We recently connected with Rena Kubota and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Rena thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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?
I find immense happiness in my role as an artist, but I’d be remiss not to mention the challenges I’ve encountered on this path. My experience working with a cosmetic company was insightful, yet it illuminated the conflict between my artistic imagination and corporate constraints. While it wasn’t always a smooth journey, the lessons I learned were invaluable.
The exposure to the corporate world underscored the limitations it placed on my creative freedom, a contrast to the boundless imaginative space I craved. This realization led me to embark on my freelance art journey. I also ventured into the NFT realm, a thrilling avenue with its own set of financial uncertainties due to the volatile economy. As a recent graduate, financial struggles were very real, and I grappled with finding my footing in the art world.
Growing my audience has been a gradual process, especially as I’m not naturally inclined toward social media. Navigating trends and app intricacies, things that weren’t covered in school, added to the learning curve. Fortunately, my husband’s unwavering support has been a guiding light, enabling me to weather these challenges.
And yes, the idea of a stable job has crossed my mind. Unlike part-time restaurant work that guarantees minimum pay, freelancing doesn’t always offer the same assurance. While the allure of consistent income is there, my passion for art and creative expression keeps me dedicated to freelancing
From my perspective, freelancing, particularly in the early stages, involves significant risks, especially without a strong support system. Balancing financial stability and artistic growth can be an intricate dance. Despite the hurdles, I remain steadfast in my passion for art, driven by the understanding that challenges are essential stepping stones to a fulfilling artistic career.
Rena, 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?
Hello, I’m Rena Kubota, a US-based freelance artist. With a background in graphic design for Korean cosmetics and art direction in NFT projects, I’ve merged my design sensibilities with cutting-edge digital art.
Currently, my main focus is on growing my social media following to pave the way for the launch of my character brand shop, “Fizzy Bae.” “Fizzy Bae” is more than just a brand; it’s a vibrant fusion of art, nostalgia, and personal expression. The name itself captures the essence of the brand’s playful and effervescent spirit. “Fizzy” signifies the excitement and energy that each of our products encapsulates, while “Bae” symbolizes the deep connection between me as the creator and the community of art enthusiasts and fashion lovers who resonate with my vision. Just like bubbles in a fizzy drink, our products burst with creativity and evoke a sense of joy. This brand embodies the nostalgic Y2K and retro aesthetics, seamlessly blended with a delightful pink, sweet, and girly style.
“Fizzy Bae” features an array of captivating products. From charming stickers that add flair to everyday items, to enchanting art prints that capture the essence of the era, and poster cards that offer collectible glimpses into my world—all the way to stationary goods that infuse creativity into daily life.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to broaden “Fizzy Bae’s” horizons by venturing into the realm of fashion. Specifically, I plan to kickstart this expansion with a focus on press-on nails. This is a personal passion of mine, and I’m determined to seamlessly integrate it with my artistic vision. For instance, envisioning bundle deals that combine press-on nails with complementary poster cards and character stickers—each designed specifically to enhance the nail art experience.
The fusion of fashion and art presents a captivating opportunity to bring my creative expression to new dimensions. These collaborations will not only serve as a unique expression of my individuality but also extend a personalized touch to others who share in my enthusiasm.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
In the immediate future, my primary focus is centered on establishing and nurturing my personal brand. This marks a pivotal step in my artistic evolution, granting me the opportunity to introduce my unique style and creative vision to a wider audience. Through this brand, my goal is to establish meaningful connections with fellow art enthusiasts who resonate with my creative expression and aesthetic sensibilities.
As I lay the groundwork for my brand, I’m also looking ahead to a future where its growth transcends the digital realm. The concept of expanding into an in-person store holds immense appeal to me. This physical space would offer an opportunity to breathe life into my creations, allowing customers to experience my art tangibly and immerse themselves in the world I’ve meticulously crafted.
This move toward a physical store isn’t just about commerce; it’s about fostering a welcoming and inspiring environment. I envision a space where individuals can explore, engage with, and take a piece of my art home with them. It’s a vision of a place where creativity thrives, where conversations spark, and where art seamlessly integrates into people’s lives.
Currently, I’m actively progressing toward these goals by methodically tackling key aspects. One foundational step involves the registration of my LLC, which provides the necessary legal framework for my venture. Concurrently, I’m diligently sourcing a printing factory that aligns with my quality standards and artistic vision.
To amplify my reach, building a strong online presence is pivotal. I’m dedicating substantial time to cultivate my social media profiles, consistently sharing content that resonates with my growing audience. This effort serves a dual purpose: while expanding my following, it offers a tantalizing glimpse into my creative universe.
An integral component of my strategy involves the development of a comprehensive website. This digital platform will encapsulate my artistic imagination, adorned with my illustrations and original creations. The potential to transform my vision into a tangible, visual reality serves as an invigorating force, propelling me forward with enthusiasm.
Despite the research-intensive nature and time investment these pursuits demand, my enthusiasm remains unwavering. The prospect of witnessing my website bloom with imaginative elements fuels my energy even during more demanding moments. This excitement consistently reminds me of the profound journey I’m undertaking, empowering me to surmount challenges with a steadfast sense of purpose.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Different artists find reward in different aspects. Growing up in an international family, I became fluent in both Chinese and Japanese from an early age. However, expressing myself verbally across languages was a challenge. This led me to find solace in comics and manga, where visual storytelling became my language of understanding. Even without comprehending the written words, I connected with narratives and emotions.
This experience profoundly impacted my artistic journey. It taught me the power of art to transcend language barriers and communicate universal emotions. In my work, I focus on themes of connection and the ability of visuals to bridge gaps in understanding. My multicultural background has driven me to use art as a means of creating empathy and fostering connection among diverse audiences.
Thus, self-expression is the foremost source of reward that I derive from art. It’s the ability to convey my thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences through creative mediums that truly resonates with me. Art offers a unique channel through which I can communicate elements of my identity, feelings, and perspectives that might be challenging to express in other ways. This form of self-expression not only allows me to share a piece of myself with the world but also creates a platform for others to connect with and understand my individual viewpoint. It’s a deeply personal and liberating experience that defines the essence of art’s rewarding nature in my life.
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