We recently connected with Daniela Palermo and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Daniela, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Ah, imposter syndrome—the sneaky little gremlin that loves to whisper in your ear when you’re just trying to vibe and make art. I think every artist meets it at some point, probably more than once. For me, when it creeps in, I take a deep breath and gently remind myself: I’m not doing this to be the best artist that’s ever existed. I’m doing this because it lights me up. Because painting feels like a portal to something bigger, and because the connections I’ve made through my work are real and beautiful. That’s what grounds me when the doubt tries to take the wheel.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Lately, I’ve been in a really inspired groove—balancing a few creative projects that feel like natural extensions of my art practice. I’m getting ready to launch my clothing line, which has been such a fun evolution. It’s full of bold prints, psychedelic energy, and expressive pieces made for festival days, streetwear moments, and everything in between.
I’m also preparing to release prints of my paintings, both online and at events where I vend. I love the idea of my art living in people’s everyday spaces—bringing color and a little spark of energy to their walls.
In the studio, I’ve been exploring a new large-scale abstract style that’s more open and layered, almost like it’s unfolding as I go. And while I’ve been working digitally for a while now, I’ve been diving deeper—expanding my skills and experimenting with new techniques. I’m also planning to finally try out oil painting this fall, just to keep things playful and evolving.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the most surprisingly helpful skills I’ve brought into my art journey actually came from outside the studio—management. Working in leadership roles taught me how to stay organized, communicate clearly, and make a plan and actually stick to it. That kind of structure has been a lifesaver, especially in the parts of being an artist that aren’t so romantic—like scheduling, budgeting, or keeping track of inventory and commissions.
I think a lot of artists get overwhelmed by the “non-art” side of things, and that’s totally valid—it can feel like a whole other world. But learning the basics of marketing, pricing, and finances makes such a difference. I always recommend taking a few business classes, even just free ones online. You don’t have to turn into a spreadsheet wizard, but knowing how to support your art with solid foundations is so empowering.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Honestly? Money. And I say that openly because I know I’m not the only creative navigating this. Being an artist in today’s world often means being multi-faceted—wearing a dozen hats and finding creative ways to build a sustainable living from your work. You can’t just rely on one income stream anymore; you have to build a whole ecosystem.
For me, that looks like developing my clothing line, vending at events, taking on commissions, painting murals—each one is a different puzzle piece. And then it becomes about creating small, manageable steps to move each of those forward, while also being realistic about what you can fund, and when. It’s not easy, but I try to treat it like part of the creative process—resourceful, scrappy, and always evolving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deeroza.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeroza.art
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/deeroza.art
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