Michelle K Irwin
Michelle Irwin is an accomplished artist, designer, and arts educator with a career spanning more than four decades. Based in San Francisco, she has built a dynamic professional path that blends creative practice, education, and community leadership. Beginning her career as a certificated teacher, Michelle taught both internationally and in the United States before transitioning into independent work in 1984, where she established herself as a freelance artist, muralist, and consultant for school districts and educational institutions.
Michelle’s work is grounded in a strong philosophy of honesty, integrity, and alignment between purpose and practice. She favors projects that are heartfelt and meaningful, allowing the quality of her work and trusted referrals to drive opportunities rather than paid advertising. Her creative portfolio includes paintings and photography exhibited internationally in cities such as London, Athens, and New York, while her educational contributions include teaching master’s-level courses and developing instructional materials focused on technology education and renewable resources.
In addition to her artistic and educational pursuits, Michelle has demonstrated long-standing commitment to nonprofit leadership and community service. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Jenner Community Center and plays a key role in coordinating monthly food distributions with the Redwood Empire Food Bank for coastal Sonoma communities. A recipient of honors including Technology Teacher of the Year and recognition in Who’s Who of American Women, Michelle’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to creativity, education, and service—guided by strong people skills and a deep commitment to community impact.
• Keswick Hall - Certificate, Art Education
• West Virginia University - Master's Degree, Technology Education
• Technology Teacher of the Year
• United Educators of San Francisco
• Jenner Community Center
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a diverse career journey that allowed me to grow as a freelance artist, teacher, and consultant, while remaining open and adaptable to new opportunities along the way. Each role strengthened my ability to listen, learn, and respond creatively to the needs of different communities and projects.
Equally important has been my long-standing commitment to community work. Staying engaged at the local level has kept my work grounded, purposeful, and connected to something larger than myself. That balance between adaptability, creativity, and service has shaped both my professional path and the impact I strive to make.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay open to movement and not limit myself to one space or role. Building a career—especially in the design industry—means cultivating relationships, staying connected, and allowing your work to evolve through collaboration and networking.
Those conversations reinforced the importance of remaining curious, adaptable, and willing to step into new environments. Growth often comes from engaging with different people, perspectives, and opportunities rather than staying too comfortable in one place.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to build strong networks and seek out like-minded colleagues who inspire and challenge them. Stay current in your field, continue learning, and focus on doing excellent work that speaks for itself.
Equally important is developing the language to describe your work clearly and confidently, whether through courses, mentorship, or hands-on experience. Be willing to pivot, remain open to change, and don’t be afraid to evolve—flexibility and curiosity are often what sustain a long and fulfilling creative career.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are a commitment to quality, integrity, and continuous growth. I strive to ensure that every project I undertake reflects care, attention, and professionalism, letting the work itself demonstrate my dedication. Integrity is central to how I engage with clients, colleagues, and my community—building trust and fostering authentic relationships. I also place a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, believing that education and ongoing development are essential for personal growth, professional excellence, and meaningful contribution, while never forgetting to enjoy the wonder and inspiration of nature in a leaf, a feather, a sea shell or beautiful landscapes.