Daily Inspiration: Meet Michelle Lenis Liberto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Lenis Liberto.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into production design began summer 2025 when I started creating photoshoot sets out of layered fabric. I had been wanting to try set design of some time when a good friend of mine asked me to create the set for one of her photoshoots. I fell in love with the creative process and knew I wanted to pursue my career in the world of production design. From there I continued making photoshoot sets and recently did the production design for the Roots to Runway fashion show here in Atlanta.

Id like to add that I’ve always been a creative person. Even when I was younger, you could find me in a craft store and Id always be drawing and building and intaking the world from a creative perspective. I always loved the world of film, so I would dive deep into how sets were created for movies. I learned the importance of balance within compositions and the fundamentals of color theory. From there I developed my own style and my attention to detail grew from all these creative interests. I truly believe thats what inspires me when bringing a vision to life.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Everything that’s worthwhile in life comes with its low moments, but I believe those moments are what make the successes even better. I would say my biggest obstacles have been myself and learning how to show up as authentic and true to my creativity as possible. Navigating my own self doubt and understanding the power that not only my words hold but my mindset as well has shifted for me to be able to succeed.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an independent production designer and I specialize in creating fabric backdrop sets and mixed media installations. My work is recognized for the way I use a combination of colors, textures, and prop elements to bring a world to life. My favorite part of my craft is the way my mind works when building a set. I envision the combination of all the elements, whether thats the emotion that I am aiming to invoke or the necessary color pallet and designs I am working with. I envision each aspect of the set until it forms a whole image that I then replicate with textiles and materials. I believe this is what sets me apart because of how meticulous my attention to detail is and I enjoy the challenge of taking on a new project, even if the concept or idea is completely new to me.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
In my eyes, taking a risk will always equal reward because regardless of the immediate outcome, you will either level up or at least learn from said risk. Being an entrepreneur means you take the risk on yourself and believe that no matter what, as long as your persevering, you will come out on the other end better than where you were in your comfort zone. I think my favorite risk that Ive been participating in myself has been putting myself in scenarios and spaces to be outside of my comfort zone and truly intake what Im learning from those moments.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.depop.com/michellelenis/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.lenis/