Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristal Santiesteban.
Hi Cristal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I graduated as a Graphic Designer, and my first few jobs were at design agencies in my city. During that time, I learned a lot and met other designers who guided me in the early stages of my career—and eventually became good friends.
In 2017, I decided to leave my job and volunteer in Poland for a few months as an English teacher. I traveled a lot and realized that I wanted the freedom to work as a freelancer so I could continue exploring the world and enrich my creative work with life experiences. Around that time, I also began illustrating and completed a few commissions for local brands.
In 2019, I officially became a freelance Graphic Designer and Illustrator, offering my services nationwide. My first formal commission—still one of my favorites—was an illustrated textile pattern for Pau Román Swimwear.
That same year, I also began learning to tattoo—a completely new skill that has since become a meaningful and integral part of both my work and life.
As a designer and illustrator, I’ve collaborated on various projects across Mexico and the U.S., translating my artwork into different formats such as stationery, packaging, murals, digital content, merchandise, and more.
I enjoy telling stories through images and strive to connect my work with both my own experiences and those of my clients. I love experimenting with color and texture while maintaining a simple, playful style that adapts easily to different materials and products. For me, design is more than just visual; it is a way to connect, express, and transform ideas into something meaningful and memorable.
Currently, I continue to pursue my work as a designer and illustrator, alongside managing my own tattoo studio in my city. As a freelancer, I am lucky to collaborate with old and new clients, and I look forward to continuing this fulfilling journey for many years, blending creativity with professional growth! 🙂
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges I face daily is the constant pace of change. Adapting to the fast-moving nature of social media can sometimes feel like an obstacle, as it’s always evolving. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to follow new trends, often at the expense of the deeper value behind the work. However, this challenge also serves as a great motivator, pushing me to explore fresh ways of transforming my work. I strive to ensure it always holds value, delivers a meaningful message when necessary, and—whenever possible—remains fun and engaging.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating brands that seamlessly blend design and illustration, and I love making work that shares a message or tells a story. Recently, I’ve been diving deeper into textile patterns, and I’m absolutely loving it!
When it comes to my personal work, I enjoy illustrating experiences that hold personal significance. I also find joy in creating items that add a little spark to our daily routines—such as enamel pins, stickers, tote bags, and home decor pieces.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My house, my family and friends, my cats, and traveling are what bring me the most joy. I also love cooking, listening to music, and watching the same TV shows over and over again. A simple, routine life with just the right amount of change in scenery now and then is what truly makes me happy 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cristalsant.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristalsant/
