Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Svoboda.
Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a food-obsessed designer! I currently own and design at my studio MWS Creative today, but I have been designing and running marketing for food, hospitality and retail brands for almost 12 years! I also am a bit of a foodie, sharing all my eats on Instagram!
I was born in New York City – my mom and dad both immigrated – so I am first generation Thai-Czech American. Learning about my culture was something which took time as our family was spread all over the world. We moved around a lot from NYC to Thailand, Kansas, and I went to high school in the Czech Republic. It was challenging to “fit in” as I wasn’t “Asian” or “white” enough, now I embrace it as I have the unique experience of both cultures!
I definitely explored my roots through my love of food. I was always in the kitchen eating or trying to cook as a kid. Even though I couldn’t speak with my grandparents when I was younger, cooking and eating with them was how we connected and how I got to know them and their traditions. It was there my love of food took off!
I earned a certificate of higher education at Middlesex University in Music & Arts Management in London and received my BFA summa cum laude at the New York Institute of Technology in Communication Arts. While in school I apprenticed at a graphic design agency and eventually got hired. That was where I really honed my skills in graphic design, marketing, animation and video production specializing in the luxury jewelry space.
I actually lived above a bar in NYC that I frequented and became their in-house graphic designer part-time which was my introduction to the hospitality world! Quickly by an influx of referrals, the door to so many new hospitality opportunities opened including work with Gansevoort Market, Gordo’s Cantina, 310 Bowery Bar, and BR Guest Hospitality just to name a few.
After graduation in 2015, I relocated to Los Angeles and quickly found a new home in the food scene here. I remained working with clients bi-coastally, Art Directed for a few consulting and design firms and I helped to brand a marketplace in Williamsburg, Brooklyn working with celebrated restaurants like Di Fara Pizza, Jajaja Mexicana, Chuko and more!
I progressed from freelance to Art Directing at various firms, then partnering at start-ups, and eventually starting my own studio in 2020. I have continued some of my favorite working relationships with restaurants including Bludso’s, Prime Pizza, and Heavy Handed here in LA.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road. I have overcome many obstacles along the way but design has remained such a passion of mine. I’ve moved all around the world, been completely broke and in debt, lived in a homeless shelter, let go of lots of things that don’t serve me and even now have 5+ years of sobriety under my belt. But the one thing I never did was give up. I am truly so grateful to have been given opportunities I otherwise would have never gotten by working hard and showing my talent. I never had an “in”, just a lot of persistence, grit, and determination. My business has been growing so quickly, I am so grateful for it all!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a graphic design and marketing professional for hospitality and retail brands. I own and run my own studio here in the Arts District in DTLA. I volunteer at the LA chapter of AIGA (The American Institute of Graphic Arts). I am so proud of the work I get to do with restaurants and DTC brands and love to see their businesses thrive with not only good-looking designs, photography, and custom content but backed up by smart and measurable marketing strategies. Sometimes it starts with just an idea and the creation of a whole new brand identity, and sometimes we improve, refresh and expand upon existing brands. I love to identify connections between the existing marketplace and what brands have to offer so we can build real connections and loyalty with their communities.
I believe what sets me apart is I’m truly a left brain-right brain hybrid. I am so detail focused and analytical but also incredibly creative that I can create and strategize from all angles. I also wear many hats – very skilled in design, marketing, data & analytics, animation, post-production video, web design and development – making my company truly a one-stop-shop and giving me the unique ability to lead many teams and make the messaging very cohesive!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite memories was cooking for my parents. I loved watching cooking shows on the Food Network and one of the first meals I wanted to make was Beef Stroganoff. They got all the ingredients I needed for me and let me make my first meal for them! I was so proud of myself because it came out so good!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mwscreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.svoboda
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svobodamichelle/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/mwscreative
