I’m Mónica, a designer and photographer born and raised in Guatemala City, now based in Berlin. My creative practice is rooted in storytelling and shaped by an ongoing interest in photography, graphic design, and visual culture.
My artistic identity is also connected to my second name, Gabriela. While I don’t use it in everyday life, it represents a more personal and creative side of my practice and became the inspiration behind Studio Briela, the name I use to share my independent creative projects.
After earning a diploma in Photography from La Fototeca in 2016, I moved to Berlin in 2017 to broaden my creative perspective. I went on to study Communication Design at Fachhochschule Potsdam, completing both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Today, I work in corporate design, with a strong focus on Photography and Graphic Design, while continuing to explore areas such as branding, typography, illustration, and digital design.
Living far from Guatemala for many years has had a lasting influence on my work. The country’s vibrant culture, colors, and warmth remain an important source of inspiration, often finding their way into my visual language. My practice is, in many ways, a way of staying connected to my roots while building a life and creative career abroad.
Alongside my professional work, I enjoy developing personal projects that allow me to experiment with different forms of visual storytelling. One of these projects led me into illustration and picture-book design, inspired by my dog, Friedrich. His quirky personality became the starting point for my debut picture book, A Long Nap, created as part of the Picture Book Lab at Potsdam University of Applied Sciences. The book follows Friedrich through his whimsical dream adventures while he is left home alone. More about the project can be found at the Picture Book Lab.
Fun Facts:
- I’m fluent in three languages: Spanish, English, and German, and currently learning French and Italian.
- I love dancing! When I have time, I enjoy taking classes like hip hop, reggaeton, jazz, urban, and afro fusion.
- I’m a passionate scuba diver and excited to keep exploring the underwater world.
- Friedrich is my little shadow—I take him everywhere I can!