At our most recent ON A PLATE event in Los Angeles, we spoke with Michelle Guerrero A.K.A Mr. B Baby (a creator in her own lane: muralist, artist, fiercely authentic) about everything from art and mental health, to the next generation and what it means to celebrate your culture in living colour.
Los Angeles—where football, culture, and creativity collide. At our recent ON A PLATE event, a celebration of LA’s Mexican-American community, we witnessed the power of sport and heritage fusing in an unforgettable way. Footballers, artists, and visionaries came together under one roof, all united by a love for the game and the culture that shapes it. At the heart of it all? The stunning new México De Oro kit from adidas, a golden tribute to the passion and pride of Mexico.
Among those making their mark was Michelle Guerrero, better known as Mr. B Baby—a muralist whose vibrant work is rooted in resilience, heritage, and self-expression. Her signature character, Chocho, a broken-but-unbreakable piñata, serves as a visual metaphor for strength through adversity. With her art deeply embedded in LA’s Latino identity, we caught up with her to talk about creativity, culture, and the undeniable connection between football and art.
Let’s start with an intro to you, what’s your name and what do you do?
My name is Michelle Guerrero. I go by the artist name Mr. B Baby. I’m a muralist and artist based in Los Angeles, California.
How would you describe the art you create?
I paint murals that are deeply inspired by my cultural roots. I’m Mexican and Puerto Rican, and my heritage is the heartbeat of everything I do. Most of my murals center around a character I created named Chocho. He’s a piñata—broken, but resilient. His story is all about growth through adversity, and he represents this idea of strength and beauty in imperfection.
What does Chocho represent to you?
Chocho is more than just a character—he’s a symbol of resilience. He’s been broken, like many of us have at some point, but he continues to grow and thrive through those cracks. That’s powerful to me. He also represents the importance of keeping our inner child alive and honoring the parts of ourselves that are soft, innocent, and full of heart.
Your work clearly honors your heritage. Is culture always at the center of what you do?
Absolutely. Culture is everything in my work. Every mural I paint is intentional, especially when I’m working in neighborhoods that are heavily Latino. I want to celebrate our culture, uplift our stories, and reflect the beauty of our communities. My art isn’t just decoration—it’s about representation, connection, and pride.
You’re proudly based in LA. What does the city mean to you creatively?
I’m not originally from LA, but I’ve lived here for a while now and I absolutely love this city. LA is alive with culture, art, fashion, and opportunity. It feels like a place where dreams are constantly being chased and made real. There’s a special energy here—a mix of hustle, history, and creativity—that makes it such a vibrant place to be an artist.
Do you have any personal connection to soccer or the broader football culture?
I didn’t grow up playing soccer myself, but being in California—and in the Latino community—you’re surrounded by it. Soccer is a huge part of our culture. It’s something that brings families and communities together, and there’s a beautiful energy around it. Even if I wasn’t on the field, I always saw the joy and pride that it gave to the people around me. It’s more than a game—it’s a way of connecting, of celebrating who we are.
What would you say the world would feel like without that culture? Without that shared connection?
Honestly, I don’t think California would be California without Latino culture. It’s woven into the identity of the state. To take that away would be to strip away something fundamental. And when it comes to things like soccer, the passion people have for it, the way it brings people together—that sense of belonging is irreplaceable.
How would you describe the shoot we’re doing today?
We’re celebrating the Mexican National Team and this beautiful new jersey from Adidas. It's part of a shoot that blends art, culture, and community, and I’m honoured to be part of it.
Do you see those powerful connections between art and sport?
Definitely. For me, art has always been healing. It gave me purpose during dark times and pulled me in a better direction. And I think sports do the same for a lot of people. Both take discipline, heart, and dedication. Both can give people a sense of identity, of belonging, and of hope. Whether it's painting a mural or stepping onto a soccer field—you're expressing something deep and human.
You mentioned mental health. Has art helped you navigate that personally?
Absolutely. Before I found art, I was going down a path that wasn’t good for me. Creating gave me something to hold onto—a reason to keep going. It gave me a voice, a purpose, and a way to heal. That’s why I believe so deeply in the power of art. It’s more than visual—it’s spiritual, emotional, life-saving.
What message would you want to share with the next generation—especially young kids who might see your murals or learn about your work?
Keep your inner child alive. That’s so important. Don’t let the world make you feel like your dreams are too big or unrealistic. Be authentic, pursue what sets your heart on fire, and do it without hesitation. People will always have opinions—but the only one that matters is the voice inside you. If you give something your all, it will lead you somewhere beautiful.
Do you feel pride in your culture?
Without a doubt. My culture is everything to me. It shapes the way I see the world, the way I create, the way I love. It’s in every brushstroke I make, and it’s something I carry with me proudly every day.
Would you say art is essential to who you are?
Yes—completely. Art is my life. It’s my identity. I’d rather create than do anything else. It’s how I move through the world. It gives me clarity, purpose, and joy. I believe art has a healing power that people often underestimate.
Are there any artists—past or present—that inspire you?
So many. I’ve been fortunate to meet and collaborate with people I used to admire from afar. What inspires me most is seeing anyone, in any medium, chase their passion. Whether they’re painters, musicians, designers—it’s the courage to create that moves me. And being in LA, I’m surrounded by that energy all the time. It’s contagious.
Shop the Mexico 2025 third shirt at prodirectsport.com/soccer
