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

Jackelyne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I think I subconsciously knew when I was in at least 7th grade that my mom always put me and my sister in after-school programs. I loved it, but I was always excited when she enrolled us in art schools or painting classes. I was very much like a house plant, but when I was drawing, I could be anywhere I wanted, surrounded by characters I wanted to be with. From the start of high school, I took every art class I could get, knowing I wanted to go to an art school, though still unsure of what for. Being that I am a first-generation in this country; both my parents are from Honduras I did have to compromise. They wanted me to have a better future. Once I got accepted to the School of Visual Arts, they were happy with my choice as an advertising major and i switched to graphic design after the first year.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was living to work, but when my dog Blanquita got sick and I didn’t have extra funds, I used everything I learned in college and at work to start my small business. I began by selling Christmas cards featuring my dog to raise money for her vet bills. I was able to afford keeping her comfortable for six months before she ultimately passed away. However, she left me with a fresh start, and I have been growing my business ever since.

I started off with about 10 designs, only selling keychains, stickers, and pins. I wanted to cover the basics in merch. Now, I have close to 100 designs. I work on a lot of custom orders, specifically animated pet portraits, usually memorial pieces.

The items I sell in my shop are geared more towards nostalgia and horror. They bring back simpler times and memories that make me happy, and I absolutely adore it when my customers experience the same feeling.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As with most artists, most people believed no one could succeed in that area. One teacher said I would never become a real artist. However, I had some amazing art teachers growing up who gave me enough confidence that I didn’t listen to the negativity. My family didn’t understand how I could make a living off being an artist. However, they respected my choices because I never gave them a reason to think I would do anything else but succeed. College was difficult, majority had the advantages I didn’t weather it was coming an arts highschool or having experience in adobe from previous classes. I didn’t have those opportunities so it was brand knew to me, it was met at times with being looked down on, but I enjoyed every moment. I had to keep reminding myself that everyone starts off on different levels. Once I graduated, it finally hit me that I couldn’t be the shy, quiet, houseplant I’ve always been. My reserved personality showed how difficult it is to be in a corporate, competitive environment. To this day at 29, it’s a default, and I have to force myself out of the mindset. After four years of running my shop and doing pop-ups, markets, events, and cons, it forced me out of my shell. Overtime it got easier but I would never be where I am today if I never dived in headfirst .

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

For me, it provides a certain freedom I never had before. I used to be a people pleaser in every aspect and never felt fully in control of my own life. Now, I get to practice my own disciplines and beliefs rather than following those set for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://designsbyjac.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jac.designs?igsh=MjVla3lpbXlyMDR2&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/castillojackelyne
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jackiehyuuga?si=9kbr7dQBhxnCB_tw
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jackiehyuuga?_t=8mat88qFi94&_r=1

Image Credits

Me