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

Lola , appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned my craft from many late nights after working a full time job as a dispatcher in the trucking world. I wish I would have taken the leap into being a full time artist much sooner but I am very content in my career. I often wish I was able to attend an art school when I was younger but financially it just was not possible. I think working hard, late nights and learning things on my own were very essential in my skills.

Obstacles – Working a full time job / two kids and still wanting to be that full time artist. Also another obstacle – Being told ALCOHOL INKS are not art. I am proving them wrong

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?

From Diesel Dispatch to Full-Time Artist
For years, life revolved around the fast-paced world of diesel trucking. As a full-time dispatcher, the days were long, the pressure was constant, and the responsibility was heavy. But when the workday ended, another passion quietly began to take shape. After caring for two daughters and settling into the late hours of the night, time was carved out to explore something new—alcohol inks.
What started as a creative outlet quickly became a calling. The vibrant, unpredictable flow of inks sparked a determination to master the medium, even when many dismissed it as “not real art.” Those words became fuel, pushing the pursuit further and deeper into the ink world. Each piece created was not only an exploration of color and movement but also a statement of resilience and belief in the value of this art form.
The journey from dispatcher to full-time artist was not an easy one, but it was built on persistence, passion, and the drive to prove that art is not defined by rules or opinions. Today, alcohol inks are more than just a medium—they are a voice, a story, and a testament to the power of following a dream against all odds.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I do not like the NFT world.

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

Creativity allows me to experiment, play, and push boundaries. There’s a sense of freedom in knowing there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to create.

Every piece teaches me something new—about the ink world and even myself.

Knowing my work can inspire or comfort someone years from now is incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.PAINTWITHLOLA.COM
• Instagram: PAINT_WITH_LOLA
• Facebook: PAINT WITH LOLA
• Youtube: PAINT WITH LOLA