We recently connected with Rosalia Peña and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rosalia , thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

In 2017, I worked at a health center where my coworkers and superiors knew I loved and created art—one day an art consultant stopped by the department that I worked at and one of my superiors mentioned to her that “there was an artist in our department” and that she should check out my work, he made sure to get her card for me, and on the following day, my superior and coworkers convinced me to email the art consultant some of my art pieces. I’ll be honest; I did not think that I stood a chance, nonetheless I emailed her some of my works and weeks went by until one day in May of 2017 I heard back from her and she was interested in one piece that she wanted me to create/re-create into the 4 seasons. I was so happy and shocked that the last thing on my mind was a sale, until she asked me how much I would charge for each, and I responded, huh? While I was processing this amazing day; we set a price, set a date to turn in all complete works, and in a matter of minutes within that phone call, it hit me that this was someone who saw me, valued my work, and respected me as something I never thought I could call myself, an artist. By June of 2017, my artworks were hung at one of the departments at Neighborhood Health. I realized that others already saw me as an artist and that Betty (the art consultant) opened a door I didn’t think was there: the door of exposing my art to the world and not giving up on my passion for art. Today, I am very grateful for my old coworkers and superiors who believed in me before I ever did.

Rosalia , 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 got into the art industry because a very small amount of people and an art consultant saw something in me that I didn’t. I’ll explain we can all have a talent, but we do not realize that it’s indeed a talent, and that used to be me. I knew I loved sketching, painting, creating, making art, and artistically expressing my emotions on a surface. What I didn’t know was that there would be a time others would want to be a part of my art journey in any way, shape, or form. Whether it’s buying my art, purchasing a ticket for my paint and sip events, or following/supporting on social media. Speaking of social media, I realized I could do so much more when I first opened my art page in 2017 (Rosaliart.p) on Instagram, with pastel pencil works. I then began specializing in abstract art and used all kinds of mediums, such as acrylic paint, spray paint, watercolor, tempera paint, and epoxy resin. I loved being an artist and scientist using all mediums on one canvas. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Commission pieces by far are the most challenging parts of this industry because even though the artist is creating the artwork, it is not the artist’s vision that they are creating, it’s the clients. I’ve had to readjust or redo pieces because clients can sometimes be set on their vision. I learned that listening to them, imagining their vision, and putting aside my bias was the best remedy. What makes me different from others is that I am Rosalia. What I am most proud of is how much I’ve accomplished, and I want potential clients/followers/fans/ to know that Rosaliart.p is only getting better, and I am excited for the present and future of my art journey.

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.

I believe non-creatives will struggle to understand how I price my artwork and the tiers of every painting, event, and, in general, any art service. I used to sell myself short when I started my art business. Potential clients had a very hard time accepting my prices, so I would drop my prices to get a sale and be seen. It took some time, but I learned after many months of feeling like I didn’t know what I was doing or if I belonged that it was never about my prices. When I began participating in The Art of Health Events every year since 2017, my art pieces were placed in silent auctions, and every year, my pieces were purchased for a good price. All of this made me see that if one person doesn’t buy your artwork, someone out there will, and for the price you want. See, many people don’t put into perspective the experience, the supplies, the time, shipping and handling, and so much more, and that is something all artists, especially beginners, must remember, it’s not you, it’s them. Now that I have paint and sip events, I have noticed many of my clients admitting to understanding and appreciating the challenges and beauty of art. My advice: stay true to you and your art always!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is sharing what I love with others and being free through my art.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Rosaliart.p
• Facebook: R. P. Arts by Rosalia Peña