Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natalie Rivera. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Natalie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I first started drawing when I was in grade school, my art teachers would challenge me to mimic different magazine covers with women on the covers to the best of my abilities. All would encourage me to pursue art professionally, so my senior year of high school, I had applied to CCS (College for Creative Studies) and SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago). I was accepted to both schools but unfortunately, due to family matters I wasn’t able attend. I ended up teaching myself over the years, by playing with different mediums every chance I had.
Knowing what I know now, I believe reaching out to other artist and connecting with them would have sped up the learning process. The knowledge of art isn’t something you only learn in school, there are a community of artist who are willing to share their experiences and medium expertise with you.
I think pacing yourself is one of the most essential skills that any artist will learn. You don’t master anything over night, and rushing your work won’t give you the satisfaction you seek.
The biggest obstacle that stood in my way from learning would be myself. Procrastination and pride are walls that I still struggle with today, but I consistently motivate myself to push through.
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.
I began my journey as an artist about 4 years ago officially. I always talked about selling my art but I never knew how to go about it. One day “What’s Art”, an artist collective, had reached out to me after seeing my art on Instagram and asked if I would like to have an entire showcase at Savant in Midtown. From there on out I was constantly doing pop ups selling and hustling my art. I was introduced to a whole artist community, and I believe I have made a name for myself as well as still making a name for myself. I sell original canvases, prints, stickers, and shirts with my art on them.
I am most proud of my progression as an artist throughout my journey. I started off small with only a couple of pieces and prints and I have expanded my inventory and knowledge of how to hustle art. I can also tell in each piece I create how much my skills are growing. I am being showcased worldwide, in Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels. I will also be participating in showcases in Milan, Paros, and New York in the fall.
My brand is focused around emotions, when people see my art I want to make them feel. Whether it be good or sad, I want to relate to my followers, fans, and potential clients on a emotional level.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal in life is to create murals all over the world.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I would have to say seeing people connect with your art, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Being able to witness appreciation for your craft is amazing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ NJ.Rivera
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091319765248