Meet Michelle Archilla | Creative Director & Art Department

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

Hi Michelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a multi-hyphenate, I often found myself within roles that were limited, creativity speaking. I reached the point where I wanted to color outside of the lines and the only way I could explore that was through my own creative studio. In 2022 Tiny Studio was born and since then I have had the opportunity to work on film and TV sets, building sets as a production designer and set decorator, developing brands for young companies, as well as collaborating with established brands that I admire. Each project has allowed me to push beyond my own boundaries and learn more about what I am really capable of bringing to life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the core of everything I do is storytelling. I love taking a concept and bringing it to life visually.. What sets my work apart is that I’m not just thinking about how something looks; I’m thinking about how it feels, what it communicates, and the story it tells.

I grew up with immigrant parents, and that shaped everything about my creative life. There wasn’t really a path laid out for me and I had to teach myself a lot of what I know and learn by doing. Because of that, I approach every project with resourcefulness and curiosity, if I don’t know how to do something, I figure it out. That mindset has taken me into some really exciting spaces: working on film and TV sets and collaborating with brands that I admire. I’m really proud of the range of projects I’ve been able to bring to life and the trust people have placed in my creativity.

Getting here definitely wasn’t easy. There were a lot of moments of doubt, a lot of starting over, and many times where I had to advocate for myself. I’ve had to push through imposter syndrome, finances being tight, and figuring it out as I go. Taking leaps and fully believing in myself is what keeps me going. Saying yes to opportunities that scare me, allows me to grow and learn through each experience.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way are: you don’t have to wait for permission to create, your creativity matters even if you think no one cares, and there is so much power in consistency. Something I am still learning today is that it’s okay to take up space and be proud of your work. I grew up expected to do good things and never really celebrating my accomplishments, so I have a hard time sharing my journey and hyping myself up – which is why I want to put myself more out there and continue advocating for myself.

What I want people to know about my brand and my story is that Tiny Studio was built from heart, resilience, and imagination. It’s a reflection of a kid who grew up between cultures, dreamed in color, and decided to build her own lane. My work is for people who love storytelling, who care about details, and who want visuals that feel like something. I’m excited for what’s next, because I feel like I’m just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In no particular order:

Calle 8:
Versailles – Croquetas, potato balls, and guava/cheese pastries
Lung Yai Thai
Azúcar Ice Cream
Dominos Park
Ball and Chain -Night out

Wynwood:
Suite Habana – Cuban Coffee
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop
Uchi Miami – Sushi
Pasta
Dante’s HiFi – Night out

Design District:
Institute of Contemp. Art
Peel – soft serve banana based ice cream

Downtown:
Perez Art Museum
Frost Museum
Bayside – why not have a a little drink
Watch a Miami Heat game at the Arena

Brickell:
Brickell City Center- lots of shop, cool architecture

Upper Buena Vista:
Jimmy’s Eastside Dinner – Upper East Side (they filmed moonlight there)
Caracas Bakery
The Citadel (food hall with lots of options and good happy hour 4pm-7pm)
ZeyZey – Night out

South Beach (I feel that if it is their first time they should experience these):
Ocean Drive – Iconic Art Deco architecture
Lincoln Road
South Point Park/Beach
Las Olas Cafe
Joe’s Stone Crab
Bodega – Night Out

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout every stage of my life, I’ve always had a mentor like figure I could learn from and who was kind enough to guide me where I am today. My parents who taught me what resilience looks like and always encouraged me create my own path. The teachers who always encouraged me to pick up books and never stop learning, because of them I learned to be resourceful. And of course, all the individuals who gave me my first chance and allowed me to grow and become the skilled person I am today.

Website: https://www.thetinystudio.art

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellotinystudio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-archilla

Image Credits
All photos were self taken.