Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Coby Cerna. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Coby, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

My younger self was always happy being an artist or creative, and didn’t think twice about being one. . I think the older you get, it becomes harder to convince people or yourself that this thing we do is more than just a hobby. Especially when you generate little to no money off of your art. The older I’ve gotten, the more moments of pauses and reflections I’ve had, wondering if I made the right choice. I often wonder what it would be like, if I spent the same amount of time and energy into moving up at my job or getting a part time job to generate more income. But, then I remember how miserable I am at work and how wonderful it is that I have a creative outlet.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Coby Cerna I’m from Los Angeles Ca, I’ve been drawing my entire life, and I began to paint when I was 15. I’ve been working full time at a grocery for over a decade, and received my BA and MA during this time. I guess, at the root of my practice is simply carving out time, where you could forget about your daily responsibilities, be by yourself with whatever materials are available , reflecting on conversations, cartoons I’ve watched, and interactions Iv’e had with people. I let those moments manifest them selves in my drawings, paintings, and sculptures.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think sometimes people might get the idea or notion that we have a choice, or that there is a monetary gain at the end. It is definitely not a hobby, for most of us it is an unpaid, full time job. It’s not easy to make something day in and day out, in between daily responsibilities and not generate income, while trying to justify spending more income. And if you want your artwork to reach more people, then you have to figure that out too. You wear many hats. You have to market yourself, write about your work, study, look at what other people are doing and support. And you put yourself through a lot because art is important, making it and supporting it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part about being an artist for me is the community. It can be lonely at times as an artist, so it’s nice going to openings, seeing friends and fellow artist all come together, catch up and talk about art. In my experience, going to openings is, that there tends to be conversations that takes place between new artist and more established artist. Those conversations lead to connecting to other fellow artist together, advice, and feedback.

Contact Info:

• Website: cobycerna.com
• Instagram: CuhcuhCoby
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/coby-cerna

Image Credits
Abby Sin