We’ve been watching Mia Rexach’s (MFAD’19) work on instagram and thought it would great to catch up with her.

What have you been up to Mia?
I’ve had the amazing opportunity to create the full Visual Identity, Branding and Logo for two new cannabis dispensaries in Puerto Rico. It’s crazy because just two years ago the idea of doing this seemed so far away and now it’s pretty much my every day. I love it. 

I’m currently working as a full-time freelancer, which I love because I can make my own schedule, choose my projects and have a lot more creative freedom. It’s not easy, obviously, but it’s definitely worth the time and effort. 

I’ve also been designing and selling intention / prayer candles for the past two years now (@lux.velon on Insta, check it out). It’s a funny story because it actually started as a project for Stefan Sagmeister during my time at SVA and to my surprise it turned into a full-blown business. I am currently partnering with my good friend Cristina Fitch (@cafitch) who is the prop stylist and photographer for Lux Velon. 

If I could choose a thesis topic today, I would’ve focused on my passion project, the candles, just so I could’ve used all the amazing tools and resources that SVA offers!

Follow your gut feeling when it comes to your thesis, don’t let anybody tell you what you should or shouldn’t do… it’s your project and you’ll be working on it for a whole year. Make it worth your while, it’ll pay off in the long-run. And most importantly: HAVE FUN AND USE ALL THE RESOURCES YOU CAN!!!!!! 

Where do you get your inspiration from?
At the moment, I’ve been very inspired by designers and artists such as Sanchez Kane, Sztuka Wojny, FKA Twigs, Tim Walker, Giles Berquet, Greentea Peng, Elizaveta Porodina, Work By Land, Jesse Draxler, Alma Proenca and many, many others. 

Inspiration is everywhere for me. I believe that those who truly observe the world around them (and their inside world too) are constantly learning. I like to take myself on dates around the city and go to old bookstores, record shops, thrift & vintage stores, sit anywhere in the city and people watch. I take inspiration from older times and modern approaches, if that makes sense. I also think that the trick to staying inspired is taking breaks from creating

Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
I’m working on being a successful designer and artist with a solid network of creatives I’ve worked with, having a beautiful sun-lit studio with all the tools and a huge creative library, traveling for work when I want, but having a lovely home-base. Wishful thinking gets you what you want, so I’m manifesting it right now.

What impact has SVA MFA Design had on your career?
It has given me the confidence to be the designer I’ve always dreamed of becoming and it truly gives you all the tools to achieve anything you set your mind to. I’m infinitely grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this program. 

Check out Mia’s personal Instagram profile (@miarexach) and my candles page too (@lux.velon). She also has a website www.luxvelon.bigcartel.com. Christmas is around the corner, get your friends some cute gifts, support your local business 🙂 

You can see more of Mia’s work on her website. If you are interested in working with her, feel free reach out!