Meet DeAnna Valdez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to DeAnna Valdez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi DeAnna, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I believe my work ethic came from watching my mother raise four children on her own. She was a RN and worked the night shift, but that did not stop her from being involved in everything we did. Swim practice was five days a week and meets were pretty much every weekend, she got us to each practice and meet no matter how tiered she was. Her diligence in her own craft projects and things happening in the community, she was always involved and finished what she started.

In raising my children and at work, I find myself doing the same. No matter where the boys needed to be I was there with them. At work I strive to make sure my team is set up for success and in my artwork I create detailed work that I can be proud of.

I am the type of person that if I say I’m going to do something, I do. Each project I start, I finish. I rely on myself to accomplish things that I set out to do. That’s not saying that when I need help I don’t ask for it, may people in my life have helped me achieve what I set out to and I am grateful for their help.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Toblyn Photo is my journey through the years of photographing. I attended Art Center and after graduation I photographed Musicians, Wedding and Events, Portraits for both families and individuals, etc.

A few years back, I returned to my love of abstract art and landscapes. I created a technique that added texture and enhanced color as well as a framing system that added to the composition of each piece. Photography is difficult to sell in a gallery scenario, as it can be reproduced. The technique and framing I created, I feel, gives each piece a unique and one of a kind quality. I can reproduce the image, but the end result is always different. I feel that sets my work apart and keeps me striving to create new work.

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

I have been photographing most of my life. College was a good source in discovering basic technique, history and pushing myself to succeed. A strong will to always push forward and discover new things, experimenting and challenging myself allowed me to grow as an artists. Each day is new and full of discoveries. Each sunrise is different, each new relationship has something to offer, and each sunset has a different end to the day. Recognizing the beauty in each moment and incorporating it into a new piece has kept me pushing forward and to try new things and achieve different outcomes.

A strong will, always looking for new ways to create and never giving up have kept me going through out the years.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I’m feeling overwhelmed I turn to music, I find I can calm and get inspired by musicians. Music has all different kinds of genres that create different emotions with me. If I’m angry or stressed I can tune into music that has a strong beat and good drum line, usually this will help get stress out and calm me down. At times when I’m sad or just feeling blah, a softer non vocal type of music will allow emotions to flow through me and out. When I’m working I always have music playing, for me that is important in my creative process.

Each individual has a personal way to journey through emotions. Yoga, or some type of meditation works for some. Others go for a drive, or a bike ride. Finding what your inner self needs to calm and clear your mind is a personal journey I feel. Finding that path for ones self is important. The world is an overwhelming place, knowing how to navigate through that is vital.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.toblynphoto.com
• Instagram: @toblynphoto
• Facebook: De Anna

Image Credits

Photography by DeAnna Valdez