THE OFFICIAL HOME OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP 26 HOUSTON™
Stephanie Leal's Story
Art has always been a part of Leal’s life. Growing up, she loved experimenting with paint, charcoal, pastels, and mixed media—it was messy, creative, and felt completely like a part of her. This passion led her to earn an associate’s degree in Fine Arts, but it wasn’t until she attended the University of Houston that she truly fell in love with design. She graduated at the top of her class with a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Art History.
A key moment for her was landing her dream job as the Lead Designer for the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash. She brought ideas to life through motion graphics, illustrations, photography, and impactful projects, such as designing the Metro wrap and creating a guerrilla marketing campaign for the biggest signing in club history.
Describe your art style.
I love creating bold designs that push boundaries, while also experimenting with minimalist approaches to keep my work innovative and engaging. I find inspiration in everything around me—city murals, posters, the creativity of my friends and family, and my Mexican heritage.
What does Houston mean to you?
To me, Houston is a place of resilience, hustle, and creativity. Diversity isn’t just accepted here—it’s celebrated. My father chose this city to give our family a better life, and it’s here that my love for fútbol grew even stronger. I’m proud to be a Houstonian, as this city reflects my journey, my growth, and the limitless potential I see in both myself and this remarkable city.