Meet ZOE CASTANEDA

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ZOE CASTANEDA a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi ZOE, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?

Having to be constantly understanding of what’s happening in the world, while also trying to live a comfortable life as an artist, I had a challenge with discipline. Not only did my creative developments need to be adapted for any new trend that could turn to profit, which was nearly impossible due to constant commercial demands, but managing multiple jobs took a hit on my creativity altogether. My determination to be successful in my career is fully built on both management and priority in what I value most. Being able to make art is a form of expression, and I felt I only produced good paintings when I was mentally ready for it. Going from finding ways to manipulate my products for the best of my brand to now producing less but putting more effort into larger pieces is why I still love what I do. Finding the right time to take breaks to reflect on the skills I am developing, rather than rushing to the finish line, is how I prefer to discipline myself. I personally think the tortoise is happier than the hare.

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 an Artisan and Illustrator in the Dallas area who enjoys telling stories in my art. My paintings and talents are constantly showcasing my emotions and feelings in life. While I make different forms of content, I love helping others bring their own stories to life, and I am currently open for commissions. I have experience in Digital/Traditional Paintings, Illustrations, Character Design, and Visual Brand Design, looking for Mural opportunities as well! Feel free to reach out to me if you want any artists to join your team or help bring life to your brand!

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

Nobody is ever too advanced to re-educate themselves in all fields of their career. Visit old skills you struggled with at the start of your journey to compare where you are now. You might believe you are perfectly talented in your career with full achievements, but there is always someone who has learned your same skills differently and faster. Was their method of learning the reason for their success now, or was it how they applied it to another endeavor? Being humble and learning to take guidance or even to offer help is what will challenge you to be greater. Also, network and talk to other creatives; it’s healthy and makes you feel less crazy about what you can accomplish!

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

“I Who Have Never Known Men” was a book I read recently on a flight, and it was the first time I sat and cried so openly in public. While it was embarrassingly so, I wish I could go back and re-read it to experience that feeling again. It’s a book about empathy and understanding others’ lives before you. I was such a harsh woman when I was younger, always so angry about how I was treated or reflecting on those who hurt me, constantly trying to find answers in their actions. I felt like I saw myself in the main character, and her journey in discovering herself beyond what the women around her say she should be. Life doesn’t need to be spectacularly successful to be entertaining; the experiences we make with others in private are just as deserving of recognition by those who will listen!

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your