Made by Flow: The Importance of Creative Identity

Welcome to Made by Flow, a new series highlighting the creators, makers, and talent who work here at Flow. A celebration of the humans behind the brand.

The Importance of Creative Identity

At Flow, creativity is something to celebrate. Meet MJ, Flow's senior illustrator and artist who helps bring life to the buildings. Not a fan of bare walls, a lot of the murals you see around Flow buildings are thanks to the brain of MJ. Large or small, every piece is a celebration of art, revolving around one goal: bringing people together. We sat down with MJ to chat all things art, community, and what it means to create something bigger than yourself.

What does your flowstate look like?

MJ: I put away all the screens and distractions, put on a good playlist, and put pencil to paper. Everything starts out in my notebook — I even sleep with it. When I reach my flowstate, everything falls away and I lose all sense of time and the outside world. I'll look up and realize hours have passed and I've been completely immersed inside my own world. It's the best feeling.

A few artists that inspire you right now?

MJ: Painter Cassi Namoda, ceramicist Hilary Walsh, and illustrator Luci Pina are just a few.

How do you draw inspiration in your work from the world around you?

MJ: I spend a lot of time outside, and find myself walking to the beach daily. Nature has provided us with the best color palettes and most unbelievable gifts. I mean, have you seen seashells? So sick.

Favorite playlist to throw on while you work?

MJ: I rotate between my high school indie angst playlists and this one: "August."