My mother always believed I'd be an artist. As a child I was always attracted to coloring books and crayons, drawing non-stop. She would sign me up for painting classes. I kept drawing and learning as the years went on. Many artists inspiring me such as Ghibli studio and artists on YouTube that would show their process of their drawing. My father then enrolled me in an art school where my skills grew further. And now I spend my free time drawing, I discovered nail art, and occasionally I'd sculpt to strengthen my hands when they feel sore. And of course music has been a huge part of my creative process. Art has always been my escape, and a way to get my brain working and my hands busy. Its both fun and frustrating but it will always be my confort thing to do, and a fun way to escape from reality.

When did you start creating? Was there a specific moment or inspiration that led you to it?

I was always drawing as a child. But I was 10 years old when I realized that it was something I wanted to discover further. That there is more to paint and a pencil. When I was 12-13 I discovered Ghibli studio and it opend a whole new world for me. I was 14 when I discovered the world of YouTube artist. Audra auclair was an artist I watched non-stop. Studying her work and her skills rather than focusing on school work. Then when I went to a high-school dedicated to art my classmates were a huge inspiration. But my main inspiration has always been music. Music opens up my brain to endless possibilities, I will never draw in silence. And many of my best work has been because of music.

What emotions, messages, or themes do you hope to convey through your work?

There's beauty in everything. I draw a lot of fantasy and portraits, characters with story lines and the nature around us. I love drawing portraits because there is nothing more unique than someone's face, we are all so similar yet so different and I want to convey that. Fantasy creatures such as fairies, mermaids, elf, witches, etc. Sometimes you need to escape reality into a fantasy world made of magic and I want to take you there. And for my nails, I want you to be even more unique with a set of nails that will make you feel absolutely confident, cool and unique! Nails, hair, make up is all simply another form of art where you are both the canvas and the artist.

What materials, tools, or techniques do you use, and why did you choose them? (This can include digital tools, traditional techniques, or unique processes.)

I do visual arts, my tools are color pencils, pens, regular pencils, watercolor, gouache, digital art and markers. Something about these tools are just classic and endless. I can use them for both small details and large details, my art is pretty colorful and the brightest I can make my art would be with these tools. They are fun, intricate and satisfying to use. I also use a tablet for my digital work. Sometimes I can't take all of my 50 tools with me around, so my tablet for digital art is a great option to use different tools while using one tool all at the same time. Digital art is absolutely endless with many creative options.
Nails are a little harder but I never stop learning new skills, which makes it so exiting! The nail art industry has grown exponentially to a point where we are creating sculptures on people's nails! Thats just so interesting and amazing! I use sculpting gel, gel polishes and a few brushes and drill tools.
Sculpting is more to exercise my wrist and fingers as my hands can get sore fast. It helps with control and flexibility. I use a few sculpting tools to help but I mainly use my hands and water.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your creative journey, and how did you overcome it?

As fun as Art school was, it was also very hard with big expectations. My style was simply not what the teachers wanted. And though my skills grew and I was able to draw a more proportional faces or a realistic chair, it did slowly kill my creativeness and imagination. Drawing what my teachers wanted rather than what I wanted. I went through depression after I graduated and felt like I no longer had any creative skills and imagination. I started working jobs and no longer had time for art. I was an adult now, and I needed to focus on making money. It wasn't until I realized that everything I had done had some kind of art in it. I would doodle in paper bags for food, play with make up, doodle on the eraser boards. I started experimenting further with make up, drawing in receipts, drawing on napkins, making fun sculptures out of dough in my bakery job, wearing fun make-up looks to my retail job, drawing fun things to make costumers smile on the to-go bags at my restaurant. Despite it all, my need to draw was now nature. I had to draw. It was an itch from within me. I realized that I had to take back my creativity. I had to start creating again. I AM an artist. Doesn't matter how good or bad I've gotten I've ALWAYS been an artist. It's engraved in my veins and my hands have every technique memorized. My eyes getting more observant every time. So now I'm here, trying to create once again.

Do you remember your first sale? How did it feel?

My mother used to work as a taxi, she helped me sell a few small prints and the money was used to buy art materials for school. I was always proud and greatful for my mom to help me. Then in high-school I sold a $200 large mix media piece based on Puerto Rico, my home land. I was the most proud of that one and I'll never forget how happy I was. I bought a lot of clothes after that haha.

Has a customer ever shared a special story or reason for purchasing your work?
If yes, we’d love to hear more! What was their story?

The most touching was when a mother bought my art because it reminded her of her daughter that passed away who was also ann artist. She was an older lady, seeing her face not with sadness but with love, it filled my heart knowing that in a way her daughter was with her in that moment through my art. I'll never forget you Ms. Magnolia.

Is there a particular piece or product that customers seem to love the most? What makes it special?

My fantasy art and my funky nails are always a hit!
Possibly my style and skills! But honestly my art is just made with love and good energy and I hope they can feel it too.

What are your future plans? What do you hope to achieve through your creative business?

I hope I can make a small income, but most importantly I want to exercise my creative will more and I simply just want to create and share with the world! Im not sure what will happen in the future but I'm just gonna go with the flow!

Are you working on any exciting new projects or collections?

A few nail sets! I also am currently open for comission for portraits! It's a cute and inexpensive way to give someone or your self, a gift. Give me a picture of your loved one and I'll capture their beauty and uniqueness on paper.

Why did you choose to join ZART? How has our platform helped your creative business?

A friend of mine recommended Zart to me, it's a great website that helps artist greatly both financially and creative wise!