We recently connected with Karla Cabido and have shared our conversation below.

Karla, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Yes, I’m actually very happy with my decision, but sometimes I can’t help but wonder what life would be like with a regular job. Being an artist lets me follow my passion and express myself creatively, which is a liberating feeling. There might be more stability and financial security in a regular job, but I find real fulfillment and joy in my pursuits.

Karla, 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?

Hey there! I’m Karla Cabido, a 33-year-old graphic designer from Matamoros, Mexico. In 2019, I moved to Austin, and when the pandemic hit in 2020, I decided to revisit an old hobby that I’ve always loved—painting. Specifically, I started painting cute little pots to spruce up my apartment. I’ve always had a thing for vibrant designs, and since I was a kid, I’ve been obsessed with drawing eyes. They can mean different things depending on how you interpret them, and that’s what sets my designs apart. One day, my husband suggested that I open an Etsy store, and that’s when everything changed. I couldn’t believe it when people actually wanted to buy my creations, so I kept going. As I did some research and saw how artsy Austin is, I decided to start participating in local markets. Eventually, I made the big decision to turn this into my full-time gig. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I knew I had to do it.

To promote my work, I mustered up the courage to create an Instagram account. It was scary at first because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to show my art to the world, but I realized that was the only way to get people to know about my small business. It paid off because I got featured in the Food Network magazine, on the Etsy page, and even collaborated with Dutton Books. I knew my next move was to have my own website so that more people could access my products. Be sure to visit karmitacreative.com!

Since I started, my main focus has been painting planters with my unique and colorful designs. However, I also have plans to expand my business into other types of art. I’m currently experimenting with different mediums and also looking to sell my pieces in a variety of local stores. These years have been a roller coaster of emotions because I had zero knowledge about running a business, but I’ve been learning as I go. From simple things like packaging and shipping to pricing my art, and leveraging social media.
But I have no regrets. I genuinely enjoy what I do. Bringing joy to people’s homes with my colorful creations is incredibly fulfilling. The positive feedback I receive from customers and supporters keeps me motivated to keep pushing forward. I hope that I can continue growing and working on this for many more years to come.

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

The freedom to express myself in my own unique way is an incredibly rewarding experience. I am able to bring my wild ideas to life on various artistic mediums such as canvases or ceramics, infusing them with vibrant colors that make them visually captivating. Witnessing my imagination materialize into tangible pieces of art brings me a profound sense of satisfaction.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My journey is fueled by a simple yet powerful mission: to unleash my imagination and create artwork that captivates. Whether it’s through paintings or another form of art, my goal is to bring joy and creativity into people’s lives. Let’s make the world a more colorful and exciting place :)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karmitacreative.com
• Instagram: @karmita.creative
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KarmitaCreative