Minerva Cuevas is a Mexican conceptual artist known for site-specific interventions guided by social and political research and social change ideals. 

Q: Where did your passion for art begin? Was it something that started in your childhood, or did it develop later in life? We know you have a degree in Communication Sciences, and we'd love to hear how that background influences the work you create today. 

My passion for art began when I was a child. Visiting museums and taking my first art classes gave me my initial exposure to a world I never knew existed. Later, in high school, I took drawing and photography classes, which eventually led me to study Communication Sciences. 

My academic background has had a significant influence on the work I create today. My university education was highly interdisciplinary, covering subjects such as art, literature, communication, design, and politics, among many others. This has given me a broader perspective and a more global approach to the way I create. 

Q: How would you describe your artistic style? How has it evolved over time, and what led you to choose illustration as your primary form of expression? 

I would describe my style as a fusion of contemporary illustration, graphic design, and visual storytelling, where colour, nature, and cultural identity play a central role. 

Over time, my style has evolved from working in traditional editorial formats to exploring digital illustration, various printmaking techniques, and large-scale murals. I chose digital illustration as my primary medium because of its versatility. It allows me to move seamlessly between a digital canvas, the layout of an independent publication, and the intervention of public spaces, while maintaining the flexibility to adapt my work across different formats. 

Q: The FIFA World Cup is a historic global event, and this was the first time FIFA commissioned three artists to contribute to its visual identity. How did you approach working within shared creative boundaries to ensure that each artist's work complemented the others rather than competing for attention? 

The official FIFA World Cup 2026™ posters celebrate the creativity and culture of the tournament's three host nations Canada, Mexico and the USA. Created by talented artists, each design captures the unique spirit of its host city while showcasing the power of illustration and storytelling through art.

From the very beginning, the focus was never on making each individual style stand out. Instead, it was about bringing our distinct visual voices together to tell a collective and universal story. 

That's why the collage technique was chosen: three different artistic styles coming together to create space for a player shaped by the three host countries. The goal was to communicate visually that, although we come from three different cultures, we are united by the same passion... football. Rather than competing, our works engage in a dialogue and come together as a single, cohesive poster. 

Q: Could you tell us about the selection process for the FIFA project? Did you submit a proposal, or were you approached directly? Looking back on your career so far, what do you think has been the key to your success? And what advice would you give to emerging artists who hope to follow a similar path? 

Minerva is a designer and illustrator based in Mexico, where she has developed a strong connection to nature. Her distinct style is characterized by rounded shapes, vibrant colours, a variety of textures, and cultural influences. Minerva studied Communications in school and over the course of her career has worked with a variety of global brands including Adidas, Hallmark, Penguin Random House, Sesame Street, Starbucks, and UN Women Mexico. She has also held two artist residencies and runs an online shop featuring her art.

I was contacted directly. They invited me to present my portfolio, and after an interview, I received an email letting me know I had been selected. 

Looking back, I believe the key to my journey has been consistency and versatility. My experience working in editorial design for magazines, combined with digital illustration, gave me the confidence to take on large-scale projects without fear. 

My advice to emerging artists is to never stop creating or sharing your work. Discipline will always outperform untapped talent. Stay open to learning both new digital tools and traditional techniques. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity, create your own. Publish fanzines, collaborate with your local community, and keep your portfolio active. You never know who might discover your work on the other side of the screen. 

Q: Finally, what keeps you motivated to continue creating and pushing yourself creatively? Who or what is your greatest source of inspiration when you face challenges or search for new ideas? 

What drives me is the desire to see how far my work can reach across new surfaces and formats. I'm deeply inspired by the idea that art is a living language, one that evolves alongside time and technology. 

Without a doubt, my greatest source of inspiration is nature. Living in the Mexican Caribbean has given me a profound connection to the landscape. Birdwatching, long walks, and the ocean are my way of recharging. Whenever I face a creative block or a new challenge, I step away from my screens, take my dog for a walk, or spend time alone in my studio. Returning to nature always brings me clarity, and with it, my best ideas.

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