Mina Barrio

We recently caught up with Mina Barrio, a visual artist, content creator (and tokyobike rider) to talk about work, life and her current project - an online school for creatives, El Cole.

Q. Tell us a bit about what you do and what inspires your work. What do you enjoy most about day-to-day life?

Ughhhh I’ve struggled with this question for two years: what do I enjoy the most? The answer used to be clear - taking photos! Being a product photographer and art director was my number one priority, and doing over 500 shoots in 10 years seemed amazing - until it led to a MASSIVE burnout.

Now I can’t answer so easily: I spend my time constantly searching for what I truly enjoy.

I love seeing other people’s creations, studying philosophy and writing non-stop. One thing I do know for sure is that every day, I feel this huge internal force pushing me to share the things I learn - whether it’s life lessons, which I post on my social media, or audiovisual lessons, which I share through El Cole (my online school!).

Q. Where do you live, and what are the places or spaces that make you happy?


I live in Seville, in the south of Spain, in the most wonderful region in the universe: Andalusia.

Working in the creative industry usually means having to move to Madrid or Barcelona BUT I’m living proof that you can do it from here, and I wish more people could.

I won’t lie - places and spaces have one essential requirement for making me happy: they have to be beautiful. I know it might sound silly, like a luxury or something unnecessary, but the moments that have given me goosebumps, that have made my heart swell, have always been when I’m looking at a stunning place. 

Whether it’s natural or man-made, I love them all. That’s probably why I put a lot of time and energy into my studio and apartment.

I find it sooo charming visiting local markets, fishmongers, bakeries… Tip! If you ever visit Seville buy pickled goodies at Doña Aceituna on Feria Street, or my grandma’s favourite caramelised nuts at the kiosk by Las Setas.

Q. Is there a special place you go when you need inspiration?

When I need inspiration, I mostly reread. I go back to books that deeply impacted me and that I’ve highlighted from top to bottom, or I reread my own journals. They work like instant idea triggers, and as soon as I start reading, I start writing like I’m possessed.

My favourite spot to read and write is María Luisa Park. It sounds idyllic and almost unreal, but I highly recommend it because it’s also the most budget-friendly plan ever: grab a book, a notebook, your bike, a bottle of water, and head to the prettiest park in your city. I don’t know why we don’t prioritise these kinds of plans and make time for them weekly. We see someone reading in a park in a photo or video and think it’s just for show, but we don’t consider it as a realistic habit. Seriously, try it - it’s quality of life without overconsumption. What could be better?

Q. A place you love going to just to relax and disconnect?

I ADORE spending hours in a cozy café while sipping on specialty decaf (I wish I could drink coffee, but it gives me anxiety, teas, and hot chocolates nonstop. I could live off hot drinks alone. My favourites are Ofelia Bakery (try their toasts, pastries and hot chocolate), Casa Orzáez and Thank You Mother (for its pancakes, waffles, and dairy-free French toasts). Or a stop at Virgin Coffee then sitting in Las Setas under the sun, just people-watching: that’s my kind of plan.

Q. A restaurant or iconic spot where you always enjoy sharing a meal.

What people don’t know is that eating is what brings me the MOST happiness in life. Time for a mini guide to eating in Seville:

  • For breakfast : The cafés I mentioned above or some good churros from a classic spot like the one by the Andalusian Parliament (unpopular opinion: the ones from Kukuchurro are also really good!). Alternatively grab a mollete (a soft local bread) with ham at Picnic, a café in Arenal Market.

  • For lunch : papas aliñás at Er Caserío, the montaíto de pringá at Bodeguita Romero, and the roast chicken salad at Pikantón. From El Manijero, everything.

  • For dinner : Moon is my go-to Korean spot, and Hiyoki for sushi. Supreme.

Q. What does cycling mean to you, and what are your favourite routes?

Cycling is a mode of transport that relaxes me and Seville is PERFECT for biking - it’s completely flat and has bike lanes connecting every neighbourhood. 

As a teenager, I rode my bike to school every day, but when I moved out on my own, I completely abandoned it.

Getting back on a bike after years was a strange feeling. At first, I was a little scared and unsure of myself, nervous about riding in traffic where there weren’t bike lanes. But after repeating the same routes over and over, I built my “safe paths,” and now I feel completely different - biking makes me feel free.

I don’t have to rely on the bus being on time or finding parking. I only depend on my own legs. Feeling the wind on my face, the sun, staying fully awake while observing my surroundings - it connects me to everything around me. It’s changed my daily habits, no exaggeration.

My favourite routes are through the city. I know most people love biking in the countryside (and I get it!), but I prefer walking in nature and cycling through parks and neighbourhoods - to dance class, the stationery shop, a café, or ceramics class…

Q. A must-do bike ride in your city?

Without a doubt, riding along the river at sunset is my favourite - cruising down the riverside near the city centre, passing La Cartuja, Triana Bridge, and Torre del Oro… HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!