We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Salinas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I learned graphic design by teaching myself at 15, building personal and fan websites on places like Geocities and Angelfire. This foundation in web design led me to apply these skills to my own digital art. To speed up my learning, I would have sought mentorship and formal training earlier. But it wasn’t something within reach because even if we lived somewhere that offered training, my parents would’ve been unable to pay for anything.
Perseverance, creativity, and a strong foundation in design principles were essential skills. Obstacles included limited resources, access to professional tools, guidance, and balancing other responsibilities. Overcoming self-doubt was also a significant challenge. It was only after applying my professional knowledge to my personal art that I began to see my digital creations as true art, distinct from my work.
Jessica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I started in graphic design at 15, creating personal and fan websites on Geocities and Angelfire, which laid the foundation for my digital art. My self-taught journey evolved into a professional career in web and graphic design. Today, I create digital and glitch art, infusing my work with elements that reflect my inner experiences and dissociative identity disorder. What sets my work apart is its raw, unfiltered approach, intentionally breaking professional norms to create something truly unique.
My art aims to solve the problem of connecting with audiences on a deeper, emotional level, offering a unique perspective often missing in conventional art. I’m most proud of my ability to transform my personal challenges into compelling visual narratives that resonate with others. I want people to know that my work is a genuine reflection of my journey, combining technical skills with my artistic vision. My brand is about embracing authenticity and pushing the boundaries of digital art.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I view NFTs as a revolutionary development in the art world. They offer artists like me a new way to showcase and monetize digital art, providing ownership and authenticity in the digital realm. NFTs empower creators by allowing them to reach global audiences without relying on traditional art markets. However, the market volatility and scams are concerns that need addressing. Overall, NFTs represent an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of art and technology, making it more accessible and innovative.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Absolutely. A pivotal moment in my journey was when I decided to quit my job to focus on my healing and art. I invested myself fully into creating and selling NFTs, and for a while, it seemed promising. However, when the NFT market took a downturn, I had to pivot and return to my regular job. This period was incredibly challenging, and the thought of quitting art crossed my mind. But I persevered, continuing to create and learn. This experience taught me resilience and provided valuable lessons on how to approach my art career differently in the future. Now, I’m more prepared for the next time I make the leap to pursue my art full-time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wondermundo.xyz
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wondermundo
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wondermundo
