Tonya Gonzales

Graphic Design

About Tonya

What do you do at MPIC?

I am the graphic designer and customer support for MPIC’s Print Shop. I take my customers from quote to completion of their print order. Some customers need assistance deciding on layout, paper type, ink colors, etc. and I help them sort through their may options. With my assistant, Ricki, we set up proofs to send to the customer so that they can see and approve a digital copy of their order. At times, I am called to typeset a book or design an item from scratch. I also create the sale flyers for our company.

What are your credentials/education/past experience, for working in your position?

Most of my previous jobs were in the art and framing industry. Being creative has always given me a sense of satisfaction. I was blessed with the opportunity to work for MPIC through their inmate work program while incarcerated. It was there that I learned about print, typesetting and design. I was able to incorporate what I knew from my previous work with the design aspect of the print industry.

What do you like about working at MPIC?

MPIC gives me the opportunity to better myself daily and grow as a person. I love to learn, and I am always learning new things here. I also have the opportunity to work with the inmates and help them as they move through the system and turn their lives around. I am able to give back information and guidance that was given to me when I was in their shoes.

What’s your background?

I grew up in the country in Byram with my parents and two sisters. Our property was my playground full of forts, treehouses, and secret clubs. There weren’t a whole lot of kids to play with nearby, so I was left with my little sister and my imagination. We built whole kingdoms in those woods!

Favorite Quote:

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” - Albert Einstein

What are the values that drive you?

I believe in honesty and dependability, both in my personal life and work life. My dad taught me that a person is only as good as their word and that is something that I do my best to live up to day to day.

What are your favorite Podcasts/Books?

“Live from Here” hosted by Chris Thile is my favorite radio show (It’s unfortunate that MPB took it off the air this year). There are so many great books out there that it’s hard to choose my favorite. Two of my favorite authors are Gregory Maguire and Orson Scott Card. I love to read books that spark my imagination and plant seeds of creativity into my daily life.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I love a good bookstore and coffee shop.