We were lucky to catch up with Leilani Santos recently and have shared our conversation below.
Leilani, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Learning my craft has been a journey of exploration and dedication. My skills come from a blend of hands-on experimentation, continuous practice, and learning from other artists. I drew a lot of inspiration from nature, music, and emotions, and I let these influences shape my work, especially with resin, alcohol ink, plaster, and concrete. Watching tutorials, connecting with the art community online, and studying different techniques have all played a part, but it’s really been the hours of creating and sometimes redoing projects that taught me the most.
If I could go back, I’d focus on finding a mentor or structured courses sooner, especially around resin art, as that would have sped up my learning process significantly. I’d also have invested in higher-quality materials from the start to reduce trial and error. As for skills, patience and perseverance were critical working with resin and other media demands a lot of it. An eye for detail, color harmony, and spatial balance are also essential, along with the ability to channel emotions and ideas into a visual form that connects with others.
One of the biggest obstacles was self-doubt, especially when I was just starting, and my skills weren’t as developed. Additionally, there were always some limitations with space and materials, sometimes I couldn’t explore larger projects or try new media due to cost or lack of a proper studio setup, which I’m still working towards as I grow my business.
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.
Hello! I’m a mixed media artist who works primarily with resin, alcohol ink, plaster, and concrete to create unique and meaningful pieces. My brand, *With Love by Leilani*, reflects my deep love for nature, the ocean, and positive energy. My work is inspired by the beauty I find in nature, music, and emotions, which I channel into every piece. From home decor to functional art pieces, I’m passionate about creating art that resonates emotionally with my clients and brings joy and beauty into their spaces.
My journey into this craft was gradual, I started experimenting with different media, and over time, my passion for resin art blossomed. Resin’s fluidity and the way it captures light and depth fascinate me; it’s like capturing a moment in motion, especially with pieces inspired by the ocean. The versatility of resin, combined with other materials like gilding and crushed glass, allows me to create a broad range of works, from elegant kitchen signs and luxury coasters to memorial ornaments and phone accessories like geode pop sockets. I also love making memorial ornaments that offer a way for people to keep a loved one’s memory close during the holidays.
A big part of what sets me apart is the personal care and emotion I pour into every piece. I believe in creating with intention and spreading good energy through my art, so each work is crafted with love, detail, and a touch of spiritual inspiration. For my followers and customers, I want them to know that my creations go beyond aesthetics, they’re meant to inspire, uplift, and bring positive energy into any space. I’m also proud of my evolving creativity and commitment to learning, which means each piece is a step forward in my artistic journey.
At the heart of *With Love by Leilani* is a desire to create meaningful and beautiful art that brings people joy and comfort. My goal is to offer clients a unique piece that not only enhances their space but also carries an uplifting message or memory. I’m continuously evolving, looking for ways to engage with my audience, and offering new creations that resonate with them.
One of the things I’m proudest of is the community I’ve built around my work. From those who support my art on Instagram (@withlovebyleilani) to the clients who trust me with memorial pieces or custom projects, this community fuels my inspiration and keeps me pushing forward. I want my clients and followers to feel connected to my journey, and I’m grateful every day for their support.
Thank you for letting me share a little about my story and my art! I hope to continue bringing beauty and positivity to others through my work.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Absolutely! One thing that I think non-creatives may struggle to understand about a creative journey is the emotional depth and vulnerability involved in creating art. Every piece isn’t just a product; it’s a part of me, my experiences, and my perspective. When I work with resin, alcohol ink, or other media, I’m not just crafting an object, I’m translating feelings, memories, and inspiration into something tangible. There’s an emotional investment in every brushstroke, pour, or design choice that goes far beyond the materials.
Art isn’t just a job; it’s a process of self-expression, and that can be both incredibly rewarding and challenging. Non-creatives may not realize how exhausting it can be to put so much of yourself into your work and then share it with the world, open to all kinds of responses. There’s an element of vulnerability in every piece I share because I’m essentially showing a part of myself. And when a piece doesn’t turn out as planned, or if it doesn’t resonate with others, it’s easy to take it personally. But with time, I’ve learned resilience and the ability to separate myself from the result, while still honoring the process.
Another thing people may not realize is the mental endurance needed to constantly innovate. Creativity isn’t always a light switch that can be turned on or off. It takes time, energy, and a quiet mind to let inspiration flow, and in a world that’s fast-paced and results-driven, it can be hard for non-creatives to understand why we can’t just “create on demand.”
For anyone reading this who might be wondering, the takeaway is this: creativity is a journey of patience, openness, and self-compassion. It’s often less about producing and more about discovering. So, if you’re supporting a creative or embarking on your own artistic path, know that the process is as valuable as the result. Creativity isn’t always about perfection; it’s about expressing and evolving. And sometimes, the best art comes from the unexpected and imperfect moments.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that stands out is from a time when a client commissioned a custom art piece that was both intricate and deeply personal to them. They had very specific expectations for the design and colors, and it was clear that this piece meant a lot to them on an emotional level. I poured hours into this work, carefully layering resin, glass, and pigments, trying to bring their vision to life. But, despite my best efforts, the first attempt didn’t turn out as expected. The colors didn’t blend the way I had hoped, and the overall look wasn’t capturing the essence they wanted.
I was heartbroken because I wanted so much to get it right for them. I felt like I had failed, and for a moment, I doubted my abilities. But instead of giving up, I decided to view this as a learning experience. I analyzed what went wrong, experimented with new techniques, and used higher-quality pigments to ensure a more vivid, layered finish. I worked late into the night, determined to recreate the piece in a way that aligned with the client’s vision.
In the end, after countless hours and several adjustments, the piece turned out beautifully. When I showed it to the client, they were moved and expressed how much it meant to them. This experience reminded me of the resilience and dedication that goes into being an artist. It taught me the importance of persistence, even when things don’t go perfectly. That journey from setback to success helped me grow as both an artist and a person, and it made me realize that resilience is often what turns a challenge into a breakthrough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.withlovbyleilani.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withlovebyleilani/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100070537594739/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovebyleilani
