We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Perola Navarro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Perola, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Leaving São Paulo for Los Angeles was a big deal for me. Back home, I was dealing with the grind of college, a job at a soap store, and freelancing gigs on the weekends. I used every free moment to stay connected to my art scene, exploring galleries, attending concerts, participating in art fairs, or simply dedicating myself to artistic expression, I was driven by a deeper need to stay motivated and connected to my passion.

I’ve been into art since I was a kid – always painting. I often reflect on the words of Professor Nicolaids, who said that the impulse to draw is as natural as the impulse to talk. For me, art was not just a hobby; it was a lifelong commitment and I considered myself lucky to have never truly stopped painting; it was an integral part of who I was.
But the intense routine in São Paulo became suffocating and on top of that I was battling depression. So, I took a leap, leaving everything behind for the promise of a fresh start in Los Angeles, a city known for its art scene.

The move wasn’t easy, but the wish of connecting with artists, engaging with galleries, and soaking up LA’s vibe kept me going. LA embraced me, and I found my groove. Connecting with painters, musicians, writers, photographers, sculptors, collaborating with galleries, immersing myself in the dynamic art community – it was exactly what I needed.

Looking back, taking that risk was the game-changer. The move shaped my career, brought personal fulfillment, and showed me the importance of following me intuition. I’m grateful for the courage to chase my dreams and I believe that sometimes, in order to truly find yourself, you must be willing to leave the familiar behind and embrace the unknown.

Perola, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hey, I’m Perola Navarro, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and what I bring to the art scene.

I started off my art journey at a young age, selling pieces online and linking up with galleries, which brought in buyers, collectors, and art lovers. It’s been quite the ride!

My work is all about expression and freedom, incorporating elements of design, such as balance, rhythm and harmony. I’m into creating pieces that catch the eye with colors, unique textures and tell a story at the same time. Each stroke is a creative dance, and I love giving my art that extra visual charm.

I’m all about connecting. Whether it’s a commission, a mural, or diving into interior design, I’m up for any visually creative adventure.

For a peek at my portfolio and commission inquiries, check out www.perolanavarro.com. Hit the “commission” tab to bring a piece of my art into your space. Limited edition prints and original works? You can find those on my website too.
Message on Instagram @perolanavarro or email to [email protected] – I’m always thrilled to connect with art enthusiasts, potential clients, or anyone looking to jazz up their space.

Im proud of the connections formed through art. I love that my work resonates, and I’m here to sprinkle some creativity into your world. Excited to connect and create something visually awesome together!

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’m constantly building my social media audience and its a journey rooted in authenticity and engagement. I’ve found that sharing my art process, snapshots of my studio, and hosting Q&A sessions provided a behind-the-scenes look that resonated with my audience. Additionally, videos, art giveaways and Lives added an element of excitement and interaction.

Another key aspect was embracing the interactive nature of social media. I encouraged conversations by responding to comments, asking for opinions, and even seeking input on certain creative decisions. This not only built a more engaged audience but also created a collaborative and supportive online space.

For those starting their social media journey, my advice is to be authentic and consistent. Share your story, your creative process, and let your personality shine through. People are drawn to genuine content and appreciate the human behind the art. Don’t be afraid to engage with your audience – respond to comments, ask questions, and create a community around your passion.

Additionally, explore different features of the platform, such as stories, reels, or live sessions, to diversify your content and keep things interesting. It takes time, so be patient, stay true to yourself, and enjoy the process.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I wish I’d known how powerful it is to reach out to companies for collaborations. It’s been a game-changer in building a genuine community around my work.

I used to underestimate the impact of partnerships on expanding my reach and connecting with a broader audience. But once I started fearlessly reaching out, collaborations brought in fresh perspectives and introduced my art to new crowds.

If I had embraced this resource sooner, my creative journey could’ve taken off even faster. So, my advice to fellow creatives is simple: don’t hold back. Reach out to businesses, other artists, anyone who vibes with your vision. It’s not just about creating art, it’s about building a real community that resonates with what you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.perolanavarro.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/perolanavarro