We recently had the chance to connect with Ariana Cimino and have shared our conversation below.
Ariana , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
In addition to doing freelance work, I’m also an after-school group leader at an elementary school, where I help students with their homework and lead fun activities. I’ve always loved working with children—their energy, creativity, and unique personalities constantly inspire me and even influence my art. While I truly enjoy my job, it can be a bit overwhelming at times. After a long day, I like to unwind by watching TV shows, but nothing brings me more joy than spending time with my little nephew. His smiles, hugs, and endless imagination fill my heart. Whether we’re watching cartoons, drawing together, or I’m just listening to him excitedly tell a story he made up, he never fails to make me laugh and smile. He’s one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I’m deeply grateful for all the little moments we share.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Ariana, an illustrator based in New York City. I graduated from art school in 2023. Aside from art, I work in an after school program at an elementary school and as a caregiver for my dad.
To me, art is an adventure — each piece I create is a reflection of my imagination and passion. I work across multiple mediums, but I’m especially drawn to traditional materials like watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils.
My love for animals (especially dogs!) often finds its way into my work, whether through playful, whimsical characters or detailed, realistic portraits. Over the years, I’ve created everything from promotional signage for businesses to custom artwork for special occasions. Sharing my work on social media has led to commissions for pet portraits and even portraits of people — something I feel incredibly honored to do.
Art has always been part of my life. From doodling as a child to creating themed, meaningful pieces as an adult, I strive to keep that same sense of wonder alive. I try to channel my younger self in the expressive lines I draw and the joyful colors I choose. No matter the project, I always pour my heart into it and aim to give it my very best.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I’m one of four children, and growing up, I remember my dad working long, exhausting hours and making countless sacrifices to support our family. My mom stayed home and took on the role of homemaker—getting us ready for school, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and going above and beyond in every way to show her love and support.
As I’ve gotten older—and as my parents have as well—I’ve become deeply grateful for everything they’ve done for us. Over the years, both of them have faced health challenges, especially my dad, who eventually had to stop working. Even so, they never stopped providing for our family. Their strength, resilience, and unconditional love continue to inspire me every day.
I still live at home with them, and I do whatever I can to help out—whether it’s running errands, cleaning, or taking care of the laundry. It means a lot to me to be able to give back to them, even in small ways, because they’ve always been there for me. One day, I hope to be the kind of parent they were to us—loving, selfless, and endlessly devoted.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I attended art school for four years, and while it was an exciting and creatively fulfilling experience, there was a point when I thought, “I can’t do this anymore.” Art school was incredibly competitive, and I often struggled with self-doubt, questioning whether my work was good enough. But beyond the pressure of the classes themselves, there was another challenge that weighed on me daily.
Living in Staten Island and commuting to Manhattan meant spending nearly four hours a day traveling—more time on the road than in class. I carried heavy bags filled with art supplies, often getting strange looks that made me feel self-conscious. On top of that, as someone who deals with anxiety, navigating the crowded city alone was incredibly stressful. Being a young woman in such a fast-paced, unpredictable environment, I was constantly on edge. Instead of enjoying the city’s energy and beauty, I was filled with fear. I would feel an overwhelming sense of relief when I got home, only to dread doing it all again the next day.
Despite all of that, I didn’t want to give up on something I had always dreamed of—going to art school. I knew it wouldn’t be fair to myself to let anxiety take that away from me. Slowly, I began to shift my mindset and find small ways to make the commute more bearable. Long bus rides became an opportunity to unwind with a favorite show or playlist. During my walks through the city, I’d treat myself to a coffee or call my parents for a quick chat. I started to find comfort in those little moments, and over time, I stopped dreading the journey.
Looking back, pushing through those tough days helped me grow—not just as an artist, but as a person. I learned resilience, found strength in vulnerability, and discovered how powerful small shifts in perspective can be.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I’ve dreamed of being a freelance artist full-time and making art for a living. I always used to believe “If you do what you love you would never have to work a day in your life”. Through my years in art school and as I am working towards that goal now, I’ve learned that not to be true. Although I love creating art and I enjoy it, it is still work and not as effortless as some may think. Before going into art school, I thought establishing yourself as an artist was going to be something easy. What I didn’t realize is what went into it and the changes you have to make turning your hobby into your career. As an artist there is a lot you have to manage aside from making the finished product everyone sees. For example, managing a website/ social media presence, doing a lot of research, brainstorming and planning of certain ideas before getting to a finished product. As well as, emailing clients to find work. There are also times as an artist where I have art block and struggle to find inspiration and ideas, creating an obstacle where it’s hard for me to create work. When this happens I seek inspiration around me and just experiment with different mediums and it helps me to create work again. Realizing that doing what you love still involves hard work didn’t make me love art any less, it just gave me a more realistic and grounded perspective. Turning passion into a career takes discipline, resilience, and a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. But even with the challenges, I still find joy in the process.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Life is too short not to pursue what you love. Fortunately, my family has always been my biggest cheerleaders, encouraging me to follow my dreams. Growing up, I spent countless hours drawing and crafting, and their unwavering support and praise motivated me to push myself further. When I told them I wanted to go to art school, they didn’t hesitate—they simply said, “Go for it.” I truly believe art is what I was born to do, and I’m incredibly grateful to have such a strong support system behind me.
That said, not everyone has been as encouraging. I’ve faced criticism and skepticism from others who told me things like, “You won’t make enough money,” or “You should choose a more stable career.” Though those comments were hard to hear, I’ve always known in my heart that art is my calling. While I’m not yet able to pursue art full time, I work part-time jobs to support myself. It’s not the ideal situation, but I don’t mind it because every step brings me closer to living my dream of being a full-time artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arianaciminoart.com/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianaciminoart/
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