We were lucky to catch up with Janirette Vazquez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janirette, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

**How did you learn to do what you do?**

I wasn’t particularly artistic as a child, and later in life I realized that my true passion was art. I decided to change career paths from Hotel and Restaurant Management to Graphic Design. After completing a rigorous admissions process, I was accepted into the School of Fine Arts and Design of Puerto Rico, where I learned the fundamentals of both traditional and digital art. I became fascinated with painting and sculpture, which provided an incredible foundation for my artistic career. I have also learned a great deal through online resources, books, and independent research. I love learning, and I enjoy turning the process of acquiring a new skill into an adventure.

**Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?**

I attended university while working full-time and enrolled in as many classes as possible. I’ve always been very impatient when it comes to learning, so honestly, I’m not sure I could have learned any faster. I also enjoy taking online courses, and most of the time I’m watching tutorials on YouTube. If you ask me what my favorite hobby is, I would probably say learning.

**What skills do you think were most essential?**

I believe the most essential skills were curiosity, problem solving, and persistence. I’ve always enjoyed learning new techniques and experimenting with different materials, whether it was painting, miniature sculpting, or 3D printing. Being willing to make mistakes and learn from them has been just as important as any technical skill. Attention to detail has also played a major role in my work, especially when creating miniatures and designing products. Over the years, I’ve learned that creativity is not only about making art it’s also about finding solutions and adapting when things don’t go as planned.

**What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?**

I think sometimes the biggest obstacle can be ourselves, our insecurities, our fears, our health, our responsibilities, and the demands of everyday life. There have been many things that have gotten in the way of me learning more, but I’ve never viewed those challenges as failures. Instead, I see them as motivation to keep going and to never give up on what truly matters. No matter how many times we have to start over, there is always an opportunity to learn, grow, and continue moving forward.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Janirette Vazquez, the artist and creator behind Janabstra, a creative brand focused on art, design, miniatures, and handmade products. I am an artist, designer, maker, and lifelong learner who loves exploring new mediums, technologies, and ways to bring ideas to life.

Over the years, my work has evolved through many different mediums and industries. Today, I focus on designing and creating unique products that I sell online. My work combines art, design, and 3D printing to transform ideas into collectible and functional pieces. I enjoy taking a concept from sketch to finished product, handling everything from the design process and prototyping to production, packaging, and photography.

One of my current projects is a growing collection of highly detailed 1:12 scale miniatures for collectors. Using my design skills, artistic background, and 3D printing technology, I create miniature objects inspired by art supplies, creative workspaces, and everyday items. I love the challenge of recreating real-world objects at such a small scale while maintaining accuracy, functionality, and attention to detail.

In addition to creating products, I also enjoy sharing what I learn with others through educational content, tutorials, and classes. Whether I am designing a miniature, developing a new product, or teaching a creative skill, my goal is to inspire curiosity and show people that creativity can take many different forms.

What sets me apart is my multidisciplinary background. I don’t see art, design, technology, and craftsmanship as separate things. I see them as tools that can work together to create something meaningful. My training in fine arts gives me a strong artistic foundation, while my experience with digital design and 3D printing allows me to turn ideas into physical objects in ways that weren’t possible before.

One thing I am particularly proud of is my ability to continuously reinvent myself. Throughout my career, I’ve faced challenges, changed directions, learned entirely new skills, and started over more than once. Rather than seeing those experiences as setbacks, I view them as opportunities for growth. Every new chapter has taught me something valuable and has helped shape the artist I am today.

If there is one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it is that curiosity drives everything I do. I believe creativity is not just about making beautiful things—it’s about exploring, experimenting, solving problems, and never losing the desire to learn. Whether someone follows my work, purchases one of my creations, or takes one of my classes, I hope they leave feeling inspired to create something of their own.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’m very open about my health with everyone I know. I think being vulnerable is important because it allows people to really see you rather than hiding or masking something that is a part of who you are.

I struggle with different health issues, one of them being endometriosis. There is still not a lot of research on this illness, but lately there has been some progress, which is really exciting to see. Every day can be a challenge. Some days are easier than others, but my creative process has been greatly affected by my health. My head is constantly exploding with ideas and the desire to create, while my body sometimes says, “Nope.”

One thing I have learned over the years is the importance of being kind to myself and understanding that resting is not being lazy, it is giving my body what it needs. I used to feel so guilty for resting, but I’ve learned that rest does not have to be earned. It is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

My resilience comes from continuing to create despite those challenges and learning to adapt when I need to. Some days I can accomplish a lot, and some days I need to slow down and rest. Both are important, and both are part of my journey.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is getting people to feel something when they see my art. The excitement, the joy, that’s really what motivates me to create.

I’m a big empath, and just having the opportunity to make someone smile while looking at one of my paintings or miniatures makes me feel accomplished.

I also love getting to teach others what I’ve learned over the years. I once heard the quote, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle,” and I just want to pass on my light.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Janabstrart
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janabstra/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Janabstrart
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@acrylacreativestudio
  Email: janabstra@gmail.com