Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Michael Trujillo @mtrujillo_art

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

I am a product designer and freelance illustrator living in Chicago. I grew up in a small rural town in Arizona, and would definitely consider myself a country boy. I grew up around chickens, ducks, pigs, cows…etc. It was the best. Small country town living was a great upbringing, however I wanted something bigger. I’ve always been an artist since I can remember, but I saw the opportunities in it during high school. I saw I was able to influence people with my art, and I knew then this would be who I am. I moved to Florida right after high school to study at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota. Total culture shock for me! I felt as though I was in New York! Ha ha. I spent 4 fantastic years there developing my craft and graduated in 2015 with my BFA in illustration. With a new job and apartment lined up, I moved out to Chicago a week after getting my diploma. Since then, I’ve been working with brands such as Disney, NFL, MLB, Thomas Kinkade and Coca Cola in my full-time product designer position. When I’m not at work, I keep on working! I’m an active freelancer, with some of my most recent clients being Instrumental /Warner Music Co. , and Birthday Express. When I’m not working I enjoy my days at the Lincoln Park Zoo and digging into some deep dish pizza!

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

I loooove animals! The patterns, colors and design inspire me as an artist. Plus who doesn’t like cute puppies? Obviously art is a top interest of mine. 99% of all my posts are my own original art. I think I have a few random photos and like 1 selfie, but other than that my followers can expect new and fresh artwork from me.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

I wanted something simple, that identifies me, and also what I do. I feel having a random name would have been… well, random! I want me people know my name when they see my art. So my name had to be in it. But MichaelTrujillo was kind of long. And it’s not descriptive, plus there are 1,000’s of other Michaels. So “MTrujillo” was just enough. Add the “art” on the end and we’re good. I am “mtrujillo” and I do “art”.

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

Because I post my own artwork, most of my editing is done while I’m creating the piece. Rarely do I use any post editing apps or filters. I am my own filter ;-). But if I do need to do some post editing I will use Aviary. it helps me get the right crop, maybe adjust some levels and saturation.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

There are SO many people I like! To name a few, I love following: @davidsdoodles, @david_ardinaryas_lojaya, @rocio_cintron, @pernilleoerum. The instagrammer I think I’m most inspired by is @mollyidle. She is a fabulous children’s book illustrator. Although she doesn’t post much, her work has always inspired me.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Uber! I’ve been reluctant about it, but I recently downloaded and tried it, and it’s beyond amazing! Being a country boy in the big city, I’m definitely no fan of the traffic or driving in it. I can open the app, call a driver and be at the zoo within half an hour. No waiting or delayed busses, or riding stinky trains. It’s extremely convenient and it’s cheaper than a taxi. It’s honestly changed my perspective of the city.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

I guess I would say it’s that I can share experiences with my audience. As an artist, I create art to share with the world. It’s supposed to stand out, it’s supposed to start a conversation. The feedback I receive on my art is fantastic, I find myself connecting with people from all backgrounds. It’s amazing how an image of a cute frog can bring people together – if even for just one second. I’ve noticed this throughout the years, and I love being able to influence people in that way.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

Connect with your people! Make them feel a part of the community, let them know you are truly there for them! The brand should know who their audience is, and cater things to them. Once a trust is built, you can build a community together, which then gives you loyal customers/followers.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

It helps people trust you. People follow you for a reason, if you break that barrier with sometime too off topic you lose your following, and potentially those who help grow your business. The quality shows that you’re genuine and true to your brand. Those who love the brand will know if something is in-authentic. And at the same time, if you repeat the same content, it gets boring. Your brand will need to grow as do your audience.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

Because I do this day to day in my job I like taking on the “character” of the brand. I see brands as a person, and they have the power to reach out to a large audience. And for myself, if I am working with a specific brand, I take it upon myself to represent that brand, and in turn that brand represents me. If I’m creating a pice of art for that brand, that artwork is now a mix of my content and my values, with those of the company/brand. Which I think is an awesome concept!