Meet the Florida Artist Behind Emily M Designs

A Dunedin Artist Creating Work Rooted in Expression, Nature, and Meaning

Emily M Designs is the creative work of a Florida artist based in Dunedin, blending digital illustration with personal expression to create artwork that feels both playful and meaningful. As an illustrator, Emily’s work is shaped by real-life experiences, nature, and a deep belief that art should connect, reflect, and feel accessible to everyone.

Hi, I’m Emily Montes de Oca

Artist, Illustrator, and Creative at Heart

I’ve been drawn to creating for as long as I can remember. It started early, with a camera in my hands around the age of eight, completely fascinated by capturing moments and seeing the world a little differently. That creative pull never really went away, it just evolved over time.

These days, that same curiosity shows up in my artwork. I’m always exploring new ideas, new styles, and new ways to express what I see and feel. You can often find my work at local shows and events around Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area, which has become one of my favorite ways to share what I create and connect with people in person.

Creating Through Digital Illustration

Most of my work today is created digitally in Procreate, which allows me to explore ideas freely and bring them to life as prints, cards, and other products. It’s a process that gives me flexibility while still keeping the work hands-on and personal.

From Designing for Others to Creating for Myself

A Background in Design, Marketing, and Visual Communication

My path into art hasn’t been a straight line, but it’s always been creative. I studied Visual Communications and started out in photography before moving into graphic design and eventually marketing. Over the past 25+ years, I’ve spent my career creating for other people, building brands, telling stories, and bringing ideas to life through design.

At some point, I realized I wanted to create something that felt more personal. Emily M Designs became that space. It’s where I get to step outside of expectations and create work that reflects my own perspective, ideas, and experiences.

That foundation still shows up in everything I do, from digital illustration to product design, and continues to grow into future projects like Emily Rises, where the work becomes even more intentional and story-driven.

Art That Reflects More Than Just What You See

Exploring Equality, Identity, and Expression

While some of my work is light and playful, a lot of it is rooted in something deeper. I’m drawn to creating art that speaks to equality, identity, and the experiences of people who don’t always feel seen or represented.

As a proud gay woman, and someone who cares deeply about inclusivity, I want my work to create space for people to feel recognized and connected. That includes themes around LGBTQ+ identity, autism and disabilities, and animal rights, all expressed in a way that still feels approachable and human.

Inspired by Florida, Nature, and Real Life

Color, Culture, and the World Around Me

Living in Florida has a huge influence on my work, from the colors of the sunsets to the calm of the ocean and the unexpected charm of wildlife like manatees. Nature, animals, and the environment around me all play a role in shaping what I create.

I’m also inspired by artists like Frida Kahlo and the richness of Mexican culture, where art feels deeply personal, expressive, and unapologetic. That influence shows up in the way I approach color, storytelling, and the emotion behind each piece.

A Little More About Me

The Things That Shape My World Outside of Art

Outside of creating, I’m someone who values connection, balance, and giving back. I’ve been volunteering with Suncoast Animal Rescue for several years, which is something I care deeply about and a big part of who I am.

I’m also a dog mom to Skye, a longtime yogi, a proud Libra, and someone who will always be a bit of a marketing nerd at heart. I’ve been married for almost 20 years, and my life, both personally and creatively, is shaped by the people, experiences, and moments that matter most to me.