Meet Anjelica Guzman | Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anjelica Guzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anjelica, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to creative expression in all its forms – art, design, music, you name it. There’s something truly magical about experiencing the work of someone who has poured their imagination onto the canvas, the stage, or whatever medium they choose. Walking through museums as a kid, I vividly remember thinking, “I want to create something like that someday.”

However, as I got older, I discovered another passion: problem-solving. I thrive on challenges, and the most satisfying solutions are always the ones that involve a creativity. That’s when I found graphic design – it’s the perfect blend of art, exploration, and problem-solving. It allows me to use my creativity to craft solutions that are both visually appealing and effective.

So, graphic design became the perfect outlet to combine my creative spirit with my love for tackling challenges, and I haven’t looked back since!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My professional life revolves around two passions: design and education. My full-time position is at Extra Small Design, a dynamic team specializing in web design, development, and UI/UX. But we often take on logo design, branding, print design, and more! I also balance this with a rewarding role as adjunct faculty at Arizona State University, where I enjoy teaching freshmen.

My design journey hasn’t been a smooth path. The constant learning curve, the feeling of “never being done,” and imposter syndrome can be real hurdles. Plus, entering a competitive field with less experience can be daunting. Finding a supportive community and surrounding myself with loved ones has been instrumental in overcoming these challenges.

I love graphic design, but it’s not my sole identity. Putting work out there can be intimidating, but ultimately, I believe strong relationships matter more than professional accomplishments. Time with loved ones will always be cherished, and I strive to be remembered as a good friend first and a good designer second.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for the weekend, I’d ensure they had an unforgettable time! Here’s the perfect itinerary:

Day 1:

– Morning: Start with a fantastic cup of coffee at Buon Giorno in Grapevine. Their coffee is the best in the city!

– Mid-Morning: Drive up to Dallas and dive into the local art scene. Depending on our mood, we’d visit two of my favorite spots: Sweet Tooth Hotel for a fun, interactive experience, and the Dallas Museum of Art.

– Lunch: Head to Klyde Warren Park and explore the food truck lane.

– Afternoon: Dessert at Emporium Pies.

– Evening: Wrap up the day with a brew at Turning Point Beer and tacos from Fuel City.

Day 2:

– Morning: Another great coffee at Buon Giorno, because it’s just that good.

– Mid-Morning: This time, explore the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Contemporary.

– Lunch: Enjoy a grilled cheese from Dallas Grilled Cheese co.

– Afternoon: Visit Bishop Arts District, where we can browse unique shops and galleries.

– Evening: Finish the day in Deep Ellum for live music and brews + Serious Pizza.

I grew up in the DFW area and I am so thankful for all the local business that makes the city great.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, there’s someone who deserves a huge shoutout: my mom. She’s an incredibly selfless, hardworking, and a kind woman who I deeply admire. As a confused high school student struggling to pick a career path (dramatic, I know!), I dropped out of two colleges and took some time off. Through it all, my mom was a pillar of unwavering support. She never pressured me into a specific direction but, she always encouraged me to pursue my passions. Without her gentle guidance and unwavering belief in me, I doubt I would have discovered my love for graphic design.

Website: https://anjelicaguzman.com

Instagram: @guzman.ai

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjelica-guzman/

Image Credits
Sabrina Shabica, Jessica Tu