Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aney Leos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Aney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Some people run from the scary, they run from the unknown; other people are drawn to it. Blood is a big one that can attract or disgust. I see it as our sustenance, the reason we are alive. It holds the strongest energy on this earth and regardless of what’s on the outside, we all have it on the inside. This is why I was drawn to it and why I based my whole brand on it.

I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but as someone who is drawn to the darker side of things: Blood, horror stories, and dark history, I’m happy to provide a safe space for those who also feel the same. Being into the macabre doesn’t make us evil people. Reading and finding serial killers interesting doesn’t make us a prime example of one. I think it’s more of a reminder that the world can be worse, that as messed up as our minds can be, it can be worse. Like writing poetry about dark thoughts, my art gives me a platform to express myself healthily.

I am super blessed to know other people who find peace within all the chaos and can appreciate my aggressive style of art. Thank you.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! My name is Aney and I am the owner and creator at Serial Creations. I started my brand 3 years ago this October! Serial creations offer products to those who are drawn to the grim or morbid.

Like many other people, I love coffee. I worked at the MAC counter at the mall and would frequently visit the mall Starbucks. I bought one of their reusable cups but found it rather simple, it needed something. I am drawn to blood, how powerful it is, the color red, and at that point, I had been in the haunt industry for about five years. So I upgraded my Starbucks cup with some blood and gore and it took off.

I sold my first batch of cups that Halloween season and then focused on growth. I reworked the cups and upgraded the supplies and the way they were made. It was all a learning process and still is. I had to learn how to brand, how to run a business, and increase the longevity of my products. It gets difficult with the number of hours I put in to make sure I have inventory available all while running a household and working other jobs to pay the extra bills. At times I walk into my studio with a mess everywhere and a full to-do list then I have to fight the urge to turn around and get back in bed. It can get to be exhausting but when I go to vendor events I get to speak to my supporters and see people’s reactions; it makes it all worth it. Everything I make is made by hand; sculpted, painted, and finished by hand. I think I speak for a lot of artists when I say; it’s a hustle. The fact that people are willing to support me and buy my products humbles me. I appreciate all the support and it drives me like no other factor. I am so happy to be able to connect with my supporters in the way we do and that in turn makes me so proud of my work.

I believe one of the major differences about my brand is that, although I work alone I don’t really work alone. I work with my supporters. I take feedback and allow my supporters to inspire me in hopes that I can do the same for them. After all, it was the support and guidance of other artists that got me to where I am today. I want to say thank you to all my supporters and please, stick around. I am constantly working to build, grow and bring y’all more and more Serial Creations.

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

This is a very good question and the answer is simple; show your support. I know times are rough and money is tight but clicking the like button, adding a comment and sharing a post are free and it helps immensely. Visit art vendor events and open mics. Tell your friends about your artist friends. Allow their art to tell a story through you. This is true for all art forms, visual, performing and musical.

Art is so important, literally part of our societal roots but we tend to take it for granted. Lets keep inspiring each other and allowing your artist friends to keep creating by encouraging them and offering that support system!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

NETWORKING! Connect with as many artists as you can. Expanding your networking system is crucial for your growth. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there even if you think they don’t align with your genre or style. As competitive as some can get, that’s not the case for everyone. Many people do what they do in the name of art and their wisdom is of utmost value. Plus you make lifelong friends in the process. Just make sure you continue to do for others what others did for you. Be one of the reasons your art community thrives and will continue to shine.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serialcreations/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serialcreations/

Image Credits
@redmilkcrone for the Gorebucks picture.