ourselves with gentleness as we navigate them on our own.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find and express their individuality through their work?

If you're coming from a standpoint of love and have the desire to grow together, find out what is important to you and how you can best serve them. Be brave enough to experiment and find out what works and what doesn't. Explore all sorts of medium that you can implement, it takes time to solidify your style!

What’s the one thing you want to accomplish this year?

I'd love to be able to have a fulfilling time offline (which is something I'm already currently working on). Which includes working out, playing with my pets, having quality time with friends and of course, to rest without feeling guilty. In terms of my career, I'd love to work on more brand strategy for companies and individuals as well!

Where can we see more of your work?

Visit https://www.instagram.com/michelle.cpy/ for more of my personal work! For commercial work, it can be found https://workingnotworking.com/159784-michelle or my Behance