We were lucky to catch up with Sarhue Guerrero recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarhue, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Hi, thank you for inviting me. Well, to help you understand my story, it’s best to provide some context.
I studied and graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Simón Bolívar University, one most prestigious university in my country, Venezuela—a place known for its rigorous academic standards and impact, similar to a Harvard in our nation. From my studies, the design aspect was always what excited me the most. I initially came to New York for a few months to visit family as a quick stop before heading to Spain, where I had been accepted at the University of Málaga to pursue a master’s degree in Architecture and Design. This path aligned perfectly with what I had discovered I loved during my studies. However, while I had one plan, God and the universe had another in store for me.

I ended up staying in New York, where I attended an English school, and with all the free time I had, I decided to follow a passion that had been quietly growing in me. I created an Instagram account, @Yomecielo, and began sharing my writing. Soon, I realized that I needed to pair my words with images that truly reflected my emotions, so I started drawing again. But instead of screws or mechanical parts, I was now illustrating my feelings. My husband gifted me an iPad Pro, which opened up the world of digital art for me.

With this newfound passion, I enrolled in an art school in the city, PI Art Center. This world expanded my horizons and my dreams, and that’s when I knew: creating and sharing my emotional world through art was what I most wanted to do.

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.

My journey into professional illustration and content creation began organically. At first, I wasn’t offering any specific services; my work focused on sharing illustrations and writings that brought comfort and connection to my community on social media. Over time, people in my circle started reaching out to me for personalized projects, trusting me to create art that reflected their own feelings and values. This marked the beginning of many custom pieces crafted with deep care.

One pivotal moment in my career was connecting with the community of Latina women in the U.S., @thelatinapower, where I had the chance to create illustrations for their initiatives. Some of these projects included donations of my artwork for altruistic causes, like bringing value and joy to children in foster homes—a cause especially close to my heart.

I’ve also created illustrations for several social media accounts that share similar values to mine, and I’m proud to have contributed to people beyond my immediate community. I’ve worked with small businesses in Mexico, creating items like mindfulness cards, planners, and other designs that add meaningful touches to people’s lives. Here in New York, I collaborated with a local Pet Grooming Academy, designing graphics, stickers, pamphlets, and product labels for items like shampoos.

Recently, I had an incredible “pinch me” moment with Maybelline New York, where I was trusted to design welcome and informational cards for their running ambassadors. Although a small project in scale, it was deeply meaningful to me and a proud moment to have my work embraced by such a prominent brand.

In parallel, I also create content and have had the chance to collaborate with other brands, growing my reach and creative opportunities. As an Afro-Latina immigrant, integrating into the U.S. market has had its challenges, but it has been a journey of resilience and steady, incremental growth. Seeing my efforts start to bear fruit has made every step worthwhile.

All these experiences have given me the confidence to elevate my personal project to the next level, where I soon hope to share my art physically with my community through my small, love-filled online shop. In this store, I’m excited to blend my traditional canvas work with stickers, tote bags, and handmade jewelry.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to inspire and uplift others through art. I believe in the power of creativity to foster connection and healing, especially in times of uncertainty. My goal is to create pieces that not only resonate on a personal level but also spark joy and hope in the hearts of those who encounter my work.

I aim to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, particularly Afro-Latinas, through my art and collaborations. By sharing my own experiences and emotions, I hope to create a sense of belonging and encourage others to embrace their stories. Additionally, I strive to provide accessible, meaningful art that can be enjoyed in everyday life, whether through stickers, tote bags, or other handmade items.

Ultimately, my mission is to build a community where creativity and self-expression are celebrated, and to make art a part of everyone’s journey toward self-discovery and empowerment.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the healing process that comes with it. Being in constant connection with my creative energy, which primarily focuses on my emotional world, has allowed me to mend the wounds of my inner child. Art has become an incredible channel for introspection and self-discovery, enabling me to reconnect with my intuition and embrace my true self.

After pursuing a structured academic path in engineering, tapping into my creative nature has provided a liberating contrast. It has granted me the freedom to flow, express my emotions authentically, and give myself permission to simply be. Each piece I create serves as a step toward healing and understanding, not just for me, but also for those who resonate with my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yomecielo.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yomecielo/?hl=es
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Yo-Me-Cielo-100063508179085/