Q&A Miguel Valenzuela | Creative Director
Miguel Valenzuela is one of the founding brains and creative forces of Melbourne-based graphic design company housemouse. Their journey started in 1996 with a MAC, a desk, two chairs and $30 in the bank. Passion, determination, skill and a high capacity for risk have driven housemouse through each business phase to its continued rise to the top. Miguel’s love for music is also keeping him real.
Name: Miguel Valenzuela
Profession: Creative Director/Co-Owner, housemouse
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Passion: Anything and everything design & music
How I got my break:
My partner, Nancy and I started our careers in a recession and it was tough. People did not take us seriously. We literally knocked on doors showing people our portfolios filled mainly with our schoolwork. We knew that ultimately we wanted to work for ourselves so we made our break by pouring our passion into our own company, housemouse.
My top tricks of the trade:
Creativity, passion and the belief that you truly can do anything you put your mind to. Be passionate in everything you do. If you’re not, it shows and it will be reflected in the work that you do.
My style in a sentence:
My style in graphic design is hmmm – bold – contrasting – clean = funky.
Travel destination and tips:
Oh where do I start… If you love Melbourne you’ll love Madrid. Espana; for the culture and food… ha, the wine… The football. Tips for authentic tapas, head to the side streets of Madrid. Stay away from the main streets!
I bet you didn’t know I can:
DJ. I’ve been rockin’ in some local bars and clubs in Melbourne for the past year. Love spinning wax. House music all night long!!!
I get my inspirations from:
Music, all kinds of music. It releases me and my thoughts. In fact, instead of provoking thoughts, music provokes feelings and this is by far more beneficial to my creative process. It doesn’t matter whether it is classical or modern pop or just about every other genre that’s out there. There is no better way to be inspired.
My latest project is about:
Wrapped by housemouse™, our designer eco-friendly wrapping paper range. We decided that it was time to delve into the retail realm and this was something that incorporated both the studio’s love and passion for design and sustainability. The range is 100% Australian made and designed printed using vege-based inks on 100% recycled pH neutral and acid free paper.
Next month, we are showcasing at Design:Made:Trade 2009, from 16 – 19 July!
My last purchase:
Wax (Vinyls) of course. A big shout out to the guys at Profile Music in Prahran!
My current favourite mecho item:
Wrapped by housemouse™ of course, when it’s up! (I’m biased). In all honesty being brought up in the 80s, I can’t go passed the new Kangol Collection… It’s all your fault LL. (Mama-say-knock-you-out)
Pssstt…. One time I was……
Playing at a bar in Melbourne and had the crowd rockin’ to my tribal/Latin sounds (thank god!!!). Anyway, a girl approaches the booth asking for some dirty electro. I don’t have nor do I play this genre. How do you please everyone I’m thinking? So she’s bugging me ALL night! “Dirty electro! Dirty electro!”
Finally I ask her “Do you want dirty electro? Do you really want dirty electro? Here you go!” Then bang, I cut the bass and mid tones and increased the treble… It sounded like a high hissing noise. She went off punching the air heading to the dance floor. FINALLY! Had to be there!!! Hahaha…
The mecho team invites you to continue the conversation below with Miguel… Make it fun! Post comments with your own free personal Gravatar
If you enjoyed this feature, you may want to Sign-up to our mecho e-newsletter for our latest style updates, giveaways and other juicy stuff. Don’t forget to check out our current Competitions & Giveaways
Join us on: 
Discover More Stylish features below:
LINK
MORE
GUEST BLOGGER
14 comments
14 Comments Add your own
1.
Niko | June 1st, 2009 at 5:19 pm
How many designers do you have at housemouse?
2.
Jamez | June 1st, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Who was your first client and how did you win them? Always stoked to hear success stories like yours. Very impressed by your stuff.
3.
eric | June 1st, 2009 at 9:16 pm
ill be going to design:made:trade! hope to catch u there n check out your stuff for real
4.
Miguel Valenzuela | June 2nd, 2009 at 9:49 am
Niko, we have 5 designers at housemouse.
5.
Miguel Valenzuela | June 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 am
Jamez, hmmmm, first client… let me think… Oh yes. Back in 96, it was a small audio/visual store in Footscray, called Footscray Audio. They required stationery. Ie. Business cards, letterheads, with comps and invoice books. Ha – I had to start some where!
6.
Miguel Valenzuela | June 2nd, 2009 at 10:23 am
Eric, I’ll be there promoting wrapped by housemouse™. Come down and Introduce yourself. A brilliant design event, full of inspiration.
7.
Chad | June 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Respect Miguel!
You seem to have done well and having fun on the way. May I ask how you got funds in the end to support your business and how long did it take until you felt that you are doing all right? I just became redundant from a very well-paid job but the situation also made me loose faith in working for others and want to be my own boss! Any tips to get myself pumped up would be of tremendous value.
Your designs looks great.
Chad
8.
Miguel Valenzuela | June 5th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Chad, Thanks for the compliment. We at housemouse work hard to create the perfect design piece. Redundant… These are tough times but you must keep your chin up and keep-on keeping-on! As they say… One door closes another one opens. In business though… I’d say, one door closes another 3 windows open. The opportunities in business are harder, you have to make the most of every opportunity!
So, how did I fund my business? Well, after working on my business during the day, I worked as a part time cleaner at night. Every dollar earned from the business was reinvested into the business. This allowed the business to grow.
Chad, to get yourself pumped… Always have passion in whatever you do! Without passion there is no drive!!!!
I hope I’ve helped.
Mig (Migsta)
9.
Chad | June 8th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Thanks Miguel. Great inspiration and kick in the butt. I’m ready to get down from my high horse and get ready for short term sacrifices for long term goals!
Chad
10.
Kikki | June 11th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
If you could work on any client in the world, which brand would that be and why? Kxx
11.
Sean | June 21st, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Hey Miguel, have you always lived in Melbourne? Would you consider living anywhere else in the world? I’ve been tempted to move down to Melbourne as change of scenery from Sydney but not sure yet… it’s the Sydney vs Melbourne battle again but I like what have been coming out of Melbourne in recent years.
12.
Miguel Valenzuela | June 25th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Hey Kikki, you had to ask one of the toughest questions… hahaha.
I guess the brand would have to provide global exposure. To be recognised from all corners of the world and the client must be reputable… and sustainable… Also, let me add that I’m a BIG fan of the world game… football (aka soccer) So, the ultimate brand would be… to design the FIFA Word Cup identity and the campaign that surrounds it.
This is a game that is not based on gender… nor social status. Anyone with a round ball can play. Also, it’s a game with a language that everyone speaks…
I hope this answers your Q.
Mig (Migsta) x
13.
Miguel Valenzuela | June 25th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Hahaha… Sean, Melb v Sydney!
Firstly, I’m a Melbourne boy through and through… Love this city but I do travel to Sydney from time to time. Yes, I’ve always live in Melbourne but would I consider living anywhere else in the world? hmmm… I love Spain… visiting Madrid, this city has some similarities to Melbourne. It’s modern but raw and edgy. The food and wine is amazing and it’s in Europe!!!!
Secondly, the designs coming from this city (Melbourne) are getting noticed! Not only are we competing with Sydney but also the world. Melbourne designers are pushing themselves… getting noticed.
One thing I can’t do, is make up your mind in which city to choose – Melbourne or Sydney but in the end, I love them both for their unique qualities.
Hey, maybe sample Melb for 1 or 2 years?
Miguel
14.
mecho team | June 30th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
All the best at upcoming design:made:trade 2009 in Melbourne!
Anyone visiting the event; keep an eye for the mecho postcards to vote on your fav exhibitor which will be featured on our site after event. You will also be in the run to win some stylish accessories as thanks for your vote. The postcards are designed by Migsta himself from housemouse and brought to you by hp.
Leave a Comment
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed