We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zandra Solomon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zandra , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

“I should just reenlist into the Navy” is the thought that crosses my mind when I am at a crossroads as a creator. I was a few months into my artist journey when I realized that being a full time artist is HARD. When I am sitting at my easel, at 3AM, staring at a blank canvas with no direction, I absolutely do wonder what it would be like if I just kept a “normal” job. When I was in the Navy everything that I was expected to do included some sort of manual or regulation. It was simple. Artwork however, it forces me to manifest new things repeatedly, and without end. Although I do wonder what life would be like down different avenues, I would not change my career if given the choice. I appreciate the pressures of being an artist.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Zandra S. Solomon and I am a fine artist

I have two main artistic outlets. One is my love of the canvas and the other is architectural design.

My first artistic outlet is on canvas. My most recent series was of family photos and precious moments in time. I have always been fascinated by photographs as they frame scenes that we manifest into our lives. I use acrylic ink on canvas for most of my work as well as clear quartz crystals.

My second creative outlet is architectural rendering. Let me explain: Have you ever seen a building that was in construction and there was an image posted of what the building will look like once construction is complete? THAT is what I do. Those images were created by artists! In order to expand as an artist I co-founded an Architectural Rendering firm called Beji Studio. Beji studio allows me to use my creative knowledge to work with developers and realtors in dynamic spaces. Architectural rendering allows me the space to be more rigid without giving up my freedom as an artist. Currently, my main role is as the artistic director of design of commercial and residential spaces.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

What I find to be the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that I am leaving my marking history. As I create today, I become increasingly aware of my responsibility as an artist to capture the world. Next year, or in the next 1,000 years my artwork and that of my peers will be used to understand the world of 2022. That is amazing to think about!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As an artist and content creator, social media has become a significant part of my life. However, I found that I should not live my life in search of the perfect photos and videos for my feed. Instead, I have found it to be the most helpful to live a full life, then just capture that! My social media presence began to soar once I decided to leave my home. I now attend plays, learn new yoga aerial dances, attend art shows, and so much more. That is what my supporters (followers), can get behind. The best part about it is that I get to be me.

The people want to see you live you life authentically. Yeah, you may be anxious to post, send it anyway. Do not be afraid to be yourself, someone somewhere relates to you. You do not look like anyone else that is on social media and that is what makes you so fascinating. If you are just starting out, stay consistent. It will pay off.

*Cheers you on from the top of the stands* YOU GOT THIS!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bejistudio.com/commercial
• Instagram: zandra.solomon https://instagram.com/zandra.solomon?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Youtube: Zandra Solomon https://youtube.com/c/ZandraSolomon
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Zandra.solomon?_t=8WlS2wzhBLn&_r=1