[art portfolio]

Hi there,
I’m Manuela Guillén, and I’m an Artist.

scroll down to learn more

I’m a quirky and passionate artist based in the City of Brotherly Love.

My artistic journey began in Miami, where I was born to a Cuban-Salvadorian family that nurtured my creative side from a young age. As a first-generation Cuban-Salvadorian-American, my art is a reflection of my heritage and personal experiences. Drawing inspiration from the plants and nature that I grew up around, I use my work to celebrate my cultural upbringing and the diverse communities that have shaped my identity.

As a freelance illustrator, painter, muralist, and educator, I’ve had the pleasure of working on various projects!

From designing logos for local businesses to creating large-scale murals that brighten up the city’s walls – I love experimenting with different mediums and techniques, always pushing myself to explore new horizons and challenge my own boundaries.

Career Highlights

✹ Brushed up my skills and graduated with a B.F.A. in Painting from Stockton University
✹ Made my mark in the art world by interning at Fung Collaboratives, a nonprofit art organization
✹ Put my creativity to good use by working as an artist assistant at Dante Hall Theater, a performing art theater
✹ Spread color and joy by creating vibrant mural projects with the youth in Isla Mujeres, Mexico
✹ Shared my passion for art by teaching art classes in Philadelphia schools
✹ Proved my mettle as a speaker and was selected to speak at two art panels at Harvard College

My Expertise

✹ Art Education
✹ Painting
✹ Digital Illustration
✹ Mural Painting
✹ Workshops
✹ Community Outreach
✹ Print Design
✹Appeal Design
✹Editionaral Illustration

Welcome to My Creative Hub!

As a teaching artist, I believe that everyone has the potential to be creative, and my goal is to help my students tap into that potential.

“An artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others”

-Salvador Dalí

As an artist and educator, I see myself as a catalyst for creativity and connection. When I’m not creating my own art, I’d enjoy teaching the next generation of artists and thinkers. For me, being an educator is not just about passing on technical skills, but about inspiring students to think critically, communicate effectively, and express themselves through their art.

My art class is a place of discovery and experimentation, where students are encouraged to explore their own unique styles and perspectives.

My goal as a teaching artist: To empower and inspire my students to find their own voice and create something truly purposeful.

Artivism

Exploring the Intersection of Art and Activism in Today’s World

“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

-Angela Davis

I believe art is a tool for social change.

Through my artwork, I strive to raise awareness about important issues such as art education, sociopolitical, mental health, and environmental issues. For me, art is more than just a means of self-expression. It is a way to connect with others and create a dialogue around important issues.

My work is rooted in the desire to imagine a more compassionate world.

I believe that art has the power to inspire empathy and understanding and to help people see the world from a different perspective. My hope is to create art that speaks to people’s hearts and minds.

Featured Community Collaborations

Readby4: Once Upon A Time In South Philly…

In Collaboration with
Mural Arts Philadelphia & Read By 4th

Junior SeaWalls: La Vida Colorida del Mar

In Collaboration with
Pangeaseed Foundation

Not For Sale
People Before Profit

In Collaboration with
Cesar Andreu Iglesias Community

From Concept to Creation

Collaborating with Clients to Bring Their Vision to Life

Clients

I have been lucky enough to work with cool folks and local brands, and I’d love to help you find your voice through visual art.

I’ve worked with

Unleash the Power of Storytelling

Transform A Concept into Compelling Visual Stories with Video Campaigns

Video Campaigns

As a visual artist who specializes in creating whimsical video campaigns for clients, I am keenly aware of the power of storytelling in my work. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can help to connect people emotionally with a brand or message. By weaving a narrative into my visual art, I am able to create a deeper and more meaningful connection with my audience.

Featured Projects

Healing My Inner Child
Adobe Partnership

My Shop’s Name
Etsy Partnership

Giving Tuesday
Mural Arts Partnership

Visualizing Ideas

Collaborating with Clients to Create Beautiful and Meaningful Illustrations

Illustrations

I believe that illustrations have the power to transport viewers to different worlds, to evoke strong emotions, and to tell powerful stories in a way that words alone cannot. Whether I am illustrating a book, designing a poster, or creating custom artwork, I am dedicated to making illustrations that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and impactful.

Featured Client Projects

Value and Support Women
Gender Justice Fund

Si Se Puede – Yes You Can
DisneyPlus Partnership

Central American Art
Old Navy Partnership

From Headlines to Art Lines

Illustrations that Empower and Unite Communities

Editorial Illustrations

Editorial illustrations for magazines covers, newspapers, and zines can be powerful tools for conveying a message and sparking conversations within communities. These illustrations are often created with the purpose of inspiring or uniting individuals around a shared cause or topic. Whether it’s highlighting social issues, shedding light on important events, or celebrating cultural diversity, editorial illustrations have the ability to evoke strong emotions and encourage action. Through the use of bold colors, striking imagery, and thoughtful composition, illustrators can create works of art that not only capture the attention of readers but also empower and unite communities.

Featured Client Projects

Cover Art
Ofrenda Magazine

Zine Art
Resistance Garden Partnership

Book Review Art
New York Time Partnership

Making a Statement with Style

Creating Unique Apparel Designs that Reflect Identity

Apparel Designs

Creating apparel designs that celebrate culture and community in a meaningful and impactful way is at the heart of my art. I believe that clothing has the power to be a form of self-expression, and can also serve as a means of bringing people together.

Featured Projects

Para Todos T-Shirt
Old Navy Partnership

Viva La Vida T-Shirt
Old Navy Partnership

From the Streets to the Big Screen


Print Designs that Tell Your Story and Amplify Your Message

Print Designs

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working on projects that highlight the beauty and diversity of different communities, and shed light on untold stories that need to be heard. Whether it’s through posters, flyers, billboards, or wheatpaste, I strive to create designs that not only catch the eye but also spark conversation and inspire action. By using bold colors, powerful imagery, and thoughtful messaging, my print designs aim to capture the essence of the message and convey it in a memorable and impactful way. It’s a privilege to be able to use my skills as a designer to make a difference in the world and contribute to positive change in our society.

Featured Projects

Create Together
Giant & Mural Arts Partnership

#Sisterly Love Project
Visit Philly Partnership

Once Upon A Time in South Philly…
Read by 4th Partnership

Exploring the vibrant world of Murals and Street Art

Celebrating Creativity in Public Spaces

Murals & Street Art

Working on murals celebrating creativity in public spaces has been an incredible experience, as it provides a unique opportunity to engage with the community and create something beautiful that everyone can enjoy. Murals have the power to transform ordinary spaces into vibrant, colorful environments that inspire and uplift those who view them. As a mural artist, I aim to create designs that celebrate creativity and encourage self-expression, while also reflecting the unique character of the surrounding environment. Whether it’s through intricate patterns, bold graphics, or playful imagery, my murals are designed to evoke a sense of joy and wonder in those who experience them. By bringing art out of the galleries and into public spaces, we can create a more inclusive and accessible world where everyone has the opportunity to be inspired and uplifted by the power of creativity.

Featured Projects

Set Them Free, Let Them Be
Street Dept Partnership

Make Space For Growth
Mural Arts & Street Dept Partnership

In the Clouds
PHL Airport Collaboration

My Art Shop

Step into a World of Creativity and Color

Lazy Beam Art Shop

Owning a small business has been an incredibly rewarding experience, as it allows me to share my art and connect with customers on a more personal level. As the owner of an art shop, I aim to create a space that not only showcases my own work but also promotes a sense of warmth and comfort for those who visit. From the selection of art prints to the layout of the space, every aspect of the shop is carefully designed to create a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. I believe that art has the power to transform spaces and bring people together, and my shop is a testament to that belief. By owning a small business, I am able to share my passion for art with the world and make a positive impact in my community.

Featured Products

Let’s Connect and Celebrate the Beauty of Creativity

Let’s Talk!


Located:
Philadelphia, PA

Email:
Lazybeamarte(at)gmail(dot)com


Want to see more art?

Painting

Illustrations

Street Art & Murals

Get Your Daily Dose of Creativity

If you’re looking for a daily dose of creativity, then look no further than my Instagram page. I love sharing my latest works of art, from colorful illustrations to intricate murals, with my followers. Whether you’re an artist yourself or just appreciate the beauty of art, my page has something for everyone. So hit that follow button and join me on my creative journey as I explore new styles, experiment with different mediums, and share my passion for all things art. Can’t wait to connect with you all!


As Seen On


Thanks for stopping by and checking out my portfolio!