1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do art for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models? 

I learned to embrace the magic of expressing oneself through art when nothing else in the world made sense. The idea of “no rules”, no limits, no right-or-wrong held on to me while I never fought it. I’ve always been a passionate one creating “wild-fires” with my energy and without art that was a very dangerous superpower. Once art became a factor, I started building a much healthier relationship with myself which rippled into the relationships I wanted to fix, and the relationships I wanted to build.  I was able to analyze my emotions visually, or depending on the situation – just lived in the moment that I would allow myself to just feel. The moment I realized that Art had not only become my life, but had genuinely improved it – I decided to actively share that concept with the world. Role models that I actively look up to: SaRoc (vicious ass female poet, flawless Woman, the Queen), Logic (dope ass poet/lyricist/performer as well, but also the fact that I know he is an “awkward” dude but still owns it and focuses on inspiring others regardless is everything to me), AnnaMvze (rapper, performer, Latina Strong independent woman), and my friend Quinton or Q (amazing friend, and one of the most vicious poets I’ve had the pleasure of meeting – yet is so humble and on the low about it). Many more 🙂

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then what separates you from other artists out there? 

I use to think I was so different, that my life was the shittiest, and that no one out there would understand me. Then, I evolved and learned that challenges and misfortunes don’t single anyone out and that happiness is a matter of perspective and intent decisions. Finding poetry in that is what I, personally, feel separates me from others.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of art you create? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming an artist? 

I was kidnapped, sheltered, abused, passed around like a pawn through homes, raped/blamed/shamed for it, kicked out, and constantly judged by my family without solutions offered. Throughout it all, the hardest challenge I have faced is learning to Love myself, and learning to embrace my own power. Through my journey, I’ve learned that we have the power to break generational cycles, and we really have it in us to live a healthy, honest, and genuine Life. Becoming an Artist simply means to me that I went back to my original Light, how we are all born – without giving a Fuck what the world thinks of us.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to create? What is your process? 

I take what comes. My friend Trinity always says to me, “Trust the Process”. Therefore, I don’t push anything, force anything, nor stress over any of my pieces. Moments I start to feel stress regarding a Painting, a Poem, or a Video… I make the decision to walk away and come back to it when it’s ready for me. My relationship with Art is a mutual understanding that it is meant to remove or extract stress from my day to day.

5.) Unfortunately the creative industry is full of talented individuals who more or less become the “starving artist” and don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? What advice would you give to an up and coming artist who is looking to succeed with their art?   

I plan to continue on my road to recovery and that entails being honest about these same exact challenges. My advice, “People can smell a fraud miles away. Be authentic, Be Raw, BeYouForYou!”
Also remember, “There is a difference between a Hustler and a Scammer!” Don’t fuck with the art of art.

6.) If you have a business, how did you get started? Would you rather work for a big corporation or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? 

“I am a Business, man!” I am currently still on the fence between balancing my 9-5(s) and committing every ounce of energy I can manifest into my paintings, writing, managing my website, and working with others. I am working towards being independent every single day and each day I feel it more! I take a dive, I jump a leap, and I strive hard.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the creative industry and how artists are able to market themselves? 

It’s clear that social media is everything. Well, not EVERYTHING but everything. Nowadays, people’s attention span is limited to “vine videos” time frames. Marketing has to be fast, witty, raunchy, and again-fast.  It has pros and cons but overall can work for anyone willing to explore different methods until an artist finds what works for them while still honoring authenticity. There’s a thousand different angles to approach social media, and overall I am grateful for what it offers. You just gotta remember to “mind ya business!” meaning focus on your business all day every day; distractions will always present themselves but with focus and determination ANYTHING IS GRASPABLE.

8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s economy if they’re not social media savvy?

I wouldn’t call myself “social media savvy” but I am actively present and reachable on social media. For those whom feel more inclined to go the Old School way, I think survival is still a very real possibility. One law doesn’t change: Marketing is vital! Social media is not the only way. Face to face conversations is the rawest most genuine way to attract people to your art. Putting your art in people’s faces – whether you understand it as an analogy or as a literal statement – is important and needed to get your art in people’s faces. ^_^. You don’t survive if you don’t challenge yourself to your best ability and trust me, you are Powerful, Unique, and Dope as Fuck.

9.) Artists who try to create art for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your art stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”? 

To each his own! I admire those that can create art on demand or command. Personally, my plan for my life is simple: Feel. Embrace. Give Love. Receive Love. Be Love. & that reflects in my art and everything that I decide to do.

10.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 

I see myself with a bigger studio, bigger work space, better equipment, and financially confident enough to focus on creating, connecting, and exposing other inspiring creatives. See, I plan to go only up from here. Storms will come and go, but I will continue to always look up and be grateful for the rain when it comes. I see myself being able to record another fellow painter bring magic to existence and be confident that the camera will capture so much detail (the details that are missed in my phone camera). I see myself going home, stepping into my own personal recording studio, and recording the poem that may have been replaying in my head for the last 79 hrs.  I see myself walking into my office space where I can upload my adventures and smoothly update my website that captures all the imperfections of the world that I also find beautiful. Even just this interview has made me feel closer to five years from now 🙂