We recently connected with Nina Yagual and have shared our conversation below.
Nina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I am very honored to say that every project I’ve had the pleasure of working on has been meaningful and full of purpose. I’ve been super lucky to work in collaboration with various campaigns and movements that support racial justice, housing rights and reproductive autonomy. My latest project was in partnership with Milagros Collective, we worked on a mural for Plan C for a public health campaign.
Nina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a NYC born, Florida raised, self taught artist. With ancestral roots spreading deep across native lands. I’m heavily influenced by children because of their proximity to nature- both are playful, innocent and unapologetically honest.
As seen in my illustrative works and clothing line, I am incredibly vibrant and silly but that energy is brought back to balance when it’s time to talk about what it means to achieve collective liberation for all peoples. The purpose of my work is to support mass movements focused on racial justice, housing rights and reproductive autonomy.
My clients all have strong visions and messages, I come along and convert those ideas into an illustrative piece that they can then use to uplift their movement or campaign.
I can be a little unpredictable with my artistic style, I’m always experimenting and goofing around with new concepts and textures. But what remains a constant, is my love for color and push towards liberating Black and Indigenous communities through art.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think everyone should stop using Ai all together. People are way more innovative than Ai could ever be, plus, humans are designed to rely on each other and I don’t want us to lose that sense of connectivity. Paying artists, teachers, service providers, etc.. is important and we cannot let Ai take priority over human beings.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
As a self taught artist, for a short time I battled with thinking I wasn’t qualified for certain projects because I wasn’t classically trained. I had to unlearn that narrative and acknowledge that I have been deep in my craft my whole life and my perspective is unique and beautiful. I am always learning and forever growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ninayagual.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifulhoodcrumb/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NinaYagual
Image Credits
Both pictures taken by Shoog Mcdaniel @shooglet