Toni Federico
Toni Federico is a food illustrator, surface designer, and podcaster whose work celebrates the beauty in our most overlooked rituals—eating, drinking, and gathering together. Working digitally in Procreate, Illustrator, and Photoshop, Toni creates food and beverage illustrations with a style that’s whimsical, sophisticated, and a touch grungy, combining elegant detail with emotional storytelling. Whether it’s a classic martini glass shimmering with a cocktail or a nostalgic dessert, each piece captures a sensory moment that invites conversation.
Based in Wichita, KS, Toni sells her work on Etsy, Fine Art America, and INPRNT, and she also licenses her designs for commercial use. She works with clients on editorial and brand collaborations in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Her designs have been featured by UPPERCASE Magazine and shared widely across creative communities for their warm, imaginative, and slightly cheeky take on everyday indulgences.
Toni is also the co-host of Two Cranky Creatives, a no-BS podcast for working artists who want real talk about creative careers, and she co-hosts Graphics Gang, a Patreon community where she offers feedback, creative challenges, and behind-the-scenes peeks into her art practice.
Toni believes in art that feels alive—work that reflects personal truth, playfulness, and that little spark of delight you get from seeing something familiar in a totally unexpected way. Her mission is to create art that doesn’t just decorate your space but stirs something deeper. Toni’s work invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and maybe laugh a little along the way.
Contact
www.owlmedicinedesigns.com
hello@owlmedicinedesigns.com
@owlmedicinedesign
Interview
What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
I’m inspired by the invisible threads of food culture that connect people—emotions, memories, unspoken truths. My practice is fueled by the idea that art can give shape to what words often fail to capture. I do this through the exploration of food as a love language. When you think about it, food connects us without words. Sharing a meal is an act of connection. Feeding your family is an act of love. Sharing cocktails with friends is a celebration or a communion. These rituals connect us, and my art explores them visually.
How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
My mission is to create work that bridges the gap between personal experience and universal truth. I don’t just want people to see my art, I want them to feel recognized in it. That mission shapes everything—from the themes I choose to the way I share my work publicly. It’s less about creating something “perfect” and more about creating something human and thought-provoking. And, whenever possible, I just want to make someone smile and feel seen.
Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
For me, it’s letting my routines and rituals be flexible. I have chronic health challenges that mean I have to give myself a lot of grace. So, even though I may have said I’m going to work on that collection today, maybe all I have in me is a Pinterest post. I try to keep the big picture in mind while keeping the daily tasks flexible.
What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
I remind myself: “Progress, not perfection.” Challenges—whether rejection, self-doubt, or financial uncertainty—are part of the path. Instead of seeing them as roadblocks, I try to see them as data points. What did this experience teach me? How can I use it as fuel? That perspective shifts me out of discouragement and back into action.
How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
I hope my art gives people a moment of pause—a breath—in a world that constantly demands speed. If my work sparks recognition, healing, or even just a sense of wonder, then I’ve done my job. On a community level, I want my art to be a catalyst for connection: reminding people they’re not alone.
