Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Negrón.
Hi Bianca, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started out several years back as a Designer and Developer for few different companies. During that time I loved to delve into my own small, fun creative projects while working full time and freelance jobs. I decided to create my own products after being inspired by other artists who were doing their own thing as well as my friends/family constantly encouraging me to do so. Then in 2017 I finally did it!! I love the creative freedom owning my shop brings, being my own boss, making art for myself and seeing how folks resonate with my work.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a roller-coaster of obstacles and emotions! When I started, all I knew was how to create designs and build a website for my shop. The business side was a whole other ball game. I struggled while figuring out a strategy behind production, marketing, social media management, and finances. So I researched a bunch of pin manufacturers and tried different ways of promoting myself. Of course, I had many failures during the process but I learned so much along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create art that is inclusive and provides representation, visibility and support within the LGBTQ+/Trans/GNC/TS communities. My main products are the enamel pins but I also sell patches, accessories and apparel through my online-based small business – Bianca’s Design shop. Apart from making my work as inclusive as possible I also donate part of the proceeds from certain collections to foundations that support and fight for the LGBTQ+ and/or Trans community. This is the part I am most proud of! A lot of what I create merges my passion for design with who I am as a person — essentially a Queer gender non-conforming human who cares deeply about the LGBTQ+/Trans/GNC/TS community.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think it’s definitely helpful to network with other artists/creatives or find a mentor to follow in your field! I’m grateful to have found a mentor during my full-time place of work before I started my shop. He happened to be my boss, and he took me under his wing and taught me so much!! Perhaps it might be more difficult to find someone since a lot of us are working remotely now, so I would recommend reaching out to folks you look up to via Instagram or any social platform. A lot of them are actually super nice and helpful!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.biancadesigns.co
- Instagram: instagram.com/biancadesigns
- Facebook: facebook.com/biancasdesignshop
- Twitter: twitter.com/biancanegron
