Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vanessa Velib . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Vanessa , appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I started painting when I was 12 years old. I took it as a hobby but in my school notebooks I wrote in every single page that I was an artist. time later, I decided to pursue an acting career in Miami Fl, I loved theater and television. That was one of my dreams, but at the same time I began to exhibit my paintings in galleries and art fairs, I no longer had time to do two things at the same time. I had to focus on just one. It was a difficult decision but after a year of acting I decided that painting would be the first thing I would do and that I would focus my attention on it 100 percent. I have not stopped painting and exhibiting my work since then. That perseverance has led me to be able to live from my art. Every day I learn more, there have been times of glory and times of failure where I get frustrated but I always keep going. Always remembering that art will take me to incredible and magical places. Having in mind that this will only get better with dedication, enjoyment,learning, meeting people, playing, focusing on big goals and exploring new ways to express my self.
Vanessa , 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?
I was born in a little town in Mexico. When I turned 15 years old, I moved to San Antonio Tx. With my two brothers and parents. We were looking for better growth opportunities. Since I was in high school, my art classes were one of my best moments of the day. I regularly won awards and good grades in that class. That motivated me a lot to continue studying art and when I finished high school, I decided to enroll in intensive art classes. Some were private classes and others were workshops with a few people. Then I moved to Miami on my own and started networking with art curators and visiting galleries. After a few years, I worked to exhibit in galleries, art fairs and local events. Time after, I was exhibiting internationally. I was not afraid to express myself and expose my art. it has changed a lot over the years. I think what makes me different is that I don’t pigeonhole myself into a single style. I like to explore, discover new tools, materials,styles, inspiration and colors. I have focused on providing quality, good service, energy, knowledge, passion and creativity. I have focused on making commissions because it is a very big challenge for me. It is complicated but very satisfying at the end. I love creating something incredible, special and unique for each client. I have been fortunate that my art finds beautiful people who actually appreciate what I do.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
“The artist way” by Julia Cameron. I also love watching famous artist documentaries and movies.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I like to help charities. When I was 22 years old, I started working with a cancer charity in San Antonio Tx. Where part of each sale of my art was donated to the children. I did it for several years and that made me feel really fulfilled and happy. I felt that I was fulfilling a purpose and my life had great meaning when I contributed something to people who needed it. I want to continue helping the world in the way that I can. I love sharing my creativity and I adore when it benefits many people. All artists and creatives bring something good to the world. Their creativity impacts even if they don’t realize it yet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.velibart.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/velib.art?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: Vanessa Velib