Michelle Garcia is a distinguished editorial illustrator based in New York City. Holding a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, MA, and an AA from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA, some of her clients include The New York Times, The Atlantic, Politico, ProPublica, Vera Institute of Justice and PEN America.
“I particularly like drawing people,” says Michelle, whose breezy yet poignant illustrations capture the complex emotions surrounding race, immigration, and civil rights in America. Her mixed-media paintings center on the inherent value of human life, addressing the anxieties and struggles faced by marginalized communities.
Michelle’s personal experiences with adversity and resilience deeply inform her work. This philosophy is vividly illustrated in her “Unsafe Release” series, highlighting the plight of disabled immigrants abandoned at the US-Mexico border. Her work blends lighthearted subjects with profound emotional depth, underscoring her commitment to social justice and inclusion.
