We were lucky to catch up with Andrea Pro recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Andrea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

The urge to create has always been a part of me. From a young age, I was quiet and kept to myself, so it was always easier for me to express myself through drawing, painting, writing, etc. When I realized that it was possible to do these things as a career into adulthood, I was determined to try and do the same. I believe that the best ways of learning are through firsthand experience, consistent practice and making mistakes. This is how I have grown as an artist. What first started as a means of expression for me, turned into something bigger. Having a genuine passion for art also helped me immensely as a student. It wasn’t difficult to look for inspiration, so when I first approached the technical aspects of drawing, painting and design, I already had subjects to work with. Learning the technical processes of art was probably the most difficult part for me, but it has been a necessary stepping stone that has helped refine my artistic skills.

Knowing what I know now, I would have started practicing earlier on and more consistently. Setting aside time and prioritizing your creative endeavors is absolutely necessary if you want to become a better artist. I would also have allowed myself to experiment with more mediums and make as many mistakes as I could, rather than striving for perfection. However, I like to remind myself that this journey is not linear and that my only competition is myself.

Being a successful artist requires more than just technical skills. You won’t go very far if you only rely on “talent”. You also need communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills among others. As an undergraduate student, I learned how to talk about my art and myself as an artist. At first it was a struggle for me, but it also forced me to think more deeply about who I am, what I do, why I do it, and why it’s important. Although art is meant to visually communicate, it is also important to know how to vocalize the intention and meaning behind your work.

Self doubt and lack of confidence are things that have held me back for a while, and sometimes they still do. However, I’ve become more self aware of these patterns and how they can affect me. Now, I try to constantly remind myself that there is power and value in what I do.

Andrea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Andrea and I am a Multimedia Artist from Douglas, Arizona. I describe myself as a Multimedia Artist because I work with a variety of mediums. My focus is in Painting and Illustration and I work digitally, on canvas, paper, or fabric. The themes and subjects in my work are directly related to my life experiences. I find inspiration through my culture, everyday life, and nature. My journey as an artist began at a young age and led me to study Art at Arizona State University where I graduated from in 2021 with a BFA in Painting. Today, I am based in Phoenix, Arizona where I continue to search for new career opportunities while working on different art projects. I show my work at art galleries, run an online store, participate in local vendor markets, and occasionally work on commissions. I am most proud of how I have developed a unique and recognizable art style and how much I’ve been able to achieve for someone who grew up with few resources. I always strive to stay true to myself and hope that my work resonates with others.

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

One of the most rewarding parts of being an artist is looking back at my work and seeing how much I’ve improved. I recognize that not everything I make is going to be a masterpiece, but the goal is to be better than I was yesterday. Another rewarding experience is seeing how people connect with my work and how it can spark a conversation. These kinds of moments are always special and memorable to me.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Growing up in a small border town, I unfortunately did not have much access to resources for young and emerging artists. Although I did participate in local art events and build meaningful relationships with other local creatives, moving to a city was my best option. I have been living in Phoenix for five years now and have slowly but gradually built relationships with local artists and galleries. Here, I have access to resources that have been helpful in my journey, many that I wish I knew about sooner. Artlink is a Phoenix non-profit that supports local art events and initiatives by connecting artists to opportunities throughout Arizona. Through Artlink, I’ve gained multiple opportunities to show my work locally. Social media has also been an incredibly useful tool not just for promoting my work, but for networking with other local creatives.

Contact Info:

• Website: 4proart.com
• Instagram: @4.pro.art