The Stickers Have a Story…
Every year, our Advent Calendar is more than just candy; it’s an experience. From the cubes you unwrap to the candy you discover, every detail is designed to make December feel magical. And this year, the magic wouldn’t be complete without the artwork that ties it all together.
That’s where Michelle comes in. She’s the brilliant illustrator behind our 2024 Advent Calendar stickers, the tiny pieces of art that decorate each cube and bring a little extra joy to your countdown. We wanted to give you the chance to meet the creative mind behind the designs, hear her story, and peek behind the curtain at how these festive little details come to life.
So grab a cozy drink, settle in, and get to know Michelle from MishiMoooDesigns.
Q&A with Michelle
I sat down virtually with Michelle to chat about her art, her inspirations, and how they play into her creative process. Let’s dive in!
Q: Can you tell us a little about your background as an artist?
A: I’m a Canadian artist with a sweet tooth! I started MishiMoooDesigns during maternity leave as a way to fill a gap on my resume, and it quickly became my creative outlet. I’m best known for combining junk food with everyday objects in playful, often punny ways.
Q: How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
A: Playful, clever, and sweet
Q: Do you work full-time as an illustrator, or do you balance art with other creative or non-creative work?
A: In addition to being a Calgary artist, I’m a VP of Marketing, a public speaker, and the founder of Lead With Spark, where I provide speaking experiences that help teams think more creatively. At my core, I’m always creating, whether that’s a marketing campaign, a presentation, or a piece of art.
Q: Where do you usually find inspiration for your art?
A: Everyday life. Conversations, random moments with my kids, things people say that stick… and the snack aisle, obviously.
Q: Can you give us a peek into your creative process?
A: I like to surround myself with inspiration and collect ideas, then reimagine them in my own way. I’ve found that creativity leads to more creativity, so the more I’m exposed to it, the more ideas I have. And sometimes… It’s a 2 am idea I scramble to write down before it’s gone.
Q: Were there any challenges you faced while designing this project?
A: The biggest challenge was working within a limited colour palette. But constraints like that tend to spark more creative solutions.
Q: How did you ensure the stickers captured the holiday spirit while still being fun and reflecting your style?
A: I kept things simple and playful. Adding subtle festive details to animals felt like an easy way to bring the holiday spirit into the designs without overcomplicating them. And honestly… who doesn’t love animals?
Q: What was your inspiration for designing the Advent Calendar stickers?
A: I was inspired by some wrapping paper designs I came across on Pinterest, and then reimagined them in my own style to create something new.
Q: Was there a particular design or element that was your favourite to create? Why?
A: My dog Presley. He passed away earlier that year, and it was my first Christmas without him in 15 years. Including him in the design felt really meaningful.
Q: Is there an illustration that you felt especially connected to?
A: Same answer as above, my sweet Presley.
Q: What’s a small detail in your work that you always pay extra attention to?
A: Sparkles. I add them whenever appropriate… and somehow, they’re almost always appropriate.
Q: If your creative process had a soundtrack, what would it sound like?
A: A strong mix of 90s boybands… nostalgic, familiar, fun, and brings the energy.
Q: What do you think makes you the coolest mom?
A: I asked my kids…
Chase: “Because you’re really good at soccer.”
Bodie: “You give me snuggles.”
Q: What’s your go-to comfort show or movie when you need creative background noise?
A: Usually Friends, The Office, or reality TV. Elite background noise.
Q: Do you have a favourite holiday song that instantly puts you in the spirit?
A: Santa, Can You Hear Me by Britney Spears—no explanation needed.
Q: When you’re not sketching or designing, what’s your guilty-pleasure hobby or activity?
A: Playing sports, cheering on my kids at theirs, conquering escape rooms, Activate Games (IYKYK), and food or drinks with friends.
Q: What’s the weirdest or funniest place you’ve ever found inspiration for a design?
A: Most of my ideas come to me in the middle of the night, which is great for creativity and terrible for sleep.
Q: Which emoji do you overuse the most?
A: 😅
Q: If you could only eat one holiday treat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Cookies. Next question.
Q: What’s the most “you” candy (the one that best matches your personality)?
A: Sour Soothers, Nerd Clusters, or Peach Rings. I contain multitudes.
Q: If your art studio could magically restock itself with one endless supply, what would you choose?
A: Time.
Q: If you could design for any dream project or brand, what would it be?
A: Honestly? I already have. Sugar Cube! (OMG! Stop! That is so nice!!)
Q: Do you have a creative survival kit?
A: My Notes app, Pinterest, a good coffeehouse, and trust in the process.
Q: What’s one thing about being an illustrator that might surprise people?
A: You don’t need formal training or education to be creative. You just need to be willing to try.
Want more of Michelle's art in your feed? Be sure to check out her socials below and give her a follow if you're not doing so already. Trust us, you’ll want to see what she creates next.
A huge thank you to Michelle for lending her incredible talent to this year’s Advent Calendar. Every cube you open is a little sweeter (and a little more magical) because of her designs. From my side, I can honestly say this project was an absolute joy! Michelle made the whole approach so true to her!
If you’d like to see more of Michelle's work (because, yes, yes you do!), check out the links below, and don’t forget to show her some love on social media. We’re so proud to collaborate with artists who bring heart and creativity into everything they do.
Instagram: MishimoooDesigns
Website: www.michellealexander.art
And as you make your way through this year’s calendar, remember: the candy is sweet, but the story behind it is even sweeter.
