We were lucky to catch up with Oni Gallegos recently and have shared our conversation below.
Oni, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I am always feeling moments of constant happy! I have found and continue to remember that having fulfillment in life for me comes with struggles along the way, which are then included in that happiness. I would not be who I am today without doubting my creative work at some point. This challenged me to grow and push past any resistances in my head I may have been negatively feeding. I have created and begin to enjoy the beautiful relationship I have with my creative process, with yet another simple aftereffect which has been optimism. How can one not be happy to see personal growth in any area of life, however small! I find that sometimes when I finalize a piece of art, I surprise myself with how many much I have grown upon seeing the outcome. I have rarely ever disliked a piece of art I have produced, because I understand the growth it takes to be consistent even when you are making up a million excuses not to create. How funny it is to have days we want to create non-stop, and days we don’t even pick up a pencil! To wholeheartedly love a piece of art we composed one day, then find ourselves the next day fighting the urge to scribble all over potential creation (of who knows what even, but at least we’re creating something!). Sometimes, you have an idea, and that’s all it is, never to be put on paper or fully brought to fruition. I want to love every second I am painting on canvas or sketching on paper. So I accept these days away from creating, and I build optimism around the other productive things I can accomplish, because my art isn’t the true source of all my happiness. My decision everyday to find joy in the process of life, whether it’s the normal everyday tasks or creating a new piece of work in The Oniverse, is my happiness.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have been creating since forever, though I only just started my official art business this past summer 2022. I now own Oniverse Art & Design! This was a huge step for me, and I am so proud! I’ve truly loved producing personal artwork for friends and family, while also getting the opportunity to showcase my work at craft shows, art walks, and doing creative projects for some of the top event planning coordinators in San Diego, prior to launching Oniverse Art & Design. I have had my artist business name for years, but I haven’t been as excited as I am right now to be able to communicate with those who are interested in my artwork using my official name!
It has been fascinating observing the improvement of my very own skills, all the while allowing myself to venture from paper and canvas to large scale murals and even sculpture. I continue to try it all in my creative universe, and I strive to provide those around me with a vibrant experience. So I invite you to take a step into the Oniverse and let me know what I can create in your world!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, as well as forward, I would have to say giving yourself patience and grace, as well as others. You will find yourself going so fast one day, you are doing everything but what you should be doing. You will falter and not be consistent every week, so you have to learn how to prioritize yet understand that there is tomorrow. There’s a difference between giving your self grace and giving yourself excuses; grace should be a breath of fresh air, where you don’t feel bad for taking a step back during a busy week or bad day. You can’t do everything in one day! Understand that you won’t be totally ecstatic everyday with your job or the task at hand. Everyone has their own balance that they create for themselves that revolves around what’s important to them. Find what’s important to you! As far as art goes, don’t go seeking “your style”. I have been thinking for years that I needed one, when in reality, I want to do it all! In the end, when I out all my work together, it’s all ME. And I love that, so I am going to keep creating and learn new skills instead of fight what I am creating.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Asking for help! I just launched my official art business, and I know I won’t know everything, not all at once. I have had support from friend and family, as well as the community in the wedding and events industry. As they say in the events industry, “you don’t know what you don’t know”, and this applies to my art business and my art skills. I feel so loved creating work that is so loved!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.myoniverse.com/
- Instagram: @theoniverse
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oni-gallegos-90516a146/
- Other: Wedding Coordinator – Type A Soiree Event Planning & Design: https://www.typeasoiree.com/ Pinterest: Oniverse Art and Design (TheOniverse): https://www.pinterest.com/TheOniverse/
Image Credits
– Red Trolley Studio (live mural – event photographer – Adams Avenue Theater (creative project location)
