Today we’d like to introduce you to Reyna Noriega.
Hi Reyna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was introduced to art by my father who is also an artist. I would draw in his sketchbooks as he worked. Eventually fear got the best of me and I tossed art-making to the side until we reconnected in high school. I took an internship the summer after 10th grade at the MoCA North Miami and it reinvigorated my love for art, specifically photography.
I then took an art elective my junior year and started painting and sketching and was hooked. It was such a great way to express myself as well as a break from my rigorous coursework. Then came college, I planned to pursue a Fine Arts degree but second-guessed myself and switched to Psychology.
Regardless all of my internships ended up being art-centered and after school, I became a high school art teacher which taught me so many skills that I didn’t know I would need to later make an art career possible. Things like confidence, public speaking, quick turnarounds for projects and so much more.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like all things, it has been a winding road with many bumps along the way. The biggest things I needed to conquer were usually always internal. I had to learn how to get over my fears, and how to be vulnerable enough to allow people to see me and my work and possibly face rejection. I had to learn to stop comparing myself and just appreciate my growth.
I had to fight to learn my worth, and then fight some more to make sure I was paid my worth. I have had to deal with a lot of copyright infringement, and the heartbreak that comes with seeing other creatives steal your work without credit. I have had to follow my heart and block out the noise when my choices and path made sense to no one but me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a visual artist and author, I paint physical works as well as digital.
I also create products and partner with large brands on various campaigns such as BHM tees with Old Navy, a custom wine bottle for Clif Family, a razor with Schick Intuition x Target, hair accessories with Goody x Walmart, and more.
I am known for my vibrant, joyful, abstract depictions of Black and Brown women. My use of color and bold patterns are typically what people can identify my work by.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
They can check out my portfolio via Instagram or my website. You can also find my contact information on the site.
www.instagram.com/reynanoriega_
www.reynanoriega.com
You can purchase my books here https://www.amazon.com/Books-Reyna-S-Noriega/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AReyna+S.+Noriega
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reynanoriega.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/reynanoriega_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reynanoriegaart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reynasnoriega/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0DqVRxteqWQk4L14HKlfgA
Image Credits
Alecia Soto, Briana Clark-Forgie, Francesca Perini, Chris Wells, and Robyn Damianos
