We recently connected with Karina N. Cruz Ortiz and have shared our conversation below.
Karina N., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
This is a really good question, and I ask myself this almost every week. I don’t think I could be as fulfilled as I am right now doing anything else, so in that sense, I couldn’t be happier. However, it’s not as black-and-white as it may seem. Turning something that brings you joy into your day job is a tough task. Sometimes it’s really tiring, and you just want to take a breather and separate yourself from it. But being an artist is not only a job; it’s who you are as an individual. You can’t just arrive home and be done with it like you would with a regular job. It follows you everywhere, which can be a lot sometimes! After working on different projects, it can be difficult to create something for yourself without it feeling like a task. In those moments, I remind myself to take a break and enjoy other forms of creativity, like film, theater performances, nature, textiles, and anything that I can relate to art but isn’t necessarily related to my field of expertise.
Before deciding to pursue illustration and arts in general, I almost went to college for a degree in computer engineering. So sometimes, I do wonder what would have happened if I had gone down that path instead. Of course, I always imagined that maybe I could have pursued art on the side. But in all honesty, I don’t think I would be creating the things I do today if I had chosen any other career. The amount of practice, work, and learning that goes into my work is immense, and I don’t think I could have dedicated myself fully to it if I had another unrelated day job or area of study.
To sum it up, yes, I am happy! It’s not easy, and self-doubt is always there, but I choose this path every day. The joy I experience from creating and sharing my work with others, and seeing it influence others as well, is the most rewarding feeling I could ask for.
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.
Absolutely! I’m Karina, a Puerto Rican illustrator and multimedia artist currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Illustration with a concentration in Concept Art and a minor in Surface Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Drawing inspiration from my Puerto Rican upbringing, I imitate nature through rhythm, color, and shape language in my work. Ultimately, I create vivid, narrative imagery that celebrates life!
From an early age, art has been a constant presence in my life. My mother introduced me to its boundless wonders, my father supported me throughout, and my art teachers played a crucial role in opening doors for me. Yet, there have been three significant moments that have shaped my path. The first was when my ever-so-free middle school art teacher, Egda, invited me to attend a workshop on theater masks organized by “Y no había luz,” a Puerto Rican theatrical company. Stepping into their vibrant studio filled with intricate sculptures and captivating costumes, I felt the passion and freedom exuded by the artists. It was contagious! This experience opened my eyes to the possibilities of an art career. In a way, it was an introduction to working behind the scenes of productions, which led me to study visual development/concept design for film.
Another significant moment was my role as a lead graphic designer for my art high school’s magazine. Collaborating with talented friends and mentors from the visual arts department at the Escuela Especializada en Bellas Artes de Cayey, we launched the inaugural magazine, which had a profound impact on our community. Working with individuals from various disciplines ignited my creativity and fostered my love for interdisciplinary collaboration.
In terms of more industry-specific developments, I recently discovered surface design through a course on animated illustration. My professor, Charla Pettingill, an experienced surface designer, noticed my attempt to create a small pattern for an illustration and generously shared her knowledge with me. Outside of class, she taught me the basics of patternmaking, introducing me to this newfound interest. It has been incredibly helpful, especially since I have been creating and selling my own holiday greeting cards for a while, so now I have the ability and knowledge to improve my craft. Currently, I am taking courses on surface design as a whole, which has opened up even more industry opportunities! I now find myself constantly creating motifs and repeat patterns during my free time; it’s become quite addicting!
Nowadays, I specialize in diverse areas of illustration, offering work in surface design, marketing illustrations, children’s book illustrations, concept art, and portraiture. Recently, I had the opportunity to create illustrations for a children’s educational book focused on emotional intelligence and effective communication in African American households. This experience reinforced my passion for using visual communication to make a positive impact and promote inclusion and diversity in artistic markets. I also enjoy working on personal projects that celebrate Puerto Rican and Hispanic culture through various mediums and styles, especially surface design projects meant for stationery products and home décor! Additionally, I run an online store where I offer a collection of illustrated greeting cards and prints for various occasions.
I believe my strength lies in seamlessly integrating clients’ creative direction with my own rhythmic style. I possess the adaptability to cater to different creative styles and preferences. In addition to illustrations, I can deliver well-designed assets and graphic work, handling multiple aspects of a project.
At the end of the day, the connections I have formed with colleagues and the impact my art has had on others fill me with immense pride. It’s a testament to the power of art to inspire, connect, and educate.
I encourage you to explore my portfolio, connect with me on social media, and reach out for collaborations as well!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A few months ago, I found myself in a unique situation where I was invited to be a student assistant in a drawing class. However, the professor unexpectedly couldn’t make it, leaving me and the substitute professors in a state of uncertainty as we didn’t know the class structure. Despite this obstacle and having no prior experience in teaching, I made the decision to take charge of the class sessions. I shared examples, discussed my own experiences as a student, and conducted drawing and color demonstrations. This continued for three more class periods.
Throughout the process, I was able to establish a connection with the students and provide them with valuable tips for their projects. Later on, one of the substitute professors approached me and asked if I could do the same with one of his classes. This opportunity allowed me to learn how to manage a class, navigate unexpected situations, and step into a leadership role, even though internally, I was just a nervous student.
I love sharing this story because it demonstrates how a nerve-wracking situation can turn into something remarkable. Despite moments of self-doubt and a lack of confidence, I take on challenges because I know I will give it my all and do the best I can with the abilities I have. I have encountered numerous situations where I found it difficult to believe in myself, but I’ve learned that taking every opportunity that comes my way is worth it. In the end, there’s little to lose and much to gain.
In other words: go get it!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to share love, compassion, and bring joy to others. When I create, I may not be directly involved in the sharing process, but someone will pass on the item I created to someone they appreciate or even keep it as a gift for themselves. Even small cards, children’s books, and animated films encompass a love for passing on bits of knowledge and life lessons. Through storytelling, these mediums have the power to shape a child’s perspective, inspire, and teach important values. It’s a way of caring for future generations. I am filled with joy every time I receive a message or hear someone express gratitude for something I made. Knowing that I played a part in bringing kindness to someone’s life is a fulfilling feeling.
Inclusivity is another aspect that I am able to bring to the table as a creative, and something I am passionate about. Making others like me, from small places or different cultures around the world, feel seen and represented is incredibly rewarding. I will always love working and collaborating on projects that bring diversity to the scene.
Being an artist also allows me to take what is right in front of me and transform it into something new, which is a beautiful metaphor for embracing and loving life. It’s about appreciating our surroundings, even the seemingly mundane. I see it all as a gift, and each day I am grateful for the opportunity to translate my emotions into tangible creations that resonate with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karinacruzo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcruzarte/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcruzarte
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-n-cruz-ortiz/
Image Credits
Mockup images from Adobe Stock.