Hi, I’m Misty Marquis! A Minneapolis-based multidisciplinary artist and Creative Director working across painting, illustration, visual storytelling, and design. My practice brings together expressive color, organic forms, figurative imagery, and a deep interest in how people experience and connect with the world around them. Inspired by people, nature, and everyday moments, my artwork explores themes of identity, growth, connection, and belonging. I use bold color, expressive portraiture, organic forms, and playful visuals to illustrate stories and create work that feels contemporary and approachable while leaving room for people to bring their own experiences and interpretations to it.

As a BIPOC artist, I also care deeply about representation, equitable access to art and thoughtful creative spaces, and creating opportunities for historically underserved communities to see themselves reflected in the cultural environments around them. I believe art and design can do more than make something visually compelling. They can help people feel seen, create connection, strengthen a sense of belonging, and contribute to how people experience the places and communities around them.

My professional background has given me extensive experience leading complex creative work at scale. Across roles with organizations including Target, U.S. Bank, ICF Next, and other national brands, I’ve collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and developed creative work from concept through production. My experience ranges from digital products and retail environments to integrated campaigns. Today, I’m bringing these different parts of my practice together more intentionally. Whether I’m creating a painting, developing a visual experience, collaborating with a community, or exploring work in public spaces, I’m interested in creating work that is visually engaging, thoughtfully considered, and connected to the people and environments it lives within.

Work History

Founder, Creative Director & Visual Artist
Flamenco Creative / Jan 2020–Present

Product Designer
U.S. Bank / May 2024–Jun 2026

Senior Art Director
Alteryx / May 2022–Mar 2023

Art Director
Target / Mar 2019–Mar 2022

Art Director
ICF Next (formerly Olson) / Oct 2016–Jul 2018

Interactive Designer
AAA Minneapolis / Jan 2015–Oct 2016

Graphic Designer
Impact Partnership / Apr 2014–Oct 2014

Graphic Designer
The Creative Group / May 2013–Mar 2014

Graphic Designer
Finished Art Inc. / Jul 2012–Apr 2013

Creative &
Community Practice

2019 — Ask Why, Volunteer/assistant muralist,
Chroma Zone, St. Paul, MN

2019 — Brand & Event Designer,
Black Fashion Week Minnesota (BFWmn), Minneapolis, MN

Exhibitions

2026 — Open Call for Artists
Times Square, New York, NY
Group exhibition and digital billboard feature presented by ArtistCloseup Magazine

2023–2025 — Facing Fears
Smokeless Vape Lounge, Minneapolis, MN
Group exhibition featuring contemporary work by local artists

2022–2023 — Classing Up the Place
Parkway Pizza, Minneapolis, MN
Solo exhibition

Selected Recognition

2025 — Top 20 Best Freelance Designers
Contra

2018 — In2 SABRE Innovation Award, Best Brand Design
Elevate Minnesota, The Holmes Report

2018 — Gold SABRE Award Nominee
Elevate Minnesota, The Holmes Report

Professional Leadership

2026 — Associate Director, User Experience Education
UXPA-MN, Minneapolis, MN

Education

BFA, Graphic Design,
Georgia State University • Sep 2007 - May 2012

UX Product Design, Certification
Springboard • Sept 2023 - April 2024

Industry Experience

FinTech · SaaS · Retail · CPG · Health · Wellness · Branding · Marketing · Social · PR · Transportation · Agency · Enterprise