Elena Rodriguez

Freelance graphic designer in Austin, working from my apartment with two cats (Frida and Diego) who judge my book choices. I listen 6-8 hours daily while designing - audiobooks are my creative fuel. I care more about emotional resonance than plot mechanics. Make me feel something or what's the point? First-gen Mexican-American, art school dropout turned self-taught designer. My abuela raised me on telenovelas in her living room in San Antonio, so I have zero shame about ugly-crying to romance audiobooks. She passed two years ago and sometimes I pick books I know would make her gasp and clutch her rosary. Miss you, Abuela. Cried during 53 books last year. Kept a spreadsheet because I'm unhinged like that. Current record: four crying sessions in one book (Beach Read, if you're wondering). I listen at 1.0x because I'm savoring, not speedrunning. Julia Whelan's voice is like a warm hug from someone who actually likes you. If a narrator can't do emotional subtlety, I'm out — flat delivery makes me close the app, no second chances.