We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sergio Navarrete. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sergio below.

Sergio, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

If I could go back in time, I honestly don’t know if I would wish I had started my creative career sooner or later—it’s one of those things where, looking back, the timing feels like it was just right. But if I had to choose, I think I’d say I wish I’d started a bit sooner. Here’s why:

I started my creative career later than some, maybe later than I would’ve liked. I wasn’t one of those people who knew from a young age exactly what I wanted to do, so I didn’t dive headfirst into it when I was young. Instead, I spent my early twenties navigating other jobs, gaining life experience, and figuring out what I really wanted to pursue. By the time I started taking my creative work seriously, I was a little older, more aware of the risks and realities that come with trying to make a living in a creative field.

When I first started, I was in a transition phase—life-wise, I was figuring out what I wanted to do next, feeling a bit lost in the shuffle of adulthood. Career-wise, I had already tried a few different paths and didn’t feel like I was “meant” to stay in any of those. It was a tough decision to pivot into something so uncertain, but it was also exciting. I wasn’t just starting from scratch; I had some life experience to draw from, which gave me a unique perspective in my work.

If I’d started sooner, I think the biggest difference would have been confidence—I wasn’t as sure of myself when I first started out. I had more self-doubt and fewer connections. Starting earlier could have meant more time to experiment, more freedom to fail without feeling like I was behind or wasting time. But at the same time, I didn’t have the maturity or the experiences to bring to my work that I gained in my late twenties and early thirties. I needed those years to really understand what I wanted to say creatively and to develop my own voice.

If I’d started later, I think I would have had a clearer sense of who I was and what I wanted to achieve, but it could have also felt like I was “catching up,” like there was a deadline or pressure to succeed. I might have felt more urgency to prove myself, which can be a good motivator, but also stressful.

Looking back, I think I’m grateful for the timing. I don’t necessarily wish I had started sooner or later—I think everything lined up the way it was supposed to. I got to bring my experiences into my creative work, and those experiences helped me stay grounded and focused when things got tough. I’ve learned to trust the process, even if it means taking longer than I’d hoped.

But if I had to choose, I’d say I wish I’d started a little earlier. I might have built a larger body of work by now or had more time to experiment with different styles and ideas. But at the same time, I wouldn’t trade the growth I’ve experienced along the way—sometimes the timing really does shape the work, and the journey itself is just as important as the destination.In the end, I think the best thing is to just start when you’re ready, even if that takes time to figure out. Creativity is all about the process, and each stage has taught me something valuable.

Sergio, 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?

Hi! I’m Sergio Navarrete, a part-time artist who’s passionate about creating art that tells a story and sparks emotions. I’ve always had a deep love for art, and it’s something that’s been with me since I was young. However, like many creatives, my path to pursuing art professionally didn’t happen overnight. I worked in other fields for a while, but I kept coming back to my sketchbook, doodling, and experimenting with different mediums. A few years ago, I decided to start taking my work more seriously, and that’s when I began to share my art publicly and take on commissions.

As a part-time artist, I specialize in watercolor, portraits, pinups, sports-inspired art. I offer custom illustrations, prints, commissioned artwork, greeting cards, and I love creating pieces that are personal and meaningful to my clients. Whether it’s a custom portrait, an illustration for a project, or a unique piece of art for someone’s home, I’m all about capturing the essence of the people and ideas I work with.

One of the things I really enjoy about being an artist is being able to solve problems for my clients. Many people come to me when they have a specific vision but aren’t sure how to make it come to life, or they want something that feels unique and personal. I help them by translating their ideas into visual art that feels authentic and engaging. Whether I’m helping someone commemorate a special moment with a portrait or creating a custom piece to elevate a brand, my goal is to deliver work that truly resonates.

What sets me apart from others is that I bring a personal touch to everything I do. Since I work part-time, I’m able to focus on each project with full dedication, putting in the time and care to make sure the final result is something both I and my clients can be proud of. My style is bold and detailed, and I love to experiment with colors or mixed media], which gives each piece a fresh and unique feel.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the way my work has evolved. Some of my proudest moments have come from receiving feedback from clients who feel that I’ve truly captured their vision, or when I see my work being shared and appreciated by people who connect with it in a personal way.

For those of you considering working with me, or for anyone who’s been following my work, I want you to know that I’m genuinely committed to making art that feels true to its purpose. Whether you’re looking for something to brighten up your space, celebrate a special occasion, or create a lasting memory, I’d love to collaborate with you and bring your vision to life. Art is deeply personal, and I strive to make each piece a reflection of the unique ideas and stories my clients bring to me.

If you’re interested in working together, or just want to learn more about my process, feel free to reach out! Let’s create something beautiful together.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the freedom to express ideas and emotions in ways that words alone can’t capture. It’s about transforming thoughts, memories, or even fleeting moments into something tangible that resonates with others. There’s something incredibly fulfilling in knowing that my work can evoke feelings, spark inspiration, or offer comfort to someone else. Plus, the process itself—where I get to dive deep into creativity, lose track of time, and explore new perspectives—feels like a constant journey of discovery. It’s both a personal escape and a way to connect more deeply with others.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Absolutely! I wish I had known earlier about the power of online creative communities and platforms, where artists support each other, share feedback, and collaborate. Spaces like Behance, Dribbble, and even certain subreddits can be incredible for learning and connecting. Another one would be free or affordable resources for high-quality brushes, textures, and tutorials; these can save so much time and enhance your skills significantly. Lastly, I wish I’d explored some books on creativity and mindset sooner—books like The Artist’s Way or Steal Like an Artist really help you understand the creative process and embrace it fully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sergionavarrete.com
• Instagram: sergio.navarrete.art
• Facebook: sergio.navarrete.medina
• Twitter: serg_navarrete