Meet Chico

We were lucky to catch up with Chico recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi CHICO, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Drawing has always been my language, a medium through which I’ve expressed myself since childhood. What began as a playful pastime evolved into a powerful tool for self-discovery, ultimately shaping my life’s purpose. To live each moment fully, expressing myself as I continually evolve.

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 am a passionate, multifaceted artist who explored a variety of mediums e.g. oil painting, copperplate prints, sculpture, photography, prosthetics – special effects make up, and watercolor. I evolved from a young, abstract-inspired painter to a world-class special makeup artist, and now a specialized water colorist.
I was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. I began oil painting at the age of 16, in my 20s I did woodblock prints and held a solo exhibition in Madrid, Spain. In my 30s I completed a Special Effects Makeup course at Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles CA where I won the top prize at a graduation competition. I participated in the IMATS International Competition in Los Angeles where I was among the eight finalists for Special Effects Makeup Character/Prosthetic. At the IMATS International Competition in Sydney, Australia, I won second place. After that I worked several years on movie sets as a special effects makeup artist. In my 40s I distanced myself from creativity and juggled raising family and part-time jobs. The pandemic brought me the opportunity to pick up my paintbrush again, and led me to watercolor painting, something I had never tried before.

Now I am burgeoning as a watercolorist, continuously evolving through my passion for creativity and desire to inspire others. I work on a variety of subjects, including works on current environmental and social issues and endangered species, as well as pet and child portraits. Follow my journey on Instagram, TicTok and explore my art on Etsy and Empty Shelf in San Gabriel, CA.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I attribute the success of my art business to a blend of persistence, challenge, and networking. As an artist, it’s easy to become self-absorbed and resistant to feedback. However, by prioritizing networking and strategic marketing, I’ve learned to embrace collaboration and expand my artistic vision.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

As a naturally sensitive person, I often found myself easily hurt by others’ words and also I tended to get stressed over small things. However, I learned a valuable lesson from the book: Our stress levels are influenced by how we perceive comments. Instead of taking criticism negatively, try to find a positive interpretation. When stress starts to build, prioritize self-care. For example, extend your shower to a relaxing bath or add a touch of froth to your coffee. Small acts of mindfulness, like planting a seed from the fruit you eat, can bring you daily joy and gratitude.

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