Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zuleika Miranda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Zuleika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Aside from a couple painting classes in high school, I’m a self taught artist. Most of what I know now has been from trial and error. If there’s something new I want to challenge myself with, I’d do a little research and check out video tutorials. For me, the key in learning is persistence, practice, and patience. Patience is something I’ve had to come to terms with when wanting to explore a new craft. Creating something new and challenging for the first time will probably suck at first, but if you push through and realize mistakes will happen, you’ll see it’s all part of the journey.

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.

Hi! My name is Zuleika Miranda. I am a visual artist residing in Lancaster, PA. I’ve been creating art for 15 years and began selling my pieces about 4 years ago. When I first began, and as many other artists can relate to – I mostly created for myself, with the occasional custom drawing/painting commissions. Around 2020, I started selling my pieces through a variety of community events. I’ve come to participate in at least 2 local art vendor events a year since then. My pieces include paintings, drawings, and Puerto Rican Taino wood burned art. Recently, I’ve dove into making organic oils and soaps with the help of my mom. Her passion for homegrown/natural products is a constant inspiration to me. My thoughts behind what I make are my own representation of personal experiences with a focus on the acceptance of the natural cycle of growth and decay.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey has had multiple drivers throughout the years. They arrive through the waves that life brings. Some include phases of grief that I never thought I’d live through. Others include feelings of finally breathing after drowning, or finding beauty in nature’s simplest creations. Currently, I’m just focusing on doing what feels right to me. What’s driving me now is being as authentic as I can. Wouldn’t that be the best and bravest thing we can all do?

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I finally let go of the idea of following a trend to gain an audience. I already struggle with anxiety and the perception of being seen. EEEUUGHHH the honesty is real. The paradox cycle of wanting to express yourself yet struggling WITH yourself, is just, well…yeah. It’s a continuous battle to say the least. At the end of the day, I don’t care to be misunderstood – those that get it, will get it. I just care to be me, feel free to express me, and connect with those that are trying to do the same. For those looking to create a unique brand or find that secret sauce that sets you apart, know that it’s truly going to take a deep look into who you are as a person. Hold on to what sets your soul on fire and continue to seek that feeling. You’ll be okay. :)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @saturnsmuze / @zulei_2
• Other: TikTok: @zulei2