We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Francis Santos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Francis below.

Hi Francis, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The thing I love about my art is that connects me with animal lovers like me and I also have the opportunities to donate to numerous rescues and their fundraisers events towards the care of animals in need.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I worked in the entertainment industry building costumes for dancers and actors my whole working life. I also worked as a pattern maker in the fashion industry for a little while and I make all my dresses. I always loved finishing costumes because that involved a lot of hand sewing which I find very therapeutic.
Since I love animals, I decided to combine my 2 passions and embroider animal portraits.
My animal embroidery art can be found in tiny studs and also in custom animal portraits of all sizes.
I use a technique referred to as painting with thread because of its similarities with painting and the realistic final result.
Those are my most proud works as I portrait many animals that are no longer with us and I can honour them with my art.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This year was a personal tough one. I lost my dog unexpectedly and it shattered my heart.
Through my grief, which I am still going through, I had to work and push forward. There were times, I really wanted to quit because nothing made sense without my soul dog, however I had customers relying on me and waiting for their custom animal portraits, and I do not wanted to let them down.
I’ve learned that time doesn’t heal anything, specially a traumatic experience similar to what I went through, and I now have to learn to live without him.
I learned that people say the most hurtful things while thinking they are being helpful and kind.
I learned that no one can pull me through grief but myself and it is a journey that we mostly go through alone, or if you are lucky like me, you will find a bunch of people that care for animals as much as you do, and they will help you with a safe place to express your feelings without judgement.
I also learned that if you lost an animal or a person that you love, the grief is the same and most people feel very uncomfortable around someone that is grieving.
But I know now, no matter what life throws at me, I can overcome it and come out the other side if my mind set is right.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Seen my customers first reaction once they see the first update on their custom animal portraits. And then again, when they received their portrait and tell me, every single time, that photos do not do justice to the actual portrait in person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myprettybabi.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/myprettybabi_shop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyPrettyBabi
• Other: Pinterest : https://www.pinterest.com/myprettybabi