We were lucky to catch up with Eugenia Diaz Rivero recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eugenia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I believe that going to art school itself is a risk. Choosing an education that allows you to learn and grow as an artist, as well as spending a fortune, without even knowing if you’re going to land a job related to your major, is a big risk. However, no risk, no reward. Even though it took me years to land a “steady/secure” job in which I apply my artistic abilities, I do not regret the path taken that leaded to it because those experiences shaped my work.

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

My name is Eugenia, and I am an illustrator born and raised in Venezuela, currently residing in the Bay Area in the US. This may sound like a broken record coming from an artist, but recollecting my oldest memories, all I can think of I’ve done is doodling, drawing, painting, creating, etc. So it’s safe to say that when pursuing a higher education, I already knew what path I wanted to take. Little did I know all the adversities one has to overcome as professional artist.

I enjoy exploring texture and perspective along non-conventional color solutions when creating artwork through a mixture of digital and traditional media. Most of my illustrations are inspired by my life experiences and the environments I’m surrounded by. Through my art, I use visual storytelling to narrate the human experience, which can be complicated, yet beautiful. I’ve participated in projects pertinent to fashion, editorial, and architectural illustration, as well as advertising.

One project that makes me proud, given the Venezuelan diaspora spread through the world, is my latest published book, an illustrated ABC which is available on Amazon. Here, I compiled a unique collection of Venezuelan emblematic subjects that englobe folklore, natural landmarks, food, and expressions from my beautiful country in an attempt to share an illustrative view of its culture with the world. Any Venezuelan that stumbles upon this graphic compilation will reminisce iconic elements of their homeland that, sure will bring them joyful memories.

I’m proud of where I am today, because even though the path I took did not unfold exactly as I envisioned, it shaped me, and to this day, it’s still filled with learning experiences that I keep under my belt to tackle whatever comes next.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think that going for “the arts” in spite of the judgement and the fact that there’s constant uncertainty illustrates my resilience. As an artist, even though I had to go through many different jobs that were conventionally “non-art related” for so many years I realized that I would still apply my creativity to problem-solve and embellish my environment as much as I could. The artist eye is something that you develop and is always with you.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Social media, social media, and social media. When I started social networks were not as prolific, and if I had known, I would have invested more time and energy into putting myself out there and proactively sharing my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eugeniavdiaz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evdrart/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenia-diaz-7664a6199/