Meet Betesha Bloise Ponciano

We were lucky to catch up with Betesha Bloise Ponciano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Betesha, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I developed my confidence by facing challenges, even those I once believed I couldn’t overcome. Through these trials, I proved to myself that I was bigger than my circumstances and realized that, despite my fears, I was always capable of taking action.

By stepping out of my comfort zone and daring to face whatever came next, I learned to hold firm to the belief that I will continue to be capable of rising to the occasion as many times as needed. It is not a linear process, of course, but the undeniable truth of what I have been able to accomplish personally and professionally—whether big or small—has become a steadfast source of self-esteem. I liken it to learning how to ride a bike. At first, you may rely on training wheels for support, but as you gain confidence in your abilities, you learn to ride without fear.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a Dominican visual artist, illustrator, and designer. I love using visual mediums to tell stories and create engaging work that connects people.

I specialize in creating editorial, conceptual, and narrative illustrations that captivate viewers. Additionally, I develop graphic projects in branding, logo design, and packaging that possess a unique voice. I began honing these skills during my AAS at CHAVÓN The School of Design in Santo Domingo, through which I transferred with a scholarship into Parsons School of Design, where I currently plan to further develop my work.

As a painter and fine artist, my pieces explore the construct of personal identity and its evolution via the lens of childhood. Through drawing and painting, I delve into themes of personal change and the inner tension it can provoke. My art is deeply concerned with the inner landscapes of the self and our relationship to ourselves as individuals, concepts which were explored in my most recent collective exposition at ASR Gallery: Inner Canvas. Lately, I’ve become interested in expanding my artistic expression into the three-dimensional world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I would say that seeking to learn skills from solid and high-quality sources has been essential to my creative journey. Whether through online resources or in-person mentors and professors, building a strong foundation of technical skills and knowledge is key to growing and developing as an artist and designer, as it provides a base from which to explore and experiment. However, even a good foundation can stall without an open mind that seeks to explore and draw inspiration from as many sources as possible. Literature, music, movies, dance, architecture, history, nature, life itself and many other fields are ever-present sources of new ideas.

Finally, being humble about one’s abilities and knowledge, and recognizing where we still have room to grow is vital to continuing to improve and perfect one’s craft. There will always be something new to learn, how exciting!

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

God, my family, and my community have been the cornerstones of my growth. My parents have always been a steadfast source of encouragement, guidance, and strength. They have consistently invested in and nurtured my passion for art and design, providing loving and reliable support throughout my path.

Similarly, my professors, mentors, and community have played an invaluable role in my growth and achievements. They have helped me strengthen my weaknesses, grow as a person, and have imparted key insights that continue to benefit me both personally and professionally. All that love and solidarity is something I carry with me into any new endeavors.

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