Today we’d like to introduce you to Catalina Villegas.
Catalina, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve been making art ever since I could remember. My mom would stuff my backpack with crayons, paint and paper when I was really little and I would go out with my parents over to their friend’s houses as a very small child. Always kept myself busy drawing, painting, observing. As I started growing up I became involved in music (piano, guitar and bass) and my art kept on expanding. I went to FIU and studied Fine Arts and have been freelancing for a very long time, with some bouts of photography in between. I only recently began illustrating, about 2 years ago! I discovered a wonderful and amazing art agent called Lilla Rogers and began taking her online classes. My style began to further develop with her guidance. I now work from home and license my art on products with companies around the globe (temporary tattoos, wrapping paper, corporate branding, album covers, etc.) and sell art prints, enamel pins and other fun things.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
The world is this strange mix of happy/sad, chaotic/clam, and overall crazy. My work is a clear reflection of the positivity I like to see and want to share with others. I believe it’s our job as creators to push this good energy and help move it around. I feel that my way of survival from all that negativity is by making pieces that lift spirits that give a sort of mental break from all that noise. It’s my additional source of meditation! My subject matter is mostly flora and fauna. It’s what I grew up observing in Florida and Colombia (where I was born). It’s such an intricate universe, all of these plants and animals, it just never gets old. I hope people walk away with a smile after seeing my illustrations.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
Getting over the blur of social media and figuring a way to connect on a more personal level with people. I see that many artists just expect some sort of insta-fame for just setting up a social media account. It doesn’t work that way. You need your 10,000 hours to perfect your craft and lots of one-to-one contact with humans to make your art meaningful and complete. It’s all about connecting. Flesh and blood, not just gadgets and screens.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have an online presence via Instagram and my portfolio mostly. I do sporadic popup shops (just recently did a few with West Elm) across town. Most of my work is available to purchase online through companies, but I also have an Etsy store and sell some awesome stuff through Redbubble and Society6.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.catalinavillegas.com
- Email: hello@catalinavillegas.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cativillegas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/catalinaillustration
Image Credit:
Catalina Villegas
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