We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gina Tyquiengco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I always knew I wanted to pursue a creative path. My father was a musician and a cook, and my mother was a hairstylist, so creativity runs through me, and I was surrounded by it my whole life. In middle school, I wanted to become a fashion photographer, but then I started designing Myspace layouts, and it was then when I decided that I wanted to pursue graphic and web design. I taught myself Photoshop and learned basic HTML/CSS. Going into high school, I had already made up my mind as to what I wanted to do, so I just went hard in learning and applying as much as I could.

Through my side hustles, I realized that pursuing a creative path professionally was totally doable, and I knew that even though I might not make as much money as a doctor or lawyer, I would be comfortable.

However, my journey in the creative realm didn’t stop there. Painting came later, but it has become a significant focus in my life now. Discovering the world of abstract painting opened up new avenues of expression for me. It allows me to explore themes and emotions in a way that graphic and web design cannot fully capture. Embracing painting has enriched my creative journey, providing me with a deeper understanding of color, form, and composition. Integrating my passion for painting with my background in graphic and web design has allowed me to approach projects with a multifaceted perspective, infusing my work with a unique blend of traditional and digital elements.

Gina, 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?

Hello, I’m Gina Tyquiengco, an artist and designer dedicated to bringing creativity and innovation to life. My professional journey into the creative realm began during my college years at Indiana University – Indianapolis. Faced with the choice between pursuing a degree in fine arts or media arts & science, I opted for the latter, believing it would offer more professional opportunities.

Throughout college, I immersed myself in internships and worked for an internet marketing startup, honing my design and development skills. This hands-on experience ignited my passion for creativity and prepared me for the challenges ahead.

After that job, I spent a few years in the corporate world. However, feeling stagnant and unfulfilled, I made the courageous decision to pursue my passion for creativity wholeheartedly. Inspired by Elle Luna’s article, “The Crossroads of Should and Must,” I took a leap of faith, quitting my job with no plan other than to live a more creative and fulfilled life.

In 2015, I moved to Florida, where I discovered my love for painting—a passion that reignited my spirit and fueled my desire to create. Painting complemented my design skills and expanded my creative horizons.

Today, I offer a range of services and products including logo design, website development, hand-lettering, original artwork, and fine art prints. My work is characterized by bold contrasts, fluid movements, and a keen attention to detail, reflecting my commitment to authenticity and excellence. I solve problems for clients by bringing their visions to life in a visually captivating and strategically impactful way, whether it’s through a stunning website design or a captivating original painting.

What I’m most proud of is that my work reflects who I am as an artist, infused with feelings of purity, universality, and love. I’m dedicated to providing a seamless experience for my clients, from concept to delivery.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I offer dedication, expertise, and a commitment to bringing your vision to life. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media, particularly on Instagram, has been quite a journey for me. It all began back in 2012 when I decided to embark on the “365 Days of Hand Lettering” project by Lisa Congdon. Initially, my sole intent was to hold myself accountable for this project, but little did I know it would become a pivotal moment in my creative journey.

Although I didn’t manage to complete every single day of the project, it ignited a spark within me for creative living. This commitment to daily practice propelled me to create more consistently and experiment with different forms of art. When I delved into painting, initially as a hobby, I found myself increasingly drawn to it. Painting gradually transitioned from a mere activity to an integral part of who I am.

Sharing my creative process on Instagram became second nature to me. I posted my progress and creations regularly, allowing my audience to journey alongside me as I explored different mediums and techniques. As I primarily focus on abstract painting, I found that sharing my personal journey helped others connect more deeply with my work.

While my dedication to social media has shifted in recent years, particularly after becoming a mom in 2021, I still hold onto the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way. For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple: consistency is key. Post regularly, engage with your audience authentically, and focus on creating quality content that resonates with your audience.

By building genuine relationships and sharing your authentic journey, you’ll create a community that not only appreciates your work but also supports and engages with you on a deeper level. So, keep posting, keep engaging, and most importantly, keep creating—it’s a journey worth embarking on.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There have been several resources that have profoundly influenced my approach to creativity, management, and entrepreneurship as an artist and designer.

Firstly, Elle Luna’s article “The Crossroads of Should and Must” had a profound impact on my decision-making process. It encouraged me to prioritize what truly matters in my life, leading me to take a leap of faith and leave my corporate job to pursue a more creative path.

Additionally, Lisa Congdon’s “365 Days of Hand Lettering” project and Twyla Tharp’s book “The Creative Habit” have played crucial roles in helping me cultivate discipline and consistency in my creative practice.

“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield is another resource that I revisit regularly. It serves as a powerful reminder to persevere in the face of creative resistance.

I’ve also found inspiration and insight from themarginalian.org, which offers thought-provoking articles on creativity and self-discovery.

“The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho has been instrumental in reminding me to stay true to myself and my journey as an artist and entrepreneur.

In terms of learning and skill development, YouTube has been an invaluable resource for me. I’ve used it to acquire new skills and techniques across various creative disciplines.

Finally, attending creative festivals and conferences, such as Weapons of Mass Creation in Cleveland, Ohio, Creative Control Fest in Columbus, Ohio, and Creative South in Augusta, Georgia, has been incredibly beneficial. These types of events provide opportunities for networking, learning from industry experts, and gaining fresh perspectives on creativity and entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ginatyquiengco.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ginatyquiengco

Image Credits

Marcia Made This, Black Shell Studio