We were lucky to catch up with Edwin Salgado recently and have shared our conversation below.
Edwin, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
A significant risk that changed the trajectory of my life came after high school when deciding what school to attend. As an aspiring, young artist I wanted to immediately go to an Art school in order to develop my passion and enter a career surrounded by likeminded creatives. I took a chance of applying to The School of Art Institute of Chicago, which I, to my surprise, was accepted to attend. My excitement was through the roof. Mi mama came with me for orientation. We toured the different career paths SAIC had to offer as younger me gleamed with joy and bliss. I saw myself as Head Designer for Nike SB, Having my own animation studio, or designing the next models of Apple products. The possibilities were endless! Once the tour ended, we were invited to speak with the finance department then and there to decide my future. I was nervously excited for I knew not what this school held for my future.
As the financial advisor counseled us on scholarships and grants, cost per semester, plus any supplies professors would require of me, the thought of the climbing number became cumbersome. As excited as I was about attending a prestigious Art school in one of the world’s best cities, I began thinking about mi mama. She came from nothing and created an entire life in the US for us and I was planning on going to Art school out of all things she wanted for me. That thought, in combination with knowing she was already $60,000 in debt due to my brother’s tuition, outweighed my own interest and passions. I suddenly did not want to burden her with paying for a degree in Art, it felt so trivial and unnecessary. She turned to me and asked,
“so what do you think about the deal? Hazlo.” She encouraged me to do it, but I pondered, then she followed with, “I can take out a few loans and pick up extra shifts.” Suddenly, it dawned on me that I did not want her to sacrifice more of herself than she was already sacrificing at this point. I truly admired her determination to put her children through the best circumstances that she could provide, but I could not add more weight on her shoulders, so I turned to her,
“No mom, it’s okay. I will figure it out.” Then I turned to the financial advisor, “Thank you, but we’re going to have to explore other options.” The financial advisor tried their best to offer extra aid and alternative routes, but my stubbornness stepped in and stood it’s ground with the decision I made.
Fast forward a decade, or so, later and I have established myself as a contributing factor in the Art community. Through gallery assistance for All-Star Press, one of Chicago’s prestigious print shops. From creating a ghost agency I call Forem Creatives which assists creatives of all backgrounds start projects, aid in job placement, and, overall, a network of creatives who collaborate and have built community. All while also participating as an Artist in shows alongside Chicago’s best artist like Austy, Blake Jones, Sentrock, Shawnimals, Yews, just to name a few. This all came to fruition through hard work and dedication. Through not giving up on my dreams, but, more importantly, never giving up on myself.
Edwin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I began pursuing a creative lifestyle for the love of Art and for the purpose of awakening the inner-child who has remained dormant for the sake of adulting. I believe Art is therapeutic, Art is a healing component, Art can also mean nothing simultaneously, but, growing up, I used Art to self-express and explore the depths of my mind and heart.
What got me started with my craft was graffiti and skateboarding around middle school. Two subcultures who are intertwined within each other. Skateboarding culture is full of amazing graphics and artist who also skateboard, like musicians, visual artist, creative writers, photographers, videographers, etc. This was my first introduction to a creative community to my knowledge, and I was indirectly and directly being influenced. Graffiti became more visible during 7th grade when the most I had seen was “[Blank] waz hurr” followed with a date. After noticing a tag from THE Crew I was introduced to actual graffiti writers soon after and noticed graffiti all around me. I started tagging on black books, desks, backpacks, bus stops, bathroom stalls, etc. During high school I was going out doing illegal graffiti, but once I entered my Junior year I befriended a foreign exchange student from Switzerland who was more into illustration. He showed me his sketchbook filled with loosely drawn pen and pencil sketches. Before this, I was spending my time writing my “name” in different font styles, but as soon as I caught a glimpse of his sketchbook my horizon was expanded and I started noticing more of these pieces, or sketches, sketchbooks as well. At this point I started incorporating illustration to my graffiti style and created character alphabets, my own characters, ultimately developing my own style and universe for my creations to live inhabit.
Later on in Life, I attended gallery openings, Art events, still writing graffiti, and started participating as an Artist. I began meeting people I admired, gallery owners, legends, and artist I now consider friends. In the grand scheme of things, I was continuously developing my style and brand, so I eventually started working for All-Star Press. Around this time I started to notice the gatekeeping aspect of the scene; Artist only working with their inner circle, community turning into exclusive clicks, so there was an obvious divide that those reaching local fame ignored or contributed to. That’s when I decided to branch off from that and began curating my own events. That’s when my
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative comes in parts; from brainstorming the concept, meeting with likeminded creatives, to working hands-on the project and watching all parts come together to bring the idea to fruition.
As a curator, once your idea manifests out in the world it’s no longer your idea, it’s the world’s now. To see people enjoy a curated event, interact with the installations, and strike connections with the artist and other Art enthusiast lightens my heart. I love witnessing a person fall in love with a piece and purchase it directly from the artist, the gleam of inspiration in the eyes of the next generation, and the atmosphere that is created from all the energy people bring to the space.
Overall, community coming together is my favorite part of being a creative. Knowing that I can share my ideas with community as they receive it and make it their own fulfills me and confirms my newfound mission.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My newfound life mission is to help others recognize where they are and help them reach their goals. I’m here to aid aspiring artist realize their potential and granting them access to resources that will further their passions and careers. I was once naive to all that was out there for me due to fear and lack of resources, but I am here to remind those around me, young or old, that the help is out there as long as you ask and look for it. Not only that, but that all things are possible when you take a risk on yourself by trusting your intuition, continuously developing the self, and nurturing the childlike curiosity we all carry within, which help us navigate through thus bountiful Life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eggprize.com
- Instagram: itsmilkbreath
- Other: https://www.threadless.com/@MilkBreath
Image Credits
Christian Rios