We recently connected with Cecilia Paz and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cecilia, thanks for 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?

I have been working from the moment I graduated. I’ve had various jobs trying to find what I like but, more importantly, to make ends meet from, working at a movie theater, to a care professional to fast food, retail, and now to a type of personal accountant, all while working on my business as an artist and creator. Through my many years, I wondered if there was something more out there for me but at the end of the day I know I’m made to create. Being able to hold something and say “I made that” brings a joy that no other job has ever given me. I make nowhere to enough money to live a comfortable life which is why I’m part-time working as an accountant but it makes me happy. I could never see myself not creating. I paint traditionally and digitally, I sew stuffed animals, and I’m working on a children’s book. I am always trying to create something. It is what keeps me going and the money is just a nice little bonus.

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.

My name is Cecilia and I’m the proud owner of my own little business Ceci’s ArtCorner. Since I was young I’ve wanted to create. I would make stories with my cousins and draw characters for those worlds, I would mute TV shows and make my own dubs for them, make little comics, anything. As I got older I loved creating more and more. I got my first drawing tablet and started taking commissions in Middle school making little drawings here and there for friends and family. I saved money to continue to improve my business. I got a Cintiq, saved to get an iPad to draw on the go, and got better drawing programs and editing software for my streams and speed paints. When Covid hit I couldn’t go out and work due to my health as well as shutdowns. I started focusing more on my business and was hired to draw illustrations for a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. That was when I realized I really could take this somewhere. I continued to improve my drawing skills, advertising myself through Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch, and taking as many commissions as I could. One Christmas I decided to try sewing for the first time. I made a stuffed fish for Secret Santa and a plush clown for my new baby nephew. I realized I loved sewing. It was a whole new way to create physical things and I loved it. I practiced sewing and decided I would love to offer that as a commission option. I improved, got an actual sewing machine, and now I can offer plush commissions as well as my normal art commissions. The business aspect is still a learning process. Every day I learn something new and how to better run things, especially with all the things I offer. I offer plush commissions, Illustrations, character creations where I sit with you and create a character from the ground up, Logo designs, Advertisement designs, Stickers, tattoo designs, I paint windows for businesses on holidays. If you can think of it, I can make it! A lot of people say you shouldn’t spread yourself so thin, that it’s better to advertise when you have one or two big things you make, but where is the fun in that? The point of art and creation is to create and I intend to have as much fun with it as possible! One thing I’m super proud of is being able to help make someone’s idea into a reality. I strive to give my clients the best experience and want to create more. Not everyone can draw so if I can help them put those ideas to paper then I have succeeded.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We need to remove the idea there is no space for artists. We artists must stick together, help each other grow, and not be afraid to support each other. The world tries to teach you that you must horde knowledge or someone may surpass you. That is not the case. Make friends, share information, and advertise other artists. if you’re constantly putting other artists down or hoarding knowledge you’re going to start pushing clients away. Art is a community. We learn from each other to better improve. We always have. Think of it as karma. If you help people find other artists then others will find you in time. It won’t happen overnight but don’t let that deter you. Share art, show people your favorite creators, interact with their work, commission them if you’re able to, and give them little tips if safe to do so. Anything can help artists if your heart is in the right place.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me is helping others and seeing what I can do. Growing up I never felt like I belonged anywhere. I couldn’t communicate well with other kids, I wasn’t the smartest kid so I couldn’t help kids that might have needed help, and I often felt like I had nothing to offer. As I got older and better improved in art I finally felt like I could offer something. I use art to communicate with others, to help people who can’t draw create what they always wanted, to help those who want to personally improve in art and learn new tips and tricks, and to offer little “art classes”. Creating has helped me feel like I belong and even make friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cpazartist.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecis_artcorner
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CecisArtCorner/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/CPaz
• Other: https://ko-fi.com/cecisartcorner
  https://www.twitch.tv/cecis_artcorner
  https://www.patreon.com/c/Cecis_artcorner

Image Credits

All art drawn by me
Cecilia Paz
CPaz
Ceci’s ArtCorner